Predators vs Canucks Game 2 Prediction, Odds & Starting Goalies

• The Vancouver Canucks are home favorites over the Nashville Predators in Game 2
• Vancouver star goalie Thatcher Demko is dealing with an injury and won’t be available
• Read below for Predators vs Canucks Game 2 prediction, odds and starting goalies

The Vancouver Canucks will host the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday night at Rogers Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on SN, TVAS2, ESPN2, and BSSO.

The Canucks lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 after a 4-2 victory in Game 1. Oddsmakers have Vancouver as -130 moneyline favorites, with the over/under set at 6 goals. Thatcher Demko won’t play for Vancouver due to injury.

Let’s get into our Canucks vs Predators Game 2 prediction, as we analyze the odds and break down the new goalie matchup.

Predators vs Canucks Game 2 Odds

Vancouver is a -130 moneyline favorite over Nashville in Game 2, giving them an implied win probability of 56.5%. The Preds come back as +110 underdogs, giving them 43.5% implied win probability.

The Canucks are currently the fourth betting choice in the Stanley Cup odds at +900, while the Preds have the third-worst odds at +5500.

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Canucks Game 2 Betting Outlook

Vancouver rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the third period to take Game 1 by a 4-2 final score. Depth scoring was key, as third-liner Dakota Joshua scored two goals, including the game-winner, and added an assist. Elias Lindholm and Pius Suter also found the back of the net for the Canucks.

However, Vancouver’s top offensive stars were relatively quiet. Elias Pettersson was held off the scoresheet, while J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser were each limited to one secondary assist. The Canucks will be looking for more production from their big guns as the series progresses.

On the injury front, starting goaltender Thatcher Demko will miss Game 2 with an undisclosed injury and is considered day-to-day. This is a significant blow for Vancouver, as Demko was excellent in Game 1, stopping 20 of 22 shots.

The Canucks will turn to backup Casey DeSmith, who went 12-9-6 with a 2.80 GAA and .896 save percentage in 29 appearances this season.

To take a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Canucks will need their stars to step up offensively while getting another strong performance from their supporting cast. Defensively, they must tighten up in front of the unproven DeSmith and limit Nashville’s scoring chances. Staying out of the penalty box will also be vital after allowing a power-play goal in Game 1.

Predators Game 2 Betting Outlook

Nashville held 1-0 and 2-1 leads in Game 1 but couldn’t close the deal, surrendering two goals in 12 seconds early in the third period. Ryan O’Reilly scored on the power play, while Jason Zucker added an even-strength tally.

The Predators’ top line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist combined for just three shots on goal at even strength. They’ll need much more from that trio, especially Forsberg, who led the team with 48 goals and 94 points in the regular season but finished Game 1 with a team-worst -0.82 expected goals differential at 5-on-5.

Filip Forsberg owns @PredsNHL franchise records for career goals, career playoff goals and goals in a single season.

Nashville's high-scoring superstar now looks to add to his legacy with more playoff magic.#Preds pic.twitter.com/gb4i3cEg7G

— Bally Sports: Preds (@PredsOnBally) April 22, 2024

Juuse Saros wasn’t at his best in the net, allowing three goals on 21 shots for an .857 save percentage. The Vezina candidate had an up-and-down regular season, going 35-24-5 with a 2.86 GAA and a .906 save percentage. He has now allowed at least three goals in four straight games. The Predators will only go as far as Saros can take them in these playoffs.

To even the series in Game 2, Nashville needs Saros to outduel the Canucks’ backup DeSmith. Offensively, they have to get Forsberg and the top line going while hoping to draw more power play opportunities after converting on 1 of 4 chances in the opener. Defensively, the Predators must find an answer for the Canucks’ high-powered offense that can score in bunches.

Predators vs Canucks Game 2 Prediction

With Demko out, the goaltending matchup now favors the Predators. However, the Canucks still have more high-end offensive talent and are playing with confidence after their Game 1 victory.

Here are some betting trends to keep in mind for Nashville vs Vancouver Game 2:

• The Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between these teams in Vancouver
• The Predators are 0-12 all-time when losing Game 1 of a best-of-seven series
• Vancouver is 5-0 in its last five games vs. Nashville overall
• The Canucks have hit the Over in 5 of their last seven games
• Nashville is 2-5 in its last seven road games

Expect a higher-scoring affair than the series opener, with Vancouver’s stars finding the scoresheet and the Predators’ top line having a bounce-back performance. Our best is for the two teams to combine for more than six goals, cashing the “over”.

NSH vs VAN Game 2 Pick:

• Over 6 Goals (+105)