Vancouver Canucks - Nashville Predators predictions and free betting tips [01/05/2024]

The Nashville Predators and the Vancouver Canucks are set to face off in game five of the first round series of the Western Conference playoffs tomorrow morning.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks are on the brink of advancing to the next round of the playoffs, leading the series with a 3-1 score. Following a triumphant overtime victory in the last game, the team heads home with full confidence and motivation to wrap up the series on their own ice. In Game 4, which ended with a score of 5:4 in favour of the Canucks, Brock Boeser netted a hat-trick, while Elias Lindholm notched the winning goal in overtime. The Canucks rank 10th in the league in goals per game in the playoffs at 2.75, and their defence ranks 5th, allowing an average of 2.50 goals per game. The team also demonstrates strong performance in special teams, ranking 11th in power-play efficiency with 18.2% and 2nd in penalty-killing efficiency with 93.3%.

In their most recent match, Vancouver showcased incredible resilience, bouncing back from 1:3 to win in overtime. The performance of Latvian goaltender Arturs Silovs was particularly impressive as he made 27 saves. He stepped in for the injured starting goalie Thatcher Demko, with Casey DeSmith also out due to injury. Key players JT Miller and Brock Boeser have had significant impacts on the game. Miller has scored 1 goal and 5 assists in the series, while Boeser has added 4 goals, including a hat-trick in the last match. However, the team is struggling to capitalize on their opportunities despite not taking many shots on goal.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs, trailing 1-3 in the series. Following a stunning 3:4 overtime loss in the last game, where they let a victory slip away leading 3:1 with just three minutes left in the game, they are unlikely to forget such a debacle quickly. In Game 4, Nashville squandered an opportunity to consolidate success, letting two goals in the final 2:49 of the game and losing in overtime, despite leading 3:1. After a victorious start to the series with a win in Game 1, Nashville has suffered three consecutive losses, each time surrendering a lead in the third period. Despite strong moments in the game, the team lacked steadiness to maintain an advantage and close out the game with a win.

In the upcoming match, Nashville needs to focus on bolstering its defence and increasing its attack potency to turn around the series and avoid elimination. This will be a major test for a team that has outplayed its opponent in almost every game but has failed to effectively close out matches in their favour. The team ranks 11th in the league in goals per game in the playoffs, averaging 2.50, and 7th in goals allowed with an average of 2.75 per game. The team's power-play efficiency is 6.7%, while their penalty kill efficiency is 81.8%.

Match Prediction – Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators

This is the most unfair series, in terms of score up to now. Nashville deserved at least 2 wins, they are not looking worse than lucky Vancouver without 2 main goalkeepers. If the backup goalie DeSmith does not play, Nashville will have more chances and I am backing them for a victory.