Vancouver Canucks Outlook and Predictions Week #25: Effort

@ Nashville Predators (33-21-12) Thursday, March 24th

Leading scorer: Filip Forsberg (29 goals, 53 points)

Keys to the game:

1. Nevermind Shea Weber, worry about Roman Josi!
2. Be weary of the well-rested
3. Follow with the opponent’s momentum

As good as the Nashville Predators are, there has got to be a way to beat these guys. Well, Virtanen can take one guy out.

So don’t worry much about Forsberg. Don’t worry too much about Ryan Johansen, nor about Shea Weber. Vancouver may be overrating them. Underrated is Roman Josi, who is the team leader in assists and the leading scorer on the blueline.

The Canucks are going to have to look for counter-attack opportunities. These Preds are going to be well-rested after their game on Monday. The Canucks cannot go toe-to-toe with these guys playing the 200-foot game. These Preds are too quick. Play a turtle-shell game and look for chances. Of course, hope Miller/Markstrom is as sharp as they can be.

That being said, the Predators are coming off of games against top teams in the NHL. They lost already to the Washington Capitals and they play the L.A. Kings, a matchup I see the Kings dominating. Why not continue this losing trend for the Predators? The Canucks could maybe form some kind of a locker room depressing in Nashville, eh?

The Canucks can do that if they strike quickly. So how’s this: score five minutes into the first and then protect a one-goal lead for 55 minutes? That might get taxing for a back-to-back, however. The St. Louis Blues are up in just 24 hours!

Predictions

For a Vancouver Win: Dave and Jannik

After a feisty effort in Winnipeg resulting in a loss, the Canucks are going to grit their teeth and fight on for a win. If they don’t, the table is set for next season to become a losing locker room and another high draft pick.

For a Nashville Win: Sarah, Jeff, and Steve

Next: AWAY @ St. Louis