The upcoming clash in the first round of NHL playoffs, scheduled for Friday, April 26 at 7:30 PM ET, features a pivotal Game 3 in the Western Conference showdown with the Vancouver Canucks (1-1) and Nashville Predators (1-1). ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook offers the Predators as slight favorites with a moneyline at -117.

When: April 26, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET

Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee

Watch: TBS

Vancouver Canucks Preview

The Canucks have posted a 3-2 record in their most recent five games and are now gearing up to take on the Predators at home after letting them gain momentum in Game 2. Their latest clash ended in a 4-1 loss, with only 18 shots taken to earn that one goal. Nikita Zadorov was the only player to score here.

Away from home, the Canucks have been decent this season, boasting a 23-14-4 record. They will need to regroup quickly to avoid squandering their home-ice advantage in this series. Their leading scorer Brock Boeser is listed as day to day, which will likely impact this game.

Offensively, the Canucks have outperformed the Predators this season, averaging 3.40 goals on 28.4 shots per game. One area offensively they slightly lag in is their power play efficiency, at 22.6 percent, with 58 goals scored and 53 allowed during the regular season. In the playoffs, they are averaging 2.50 goals per game and need to step it up.

Defensively, the Canucks have allowed an average of 2.70 goals and 28.6 shots per game, which is more favorable compared to the Predators. During the regular season, they consistently held the Predators to 2.00 goals per game but faltered in Game 2. They have to establish a presence defensively early if they want a shot at success.

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators have claimed victory in three out of their last five encounters, notably achieving a 4-1 win with only 16 shots taken. This ended their two-game losing streak, including a defeat in their final regular-season match. Despite the loss in Game 1, they had no issues in bouncing back.

Their home performance during the regular season was commendable, boasting a record of 23 wins, 16 losses, and 2 overtime losses, which is similar to the Canucks’ road record. On paper, both teams appear evenly matched, although the Predators may have a slight edge in certain areas given their momentum.

With an average of 3.24 goals and 32.2 shots per game, the Predators’ scoring statistics rival those of the Canucks, while their power play percentage of 21.6 suggests they are not far behind. In fact, power plays might be one key to success.

Defensively, limiting the Canucks to under three goals for the first time this season indicates progress for the revitalized Predators on both offense and defense. If this trend continues, they have a great chance to win.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook offers exciting betting opportunities for Game 3 of this series. Currently, the Nashville Predators are slightly favored as they are back home.

Vancouver Canucks: -104

Puck Line: +1.5 (-260)

Nashville Predators: -117

Puck Line: -1.5 (+206)

Total Goals: Over 6.0 (-105), Under 6.0 (-116)

Photo Credit: © Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports