Crucial Game 3 for the Vancouver Canucks, and their fans
Posted April 26, 2024 6:42 am.
There’s still some concern that hangs over Canuck nation, as the team gears up for two pivotal games in Nashville against the Predators.
After blowing Game 2 at home in front of a wild crowd, Vancouver has to bounce back in Game 3.
Sportsnet 650 Host Bik Nizzar says the Canucks have to leave Music City with at least one win.
“When you lose a game on home ice, that’s when you start to worry,” explained Nizzar. “The Predators got their split, now it’s the Canucks’ job to go into Nashville and get at least a split over these next two games — and there’s certainly an opportunity for them to get two.”
Nizzar says things need to change for the team to correct the course.
“The top six and, more importantly, the powerplay has not gotten going. They are one of two teams so far through these playoffs that are zero per cent on the powerplay … that has to correct itself and obviously that includes Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser. None of them have converted on any powerplay opportunities,” he said.
Despite the worry that number-one netminder Thatcher Demko is likely a coin toss for the second round, should the Canucks make it that far, Nizzar says goaltending is not the Canucks’ biggest problem right now.
“You look at the volume of shots that they’ve controlled — it’s 18 shots on goal [in Game 2].”
Outside of Demko, Pettersson has been under the microscope. He hasn’t played very well since late January and many fans are wondering what’s going on.
“It’s not believed to be anything injury-related for Elias Pettersson. I think this is a mental thing. You can see how much pressure he puts on himself, and it doesn’t manifest itself in the physical performance that he’s put through two games. The good thing is there’s a track record of Elias Pettersson having a lot of pivotal moments in high-profile situations going back to his time in Sweden … In the bubble playoffs, he stepped up.”
Nizzar doesn’t think the Canucks are underestimating their opponents.
“The Canucks have carried the play through two games. They’ve controlled play and the Predators have found it difficult to sustain long lengths of play in the Canucks’ end. By and large, the Canucks had 60 per cent possession of the puck in Game 2 and the puck was in the Predators’ end for nearly half the game. The Canucks are taking the game to them, they just haven’t converted their chances,” Nizzar explained.
“So far, through 120 minutes in this series, the Canucks have been leading for 11 minutes, so less than nine per cent.”
Nizzar initially predicted the Canucks would win the series in five games. With Demko out, he’s altered it to six.
“The Canucks should still be able to see the Predators out of this series and they should still be able to advance.”
There are a handful of watch parties around Metro Vancouver, including a massive one inside Rogers Arena. Tickets are being sold for $15, with proceeds going to the Canucks for Kids Fund, with doors opening Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Puck drop is just after 4:30 p.m.
You can listen to Bik Nizzar on Sportsnet 650 every weekday on The People’s Show from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on the Canucks post-game show with Satiar Shah every time the Canucks play.
