Predators vs. Canucks Playoff Series Predictions, Odds

It’s time for the Vancouver Canucks, who collide with the Nashville Predators in the first round of the playoffs, to prove to the hockey world why they have been among the Stanley Cup odds favourites for most of the season. 

At +1500, The Vancouver Canucks Stanley Cup odds have remained stable for about two months. They are the -149 favourites to advance, while the Predators are the +125 underdogs. 

Predators vs. Canucks Playoff Series Preview, Predictions, Odds

As the Pacific Division winners and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Canucks are the undisputed favourites. The Predators hold the seventh seed and qualified as the first wild-card team. 

However, the disparity between the two teams isn’t as significant as the seedings suggest. The Predators have been proficient hunters since mid-February, dispatching most opponents they’ve come across. 

From Feb. 17 to March 26, the Predators won 18 of 20 contests. They have the NHL’s best record since Feb. 17 despite losing six of their last 10 games. While the last three weeks haven’t transpired how Nashville would have liked, the Predators enter the playoffs with markedly more momentum than the Pacific Division champions. 

Ensnared in a constant state of mediocrity since Feb. 17, the Canucks hope the return of goalie Thatcher Demko provides the galvanizing effect necessary to return to their high-flying best. 

Where Vancouver Has the Advantage

The Canucks have the advantage in most analytical categories, including the following: scoring first win percentage, goals for per game, goals against per game, home points percentage, away points percentage, power play, and penalty kill efficiency. 

Thatcher Demko makes a couple incredible saves on the PK #Canucks | #GoJetsGo
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/q1CrAHOliy

— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) April 19, 2024

They also have the advantage between the pipes if Demko returns to his best after an almost six-week injury layoff. Everyone is dying to find out whether he’ll quickly and seamlessly return to his pre-injury best. 

According to the hockey odds for the Vezina Trophy, Demko was the second favourite before injuring his knee on March 9. In early February, he was hot on Connor Hellebuyck’s heels before a mediocre run of form dropped him off the pace. 

If residual rust prevents Demko from playing his best, the Canucks may find themselves in a spot of bother, especially considering the elite pedigree of Nashville’s netminder. 

Juuse Saros, the 2021-22 Vezina finalist, endured a somewhat lacklustre season compared to his exceedingly high standards. However, the 28-year-old veteran is more than capable of stealing a series. Forced to miss the first round of the 2022-23 playoffs due to injury, Saros will be highly motivated to put on a show. 

Where Nashville Has the Advantage 

As previously mentioned, the Predators enter the playoffs as the NHL’s best team since mid-February. Considering the Canucks’ recent struggles, that has to count for something. 

The Predators have also played meaningful hockey for most of the season, with their playoff lives hanging in the balance until early March. 

The Predators’ streak of 18 wins in 20 games proved they thrive with something on the line, further reinforced by their winning percentage in one-goal games. They were the third-best team in such contests, winning 62%. 

Nashville also has heaps more playoff experience, typified by Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly, Gustav Nyquist, and Ryan McDonagh’s combined 491 postseason contests. 

Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks Series Prediction 

Much depends on how Demko reacts to being tossed into the limelight after six weeks off. 

Aside from that tidbit, the Predators’ wealth of playoff experience, coupled with the momentum they’ve gathered since mid-February, should be enough to upend the favoured Canucks. 

Best Bet: Nashville Predators to win the series (+125)