Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators, Game 4 Best Bets: Will Predators Even Series?

The Vancouver Canucks now have a 2-1 series lead over the Nashville Predators, and we have a Game 4 matchup tonight in Music City. The story of this series has been the injury of Thatcher Demko, and the emergence of Casey DeSmith.

Demko was a brick wall in Game 1, but went down with an injury prompting DeSmith to start Game 2. He did not look too great, and the Predators were able to walk away with a win to even the series before heading the Nashville. But in Game 3, DeSmith played his heart out.

He saw 30 total shots, stopping 29 of them and posting a .967 SV%, leading the Canucks to a hard fought 2-1 victory, to give them a series lead. Tonight, before heading back to Vancouver, the Predators look to even the series once again, and out some pressure on the Canucks.

Will they do that tonight? Or will DeSmith stand on his head and bring a 3-1 lead back to Vancouver?

Predators Look to Even Series, Once Again

Matchup Information – Canucks vs Predators

• Venue & Location: Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, TN)
• Date: Sunday, April 28th, 2024
• Puck Drop: 5:00pm Eastern
• Where to Watch: TBS

Betting Odds, courtesy of BetOnline

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Puck Line

• Canucks +1.5 (-240)
• Predators -1.5 (+200)

Money Line

• Canucks +114
• Predators -128

Total

• Over 5.5 (-111)
• Under 5.5 (-105)

How Far Can DeSmith Carry Canucks?

Demko went down, and DeSmith stepped up. He allowed 3 goals on just 15 shots in Game 2, but stopped 29/30 in Game 3. The Canucks let up 30 SOGs, but still managed to block 28 throughout the contest.

The defensemen were not afraid to sacrifice their bodies and get in the way of the puck. I expect them to do the same tonight. Vancouver has been able to score 20 goals in 6 games against Nashville, averaging 3.33 GF/G. The defense has been rock solid as well, as they have only allowed 13 goals in that stretch, allowing 2.17 this year to the Preds.

Vancouver won Game 3 by a score of 2-1, and they only had 12 shots on net. Nashville was able to block 11 shots, however the Canucks did not put up much of an offensive threat. Once again, I think we see defense come to play, two good goalies stand on their heads to make some saves, and players putting their bodies on the line to help their team win.

Tonight, I will be betting on the under once again.

Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators Best Bets Today

VAN/NSH Under 5.5 (-105) BetOnline

Now we aren’t getting this for plus money like we did in Game 3, but I still am willing to pay this minimal juice.

Let me just spell out how little these goalies have worked this series.

• Game 1: 45 SOGs, 25 Blocked Shots
• Game 2: 34 SOGs, 38 Blocked Shots
• Game 3: 42 SOGs, 39 Blocked Shots

Taking both teams averages for the regular season, these teams should be combining for roughly 60 SOGs per game. They should also only be blocking roughly 29 shots per contest.

What’s my point? Defense is stepping up, and it’s been difficult for the offense to keep up with what they normally produce. Both teams are extremely focused on limiting the other’s scoring opportunities, and this should certainly come into play tonight in Bridgestone Arena.

Give me a boring, low scoring hockey game today.

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