Two of the NHL’s greatest overachievers within the 2023-24 season, the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators, will meet within the first spherical of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The highest two Norris Trophy candidates, Quinn Hughes and Roman Josi, ought to placed on a present on this matchup.
The Canucks entered the 12 months as playoff hopefuls, however nobody anticipated them surging to a Pacific Division title. Hughes has taken his recreation to the subsequent degree, and he’s the favourite to win the Norris Trophy this summer season. Up entrance, the Canucks have loads of firepower with Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser main the way in which. To prime all of it off, Thatcher Demko has been a brick wall in purpose. Head coach Rick Tocchet has helped this Vancouver group lastly notice its potential, and it is poised for a deep playoff run.
After lacking the playoffs final season, the Predators made vital modifications within the offseason, together with bringing in Andrew Brunette as the brand new head coach. In his first season behind the bench, Brunette has rejuvenated the Nashville offense. Filip Forsberg set a franchise document with 48 targets, free-agent signings Ryan O’Reilly and Gus Nyquist had large seasons, and Josi was a point-per-game participant as soon as once more. The Preds could not have the identical high-end talent that the Canucks do, however they do have stable depth and an elite goaltender in Juuse Saros. They’ve what it takes to make issues very fascinating.
The Canucks and Predators will get issues began on Sunday. The complete first-round schedule will be discovered under.
Full Canucks vs. Predators schedule
Recreation 1: | Canucks 4, Predators 2 | Recap
Recreation 2: | Predators 4, Canucks 1 | Recap
Recreation 3: Friday, April 26 | 7:30 p.m. | at NSH | TBS
Recreation 4: Sunday, April 28 | 5 p.m. | at NSH | TV: TBS
*Recreation 5: Tuesday, April 30 | TBD | at VAN | TBD
*Recreation 6: Friday, Could 3 | TBD | at NSH | TBD
*Recreation 7: Sunday, Could 5 | TBD | at VAN | TBD
*if obligatory
