Canucks know the Preds in the NHL playoffs not who they swept during season
Vancouver swept its three-game season series against Nashville. That doesn’t count for very much going into their playoff matchup.
The Canucks know all too well the NHL playoffs means a clean slate, especially with how well the Predators finished the regular season.
“They were a pretty hot team here down the stretch, so they’re feeling probably a lot better than the times we played them during the season,” Canucks center Dakota Johnson said. “And it should be a great series.”
Vancouver last played Nashville on Dec. 19. The Predators didn’t really click until management canceled a planned U2 concert in mid-February, sparking a franchise-record point streak that propelled the team to the top Western Conference wild card.
“We’ve definitely found an identity, found some confidence,” Nashville defenseman Ryan McDonagh said.
This is Nashville’s ninth playoff berth in the past 10 seasons and 16th in 20. The Predators haven’t won a series since 2018 after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.