NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Canucks vs. Predators (February 1)

Canucks vs. Predators Odds

The Central Division's second-place Nashville Predators are laying two dollars at home against the visiting Vancouver Canucks. This will be the third meeting this season between these two Western Conference teams.

The Predators won the first matchup, 3-2, on the road, while the Canucks won the second contest, 3-1, on the road.

Will the low-scoring games continue, or will we get more goals on Tuesday?

Canucks Searching For Offensive Form

The Canucks are entering Tuesday evening on the second half of a road back-to-back following Monday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. This will be Vancouver's third game in the last four nights, and we could see some tired legs in this matchup.

Since backup goalie Jaroslav Halak got the start in Chicago, we can expect to see Thatcher Demko take the crease on Tuesday for the Canucks.

Demko has been terrific in net this season, as he boasts a 0.918 SV% and currently ranks fourth amongst starting goaltenders in 5-on-5 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx).

Demko has been in great form recently, as he's allowed two or fewer goals in 11 of his last 16 starts.

While he's been great, this number also reflects on how good Vancouver's blue line has been.

Vancouver ranks 12th in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA) and currently has the 10th-lowest average expected goal value of opposing 5-on-5 shot attempts.

The defense also does a tremendous job suppressing shot attempts, as the Canucks have the ninth-lowest opposing 5-on-5 shots on net percentage.

While the goaltending and defense have been good, Vancouver's offense has struggled. The Canucks currently rank 24th in 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF) and have the fifth-lowest average expected goal value of 5-on-5 shot attempts.

Their offensive form has been in poor form lately, as the Canucks have scored two or fewer goals in nine of their last 13 games. In terms of the game total, there have been six total goals or less in nine straight games and in 11 of their last 13 games.

Preds Keep Riding Saros

The Predators enter this game following four days of rest. Before this small break, the Predators' last outing was their 3-2 shootout loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Much like the Canucks, the Predators have seen some low-scoring games recently. There have been six total goals or less in three straight games and in eight of their last 12 games.

Poor offensive play has been one of the factors in this low-scoring streak. Nashville ranks 23rd in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF) and currently has the 12th-lowest average expected goal value of 5-on-5 shot attempts.

The main factor, however, to these low-scoring games has been the Predators' defensive play and their excellent goaltending.

Nashville ranks fifth in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA) and currently has the sixth-lowest average expected goal value of opposing 5-on-5 shot attempts.

Juuse Saros is projected to get the start between the pipes tonight, and he's been one of the league's best goaltenders this season. Saros boasts a 0.927 SV% and ranks 11th amongst starting goaltenders in 5-on-5 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx).

Saros has been in great form recently, as well, as he's allowed two or fewer goals in four straight games and in eight of his last 12 starts.

Canucks-Predators Pick

I think this season's low-scoring trend between these two teams will continue on Tuesday. There have been five or fewer goals in both meetings this season.

This matchup features poor offensive play, good blue lines and excellent goaltenders — a recipe for the total to go under.

Pick: Canucks/Predators u6 (-120) | Would play at 5.5 if (+105) or better