The Canucks want to feed off the energy of the crowd in Nashville

NASHVILLE – The Vancouver Canucks know the magnitude of the challenge that awaits them in a hostile environment at Bridgestone Arena for Game 3 of their series against the Nashville Predators on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET; MAX, TBS, BSSO, TVAS2, SN ), but they believe they is equipped to deal with it.

However, they will once again have to do without their number one goalkeeper Thatcher Demko.

After Game 2 was won 4-1 by the Predators on Tuesday, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet indicated that Demko would be evaluated on a weekly basis due to injury. On Wednesday, he confirmed that Casey DeSmith would get a second straight start on Friday. DeSmith allowed three goals on 15 shots in Game 2.

Series four of seven is tied 1-1.

The Canucks believe that if they continue to build on what they did in the first two games, while making some adjustments, they are in a good position to take the lead in the series. They had 84 shot attempts in Game 2, but only managed to hit the target on 18 occasions.

“We did several good things,” forward Teddy Blueger said. There are obviously a few games we could have done better. I am sure we will rectify the situation. We didn’t expect to win the series in four. There will be challenges, ups and downs. It is normal. We are here, so we have to enjoy the moment and improve the things we can do better. We just have to keep competing and fighting for the next win. »

The Predators blocked 30 shots in their Game 2 win, and the Canucks also missed the net 33 times. Vancouver has spent a lot of time in the offensive zone, but needs to find a way to get to the net more.

“I think we just have to stay calm,” Blueger said. In these environments where the crowd goes wild, especially when you’re the visiting team, it’s easy to let your emotions get the better of you. That’s when you get out of your game and it becomes difficult to play good hockey. You must stay calm and focused.

“It’s a bit of a cliché, but you have to think about the next shift and try to generate momentum and create scoring chances. As long as you maintain possession of the puck, get time in the offensive zone and create chances, good things will follow. »

Tocchet wants his team to feed off the energy of the Bridgestone Arena crowd, even though the Canucks will be underdogs.

“I love it, I love being booed,” Tocchet said. Nashville has great fans. I like that sometimes it’s fun to be the bad guy to someone who gives you a boost. I think it brings out the best in some players. So you need to know how to use it to your advantage. »

The Canucks will want to make sure they manage the puck well, especially at the start of the game on Friday, to avoid giving all the momentum to the Predators.

“The first five minutes, especially in this amphitheater, are crazy,” Tocchet noted. I think we need to know how to turn it to our advantage. We have to keep it simple, move the puck and be smart. Take a good shot or hand out a good check. If nothing exciting happens while you’re there, that’s okay. You don’t have to show off when you leave. Stay disciplined. »