Nashville Predators host the Vancouver Canucks in hope of levelling the series – NHL Play-offs
The Nashville Predators will play host to the Vancouver Canucks at the Bridgestone Arena on Thursday in what will be the fourth game between the two teams.
The Canucks lead the series 2-1 at the moment but from the looks of it, the Predators have got what it takes to level the series.
The last game between the two teams was the second consecutive time that they went into over-time to decide the result. The game proved to be the highest scoring encounter between the two teams during the series so far with a total of five goals scored during
the game. The game was pretty much even but over-time saw the Canucks taking away the game with Ryan Kesler scoring the winning goal.
This game holds a lot of importance for the Predators as they need to win as the next game will be played at the Rogers Arena, home of the Canucks. Going there with a 3-1 deficit would be like giving the Canucks a chance to make their way into the Finals.
However, if the Predators win then they would level the series 2-2 and would still have a chance of making further progress in the post-season.
The Canucks had a very bad show on offence in Game 2 where they were unable to pile up shots on goal and test the Predators goal-keeper, Pekka Rinne. However, in the last game they came up with a more aggressive performance that saw them making 47 shots
on goal during the regulation time.
Ryan Kesler was able to write his name on the score sheet after nine games despite the fact that he had a regular season high, 41 goals this time out.
"It was great," Kesler said. "It was good to get our play going again. It's not been struggling, but we haven't been scoring. It's good to get a couple and get the confidence back."
The Predators were struck badly due to the poor start once again. The long and prevailing problem is giving them a lot of trouble and in game three it was the Canucks who made 10 of the first 11 shots on goal. However, it was their good luck that the Canucks
were unable to capitalise from the brilliant start they got.
Goal-keeper of the Canucks, Roberto Luongo did an excellent job as he was superb during the night. He made 28 saves out of the 30 shots fired towards his goal.
"They were beating to us more pucks," Coach of the Predators Barry Trotz said. "We weren't getting it deep and we didn't have any support, not being real strong in the neutral zone. Our decisions at the blue line were suspect.… We were trying to get too
cute."
The game will be very entertaining as the Canucks will be looking to seal the series as soon as possible while the Predators will be hoping to win and as they look to level the series.
Tags: