Canucks Aim to Pick Up Steam While Predators Seek Breakthrough

The Vancouver Canucks are finally back in rhythm, and they’ll look to extend their momentum as they visit the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. Both teams have plenty at stake, with the Canucks fighting to climb the Western Conference standings and the Predators seeking consistency to stay in the playoff hunt.

Canucks Finding Their Groove

Vancouver is riding its first winning streak in nearly two months after securing a 2-1 home victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday, followed by a convincing 5-2 road win against the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

Before this recent turnaround, the Canucks struggled with a 7-10-7 stretch that saw them drop below the Western Conference playoff line. Monday’s win, however, could be a turning point.

“This was a big game for a lot of reasons,” forward J.T. Miller said. “We’re trying to string together good performances. This road trip is a chance for us to separate ourselves from some teams and gain some ground.”

Defenseman Quinn Hughes has been a catalyst for Vancouver’s resurgence, tallying nine points (five goals, four assists) during a six-game point streak. He leads the Canucks with 42 assists and 56 overall points.

Goaltending has been another factor in Vancouver’s recent success. Kevin Lankinen has been stellar, stopping 56 of 59 shots over the past two victories. With a tough matchup against the Dallas Stars looming on Friday, the Canucks must decide whether to stick with Lankinen or start Thatcher Demko against Nashville.

Demko, still working his way back from injury, has struggled to find consistency, posting a .867 save percentage in his first 12 games this season.

Predators Looking to Bounce Back

Nashville had clawed its way back into the playoff conversation with a five-game winning streak but saw that momentum halted in a 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. Head coach Andrew Brunette believes the team lacked a sense of urgency.

“We did enough to win that game, but we also did enough to lose it,” Brunette said. “This break gives us a chance to reset and remind ourselves that 50-50 hockey won’t get us where we want to be.”

Special teams have been a mixed bag for the Predators lately. Over the past nine games, their penalty kill has struggled, going just 16-for-23, but their power play has been a major weapon, converting 11 of 31 opportunities.

Filip Forsberg continues to be Nashville’s offensive leader, notching 19 points (nine goals, ten assists) over his last ten games. He recorded two assists against Anaheim but saw his goal streak end at seven games, just short of breaking his own franchise record.

Forsberg leads the team with 18 goals and 31 assists this season, making him the biggest threat for Vancouver’s defense to contain.

Goaltending Decisions Loom Large

Juuse Saros is expected to start in net for Nashville, but his recent struggles have led to increased playing time for backup Justus Annunen. Saros is 3-5-0 with a .869 save percentage in his last nine appearances, a dip from his usual elite level.

For Vancouver, the decision between Lankinen and Demko will be critical. Lankinen has been in top form, while Demko is still working his way back to full strength.

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Predators Seeking Season Sweep

Nashville has already defeated Vancouver twice this season and will aim for a season sweep. The Predators secured a 5-3 win on Nov. 17 before shutting out the Canucks 3-0 on Jan. 3.

With both teams hungry for points, Wednesday’s game presents an opportunity for the Canucks to build on their momentum—or for the Predators to prove they still belong in the playoff race.