After tying the series in Vancouver in Game 2, the Predators returned to a raucous crowd in Bridgestone Arena (featuring six–count ’em, six–catfish on the ice), but were unable to generate much of anything on offense outside of Luke Evangelista’s first career playoff goal. Once again trailing in the series, this time 2-1, the Predators are faced with the task of finding their offense again. This time, however, they must do it without defender Spencer Statsney.
Vancouver Canucks
It looks like the Canucks will continue with the same lineup they put on the ice in Game 3. Casey DeSmith, in for Thatcher Demko, wasn’t challenged too often in Game 3 after giving up multiple goals in the Preds’ Game 2 win, and looks to force the series into a do-or-die situation for Nashville with a win today. Vancouver’s Carson Soucy commented that the Canucks might have been playing a little tentatively in Game 3 as the team adjusted to playing on the road, so Vancouver will likely look to play more aggressively than they did on Friday.
Player to Watch – F Dakota Joshua
Spencer Statsney was injured in Game 3 after a bizarre semi-call on Joshua for boarding, where the refs ultimately reduced the penalty to two minutes. The Predators were forced to continue the game with just five defenders. The series to this point has been extremely physical, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joshua as the target for heavy hits from players like Michael McCarron.
Nashville Predators
If change wasn’t in the plans for the home team, it is now. As mentioned, head coach Andrew Brunette is faced with the task of replacing Spencer Statsney with defenders Dante Fabbro or Tyson Barrie. I’m not going to lie, I’m still not sure why Fabbro has been scratched so much, but I wouldn’t be surprised for that to be the case once again. Barrie–despite everything–does have a reputation for being a weapon on the power play, and after the Predators couldn’t convert on special teams in Game 3, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him draw into the lineup.
For the forwards, a lot of the talk looks to focus on recently-extended Tommy Novak, who comes into Game 4 with no points and just three shots on goal. With forwards Cody Glass and Juuso Pärssinen waiting in the wings, there’s a chance that both could slot into the lineup. Both have had less than stellar seasons (as opposed to Novak), but some fresh blood in the lineup could spark some offense.
The top line was essentially a no-show in Game 3 as well, so expect the line of Nyquist, Forsberg and O’Reilly will be looking to strike and make this game a three-game series.
Player to Watch – D Roman Josi
It’s time for the captain to step up. After an incredible season that put him square in the Norris discussion once again, the Swiss defender has been essentially a no-show this series. If Nashville wants to move on to the second round, they’ll need to talents of their leader to spark some offense.
How to Watch
The Predators drop the puck at Bridgestone Arena at 4 PM Central, and you can watch the game on Bally Sports, TBS, TruTV and Max. As always, the radio call can be found on 102.5 The Game.