Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 2 Preview / Game 1 Review

Due to missing the 1st game in the Canucks / Predators series there was no match review written up on this site for it.

The Canucks took the game 1-0 with a Higgins goal half way through the 2nd period. Luongo only faced 20 shots for his shut out whilst Rinne fended of 29/30 but still couldn't get the win for his team. It was a lacklusture performance from the Predators that saw them being outshot 26-11 after 2 periods and they only woke up with 10 minutes left in the 3rd when they tried to get a game tying goal.

Game 2 they will need to be more awake and alert and looking to get something from the start. I expected lack of scoring ability in their line up to be a problem for Nashville but they need to get that team effort back that saw off the Ducks. You can't just rely on defence if you are 1-0 down in a game, you need to force the issue and take some risks to get back in a game. That's why i think in game 2 they will be looking for something in the 1st. They will want to get into that 1 goal lead themselves and then try to catch Vancouver as they chase the game. Of couse, they have to be careful not to take too many risks and allow the Canucks any easy goals.

Vancouver will want to get a 2-0 series lead going into Nashville and will also be looking for more offensive output in game 2. Luongo didn't have to be at his best in game 1 but a shut out will boost his confidence up again so the Canucks might edge towards attacking a bit more if his jitters have gone. Like Nashville though, if they take risks early on and go a goal down they know this Nashville team have the defensive set up to sit and stop the Canucks getting back ito the game. This could bring a stalemate situation to the game.

Because of this im expecting a defensive affair and another game that will be low scoring and won by the odd goal. I'll shout for a Canucks 2-0 series lead. If they do go a goal down i think they have enough to get back into the game whereas if the Preds go down early on, i think they will struggle again.