The Vancouver Canucks missed a golden opportunity to move on to the second round but were on the wrong end of a 2-1 loss at home in Game 5. Now the Nashville Predators have the series momentum and come home to what will be a wild crowd tonight.
With the Canucks likely going back to Artus Silovs in net, that means this club is going to have to protect its own end once again. I break down what that means for the NHL odds and offer my free NHL picks and Canucks vs. Predators predictions for Friday, May 3.
Canucks vs Predators prediction
My best bet
Under 5.5 (-120 at Sports Interaction)
My analysis
The Nashville Predators staved off elimination on Tuesday in a 2-1 victory in Vancouver. That game featured 44 combined shots and just one 5-on-5 goal for each club. As this series gets longer, the scoring chances will be fewer and far between, and that’s why I’m backing the Under 5.5 tonight.
There is a case that this series should be 5-0 to the Under. Game 1 finished 4-2 with an empty-net goal and Game 4 was 3-1 with three minutes left before the miraculous Vancouver Canucks comeback. If Nashville keeps that game at 3-1, that would make four straight games where one team finished with just a single goal. Just like last night in Toronto, there is value on both teams not to score two goals, which is priced at +125 tonight.
Vancouver is going with goalie No. 3 in net again tonight in Artus Silovs, and that means the team needs to take resources away from the offense to protect its own net. Of all 16 playoff teams, Vancouver is generating the fewest shots on goal at 5-on-5 by a substantial amount. Over the five games, both offenses rank in the Bottom 5 in expected goals/60 at even strength.
I’m not expecting two-way scoring tonight and because it’s Silovs, that might sound like more potential scoring for Nashville. But he has stopped 47 of 52 shots over the last two games and the defense is stepping up in front of him. Vancouver has amassed just 32 total shots in two games on the road in the series and no home team has scored a power-play goal. One team might score tonight, but I doubt both do.
Canucks vs Predators same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Nashville moneyline
Nashville to score first
It's always tough to build an SGP in a game that projects to be a low-scoring affair, which is the case in Nashville tonight. The Under is an easy add to this and Nashville played great at home for 57 minutes in Game 4. The momentum is back in their favor and they have a massive edge in net with Juuse Saros. The first team to score prop correlates with both plays and is just a boost to the odds by 75 points.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Canucks vs Predators odds
Canucks vs Predators live odds
Canucks vs Predators opening odds
- Puck line: Vancouver +1.5 (-250) | Nashville -1.5 (+190)
- Moneyline: Vancouver +110 | Nashville -130
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-105) | Under 5.5 (-115)
Canucks vs Predators moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- Nashville opened at -130 but has moved to -125. The Predators closed as a -140 favorite in Game 4 at home and led 3-1 with the three minutes left before collapsing in a 4-3 defeat.
- Looking at expected goals at 5-on-5 in this series, the 3.92 combined expected goals between the two clubs per game is the lowest of all eight matchups.
- Silovs has posted a 2.57 GAA and a .904 SV% across his two starts in the series. Saros has a 2.21 GAA with a .879 SV% over five starts. The GAA and SV% show just how few shots the Canucks are getting on net.
- The Predators might get defenseman Luke Schenn back tonight after he missed Game 5 with an illness. He's averaging 15 minutes of time on ice and his potential addition to the lineup is a bonus for the Under and Vancouver team total Under.
Sports Interaction: Canada’s home for NHL
Looking to bet on some NHL action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, with same-game parlays, increased prop markets, and more!
Canucks vs Predators trend
The Predators have only hit the Game Total Over in 30 of their last 68 games (-7.70 Units / -10% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Predators.
Canucks vs Predators game info
| Location: | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| Date: | Friday, 5-3-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, TNT |
Canucks vs Predators latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
