In Game 2 of their first round series Tuesday night, the Nashville Predators emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
The Canucks were facing an uphill battle even before puck drop when it was announced that starting goalie Thatcher Demko would be sidelined due to an undisclosed injury. With Demko sidelined, backup goalie Casey DeSmith was thrust into the spotlight.
Nashville capitalized quickly when Anthony Beauvillier made it 1-0 for the road team less than two minutes into the game. Nashville’s goal on their first shot of the game likely intensified DeSmith’s nerves as he had trouble controlling the puck a few times.
Despite multiple power play opportunities throughout the night, the Canucks were unable to convert, going 0-4. Their best chance was late in the first period when Elias Pettersson found himself staring at an open net after a nice cross-ice pass from Quinn Hughes.
As the game went along, Pettersson struggled to find his footing. From missed scoring chances to critical errors, including giving up a goal after losing possession at center ice, Pettersson’s performance reflected the team’s uphill battle against a determined Nashville Predators squad.
The Predators’ strong defensive effort saw them blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes all game long. Filip Forsberg scored a nifty goal in the second period to make it 2-0 for Nashville.
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Colton Sissons made it 3-0 with just under twelve minutes to play in the second period. Nikita Zadorov managed to get the Canucks on the board before the end of the second period to make it 3-1 for Nashville.
Nashville secured the win with an empty net goal during the final two minutes of the game. The Predators’ defense was formidable, setting a new franchise record with 32 blocked shots compared to only 6 for the Canucks.
Game 3 of the series takes place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Friday at 4:30pm.