Canucks Gameday Preview #38: A Chance To Start 2025 At Rogers Arena On A High Note Against The Predators

The Vancouver Canucks (18-11-8) play their first home game of 2025 on Friday when they welcome the Nashville Predators (11-20-7) to Rogers Arena. This will be the second meeting between these two teams, with Nashville taking the first meeting 5-3 back in November. While the Canucks are coming off a shootout victory last night, the Predators have struggled as of late, having lost their previous three games.

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While there is no morning skate, Rick Tocchet should provide an update in the morning about Elias Pettersson's status. The 26-year-old last played on December 23 against the San Jose Sharks but left during the third period with an injury. If Pettersson is good to go on Friday, it should provide a massive boost to the lineup.

Players To Watch:

Kevin Lankinen:

With Thatcher Demko out, Kevin Lankinen is expected to get the start against his former team. Lankinen was solid in relief against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, stopping 13 of 15 shots, as well as all three in the shootout, in just over 37 minutes of action. With a potentially tired team in front of him, Lankinen will need to have a big game if Vancouver wants to pick up a win.

Gustav Nyquist:

With so many stars on Nashville's roster, it is easy to sometimes forget about Gustav Nyquist. While he has struggled to put up points this season, the 35-year-old is still a threat in the offensive zone and loves to get pucks on the net. Projected to play on the Predators second line, the Canucks will need to keep a close eye on Nyquist whenever the puck is on his stick.

Top 5 Scoring Leaders (Goals, Assists, Points):

Vancouver Canucks (18-11-8):

Quinn Hughes: 8-34-42
Conor Garland: 10-19-29
Jake DeBrusk: 16-12-28
Elias Pettersson: 10-18-28
Brock Boeser: 14-11-25

Nashville Predators: (11-20-7):

Filip Forsberg: 9-21-30
Jonathan Marchessault: 14-13-27
Roman Josi: 7-17-24
Steven Stamkos: 11-12-23
Ryan O'Reilly: 9-13-22

Game Information:

Start Time: 7:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650