Vancouver-canucks vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Vancouver-Canucks vs Nashville Predators January 3rd 2025

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! In this Western matchup, the Predators are favored by -1.5 goals against the Canucks. The over/under for the game is 6 goals.

Who’s Your Pick Tonight? Check out NHL hockey picks for tonight and see if you’re aligned with our experts.

Nashville vs. Vancouver Key Information

Nashville improved to 11-20-7 with a 5-2 win over the Avalanche. The Predators covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 7 goals went over the pre-game line of 6.5.

Five different players scored for the Predators, who trailed 1-0 early in the second period. Nashville tied it up at 11:29 in the second and took the lead with 1:20 left in the period.

Nashville’s offense took 25 shots on goal and scored twice on power plays in their 5-2 win over Colorado. Gustav Nyquist netted his fourth goal of the season on an empty net, while Filip Forsberg added his seventh, also on an empty net.

Roman Josi scored his first goal of the season, and Steven Stamkos picked up his second. The Predators had 15 giveaways and saw five different players find the net.

Nashville’s defense allowed the first goal 2:54 into the second period and another late in the third, but they held on for a 5-2 win. Juuse Saros made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, while the Predators’ defense had 4 takeaways and 23 hits.

Vancouver improved to 18-11-8 with a 3-2 win over the Sharks. The Canucks were favored on the puck line, but didn’t cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the game’s 5 goals fell short of that mark.

The Sharks took the lead early in the second period, but Pius Suter tied it up at 5:19 in the same period. Jake DeBrusk gave the Canucks the lead with a goal at 4:22 in the third period, but the Sharks responded with a goal at 18:43. Suter scored again, this time with only 26 seconds left, to secure the win for Vancouver.

Pius Suter led the way for the Canucks, finding the net twice in their 3-2 win over the Sharks. Suter’s goals came at the 5:19 mark of the second period and with just 26 seconds left in the game, bringing his season total to 4. Jake DeBrusk added his first goal of the season, scoring at 4:22 in the third period.

The Canucks took 27 shots on goal but gave away the puck 25 times. They were held scoreless in the opening period before Suter got them on the board in the second.

Defensively, the Canucks will look to improve after giving up the first goal 2:37 into the second period and another late in the third at 18:43. Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense contributed 5 takeaways and 24 hits.

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Canucks to take down the Predators at home. With the moneyline currently at +107, I’m placing my bet on the Canucks straight-up.

If you’re looking to get a bet down on this matchup, we foresee the Canucks winning the underdog. However, if you’re not as confident in the Canucks straight-up, we’d still recommend placing a bet on them to cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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Short-Handed Canucks Face Slumping Predators

The Vancouver Canucks are bracing for a tough challenge when they host the Nashville Predators on Friday night. Already dealing with injuries to several key players, including goaltender Thatcher Demko, the Canucks will look to build on their recent shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken.

Canucks’ Goalie Dilemma

Thatcher Demko, who recently returned after missing 26 games due to a lower-body injury, left Thursday’s game with back spasms. Though head coach Rick Tocchet doesn’t believe the injury is serious, Kevin Lankinen is expected to start in goal against his former team. Lankinen was solid in relief against Seattle, stopping 13 of 15 shots and blanking the Kraken in the shootout.

“That’s why you prepare all year, prepare all summer,” Lankinen said. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

Injury Woes for Vancouver

The Canucks also are without top scorer Quinn Hughes, forward Elias Pettersson, and defenseman Filip Hronek due to injuries. Despite the setbacks, the team is determined to avoid excuses.

“We have a mature group here,” forward Conor Garland said. “There are no excuses.”

Predators’ Struggles Continue

The Predators are mired in a three-game losing streak, all on the road, with the latest setback a 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild. Nashville’s issues have been compounded by a parade of penalties, including three power-play goals allowed to Minnesota.

“We wasted another good effort with just parading to the penalty box,” forward Colton Sissons said. “Our 5-on-5 game has been solid, but we’re just killing ourselves.”

The Predators’ road record (3-13-4) ranks among the worst in the league, and they currently sit second-to-last in the NHL standings, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Roster Adjustments for Nashville

With forward Zachary L’Heureux serving a three-game suspension for slew-footing, Nashville has called up forward Ozzy Wiesblatt and defenseman Spencer Stastney from the minors. Wiesblatt, acquired via trade from the San Jose Sharks, is poised to make his NHL debut.

“I just broke down, crying like a baby,” Wiesblatt said of receiving the call. “It’s a dream come true.”

What’s at Stake

The Canucks (2-2-3 in their last seven games) are looking to gain momentum despite their depleted roster, while the Predators are desperate to snap their skid and improve their dismal road performance. Both teams face significant challenges, but the game presents an opportunity for either to turn their fortunes around.