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The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Friday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Canucks vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Playoff series: Tied 1-1
The Predators might have deserved a better fate in Game 1. Nashville was leading 2-1 heading into the 3rd period, but allowed 2 goals in a 12-second span, eventually falling 4-2. The Predators were able to gain a split, though, picking up a 4-1 victory as an underdog (+110) in Game 2 as the Under (6) connected.
The Canucks were without starting goaltender Thatcher Demko for Game 2. He suffered an injury which is not believed to be related to the lower-body ailment that forced him out previously. However, coach Rick Tocchet said the All-Star goaltender is considered questionable for the remainder of the series. That meant Casey DeSmith was thrust back into action, and he suffered the loss in Game 2.
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Canucks at Predators odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:18 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Canucks -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Predators -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-275) | Predators -1.5 (+220)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)
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Canucks at Predators projected goalies
Casey DeSmith (12-9-6, 2.89 GAA, .896 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs. Juuse Saros (35-24-5, 2.86 GAA, .906 SV%, 3 SO – regular season)
DeSmith was thrust into action in Game 2, with Demko nursing a new LBI. The backup allowed 3 goals on just 15 shots in 58:58 to take the loss. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 10 of his past 12 starts since March 16.
Saros picked up the victory in Game 2, turning aside 17 of the 18 shots he faced. He has managed a 1-1-0 record, 2.01 GAA and .895 SV% in 2 starts in this series. It’s been a far cry from how he wrapped up the season, as Saros allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of his final 8 regular-season starts since March 26.
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Canucks at Predators picks and predictions
Prediction
Predators 4, Canucks 3
Moneyline
The PREDATORS (-115) are worth a look in this pivotal Game 3 in the Music City. It’s uncertain if or when Demko will be back for the Canucks (-105) in this series, or in the postseason. Nashville needs to get while the gettin’ is good.
DeSmith isn’t a terrible backstop by any means, but he isn’t an All-Star, either. Saros has snapped back to his previous outstanding form after a rough finish to the regular season.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Canucks +1.5 (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return if you require insurance, and you cannot play Vancouver straight up. That’s not a recommended long-term betting strategy.
AVOID.
Over/Under
OVER 5.5 (-125) is worth a look. With DeSmith in between the pipes, Nashville should be able to generate a little more offense, similar to Game 2 when it lit the lamp 4 times.
The Predators have cashed the Over in 6 of the past 10 starts by Saros, and Nashville has cashed high in 3 straight at Bridgestone Arena, while the Over is 5-2 in the past 7 games on home ice.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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