Opinion
3 min read

Predators Seek Redemption in Music City Matchup with Canucks

As the Nashville Predators gear up for their next face-off against the Vancouver Canucks, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators, coming off a recent game where they fell short despite a valiant effort, are looking to claw back into winning form.


Apr 21, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros (74) reacts after Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua (81) scored an empty net goal in the third period in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena.  Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

In their last meeting on April 22nd, the Predators were edged out by the Canucks with a final score of 4-2. Despite putting up 30 hits and blocking 14 shots, Nashville's efforts weren't enough to secure victory. They managed to convert on one of their four powerplay opportunities but struggled in faceoffs, winning only 44 percent compared to Vancouver's 56 percent. This area will be crucial for Nashville if they want to control the game's pace and create scoring chances.


The Predators' goaltending was solid with a save percentage rounding up to 100 percent; however, three goals slipped past them on even strength and one more as an empty-netter sealed their fate. To come out on top in the upcoming game, NSH will need heightened vigilance from their netminder during critical moments.


Apr 21, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) watches Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) handle the puck in the third period in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena.  Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

On offense, NSH showed promise but will need more precision as they had a shooting percentage of just nine percent. Increasing shot quality and capitalizing on rebounds could be key strategies for tipping the scales in their favor.


Looking back further provides some optimism for Predator fans: On April 14th against Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena itself, NSH demonstrated what they're capable of when firing on all cylinders – securing an impressive win with six goals scored and a shooting percentage of sixteen percent. Their powerplay clicked effectively that night too; converting two out of three opportunities is something they'll hope to replicate against VAN.


Dec 19, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Casey DeSmith (29) makes a save during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming match is not just about redemption but also about establishing dominance at home where fan support can act as the seventh player on ice. The Predators have shown that when they play aggressively yet smartly – minimizing giveaways which stood high at twenty-one during their win over Columbus – they can overwhelm any opponent.


With this pivotal game scheduled for April 28th at Bridgestone Arena set to begin at 4:00 PM CST (5:00 PM EST), fans should mark their calendars for what promises to be another chapter in this thrilling rivalry. Those unable to attend can catch all the action live across several networks including TBS and SportsNet or tune into TVAS for French commentary.

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