Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Predators and Canucks. The game is starting at 10:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Canucks at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 6 goals, and the Canucks are the -1.5 goal favorites against the Predators in a Western conference matchup.
Nashville vs. Vancouver Key Information
- Teams: Predators at Canucks
- Where: Rogers Arena Vancouver
- Date: Sunday, November 17th
- Betting Odds VAN -126 | NAS +105 O/U 6
The Predators Can Win If…
The Predators improved to 5-10-3 with a 5-2 win over the Avalanche. Nashville covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 7 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.5.
After falling behind early in the second period, Nashville responded with five unanswered goals. Each of the Predators’ five goals came from different players.
Nashville’s offense registered 5 goals on 25 shots in their 5-2 win over Colorado. The Predators scored twice on the power play and added two empty-netters, with Gustav Nyquist netting his 4th goal of the season and Filip Forsberg scoring his 7th.
Each of Nashville’s five goals came from a different player, including Colton Sissons, who scored his 1st goal of the season. The Predators recorded 15 giveaways and 7 assists in the game.
Defensively, the Predators will look to build on their previous performance, where they allowed just 2 goals to Colorado. Juuse Saros recorded 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, and the defense added 4 takeaways, 23 hits, and 25 blocks. The first goal they allowed came on the power play, 2:54 into the 2nd period, and the second came with 2:17 remaining in the 3rd.
- Through their last three regular season contests, Nashville has a record of 0-3. Against the spread, they have a strong mark of 2-1 along with an over-under record of 0-3.
- Nashville has put together a record of 2-8 in their last ten games (regular season). In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 6-4 and an over-under mark of 2-8.
The Canucks Can Win If…
With a 3-2 win over the Sharks, the Canucks improved to 9-4-3 this season. Vancouver was favored on the puck line, but didn’t cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 5 goals fell short of that mark.
San Jose got on the board first, but Pius Suter’s goal at 5:19 in the second period tied it up. Suter scored again with just 26 seconds left in the third to secure the win for Vancouver.
Pius Suter led the way for Vancouver with two goals, bringing his season total to four. He scored the Canucks’ first goal at 14:41 in the second period and added the game-winner with just 26 seconds left. Jake DeBrusk netted his first goal of the season at 15:38 in the third.
The Canucks fired 27 shots on goal but were held scoreless in the first period. They managed just one goal in the second before adding two more in the third. Vancouver finished with 25 giveaways.
Defensively, the Canucks will look to improve after allowing the first goal 2:37 into the 2nd period and another late in the 3rd at 18:43. Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense added 5 takeaways and 24 hits.
- The Canucks have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. In these games, they have a 2-1 record vs the puck line and an over-under mark of 1-2.
- Over their last ten regular season games, the Canucks have gone 6-4 straight up. This includes going 5-5 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 5-4-1.
The Lean
For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Canucks to pick up on a win over the Predators at home. With the moneyline sitting at -126, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Canucks straight-up.
If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Predators to cover. Even if the Canucks manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Predators should cover the puck line.
When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.
Canucks Aim for Consistency Against Slumping Predators
The Vancouver Canucks hope to find some consistency as they host the Nashville Predators on Sunday evening, following a much-needed 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. With a middling 3-3-3 home record, the Canucks are eager to turn Rogers Arena into a fortress after an uninspiring start to the season on their own ice.
Meanwhile, the Predators are struggling to find their rhythm, enduring a three-game losing streak on their current five-game road trip. Sunday’s matchup presents a prime opportunity for both teams to course-correct early in the season.
Canucks: Aiming to Build Momentum
After Thursday’s disappointing 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders, Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet publicly apologized to fans, signaling a need for better effort. His players responded with a decisive win over Chicago, showing grit and a renewed sense of urgency.
“I felt this team has responded after bad efforts,” Tocchet said after the victory. “I haven’t seen them string a lot of bad efforts. I commend the players.”
The Canucks turned the tide on Saturday with a dominant second period, overcoming a 1-0 deficit and taking control of the game. Elias Pettersson, one of Vancouver’s most dynamic forwards, emphasized the importance of maintaining that energy:
“Now we’ve got to make it two games in a row. Make it our identity.”
Key contributors for the Canucks include:
- Elias Pettersson: The team’s leading scorer continues to drive Vancouver’s offense.
- Thatcher Demko: The goaltender’s consistent performances give the Canucks a fighting chance every game.
Predators: Searching for Identity
The Predators’ road woes continued with a 2-0 shutout loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday. While Nashville showed flashes of promise earlier in the season with a 4-1-1 stretch, their recent form—1-4-2 in their last seven games—has reignited concerns.
Head coach Andrew Brunette acknowledged his team’s struggles:
“Ice was at a premium. I thought they defended real well and we failed to really create a whole lot.”
The Predators are struggling to convert opportunities and bring energy to their play. Captain Roman Josi highlighted the team’s passive mindset:
“We’re not really going out there and attacking the game. We’re just kind of hoping, and we’ll see what happens.”
With offensive stars like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault still adjusting to the system, the Predators need to rediscover the aggressive, confident play that fueled their 16-0-2 surge last season.
Key Factors for Sunday’s Matchup
Canucks’ Home Form
Vancouver needs to assert themselves at Rogers Arena. A win against Nashville could help establish a consistent winning identity on home ice.
Predators’ Offensive Struggles
Nashville’s inability to generate high-quality scoring chances has hindered them on this road trip. Breaking through against Vancouver’s defense will be critical.
Special Teams Battle
Both teams need better execution on special teams. Vancouver’s power play could exploit the Predators’ inconsistent penalty kill.
Goaltending Duel
Thatcher Demko for Vancouver and Juuse Saros for Nashville will likely determine the outcome. Both goalies have shown flashes of brilliance but need support from their skaters.
Prediction
With momentum on their side and home-ice advantage, the Canucks appear poised to secure another win against a Predators team searching for answers. However, if Nashville can rediscover its offensive groove, this could be a tightly contested game.
Prediction: Canucks 3, Predators 2 (OT)