Canucks beat Predators 2-1 to take 2-1 matchup lead

Casey DeSmith stopped 30 shots for his 1^st playoff win as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, for a 2-1 lead in their 1^st round matchup in the Western Conference.

GAME THREE IS OURS! pic.twitter.com/QLnOW1IC5s

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 27, 2024

This was Casey’s 2^nd consecutive start and 3^rd all-time in the postseason, with Thatcher Demko out since Game 1 with an injury.

J.T. Miller scored from power-play and assisted, and Brock Boeser’s power-play goal was the match-winner. Quinn Hughes had 2 assists as Canucks secured back the home-advantage.

Game 4 is on Sunday again at Bridgestone Arena.

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Luke Evangelista helped Predators to not being shut out as he scored late in the 3^rd period. Manager Andrew Brunette then took his timeout with over 2 minutes and pulled goaltender Juuse Saros. Despite that, Nashville failed to score until the end and force an overtime.

Casey DeSmith appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/3juCqSfMBB

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 27, 2024

Vancouver became the 1^st organization to triumph in a postseason match with only 12 shots on goal since the Penguins defeated the Predators in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final opener.