Predators pushing pace in the NHL’s wild West

The Nashville Predators, wearing the “watch out for this team” label when the upcoming NHL playoffs are discussed, will face the Canucks in Vancouver tonight, the second game in as many nights for the surging squad from Music City.

The Predators, who took a 34-199 record into Edmonton to face the disappointing Oilers last night, will be at Rogers Arena for a tilt against the Canucks, who are coming off a wild 6-5 overtime loss to the New York Rangers:

THE BIG MATCHUP

Boeser vs. Nashville D

The Canucks had all the time and space they could have dreamed of Wednesday against a second-rate New York defence. They aren’t likely to feel as free against the Predators, who may have the deepest, most skilled blue-line in the NHL.

Brock Boeser is healthier now than he’s been in a month, but to get that shot of his off he needs a little room. It will be difficult to come by if he’s matched a lot against Nashville’s best pairing of Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis.

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

1.

Eriksson is out

For the second consecutive season, the Canucks’ highest-paid winger has suffered a season-ending injury. This time it’s a broken rib.

It’s bad news for Loui Eriksson and his fans, but it can be viewed as a good opportunity, freeing up a spot for some of the younger Canucks. Eriksson was going to eat up a lineup spot and power-play minutes. Now, that can go to Nikolay Goldobin and the new guys acquired at the trade deadline.

2.

Subban is here

When he’s on, there are few players in the league who are more en-

tertaining than PK Subban. His personality adds quite a bit to his team and the league. But his personality seems to be divisive in a league still monitored and influenced by old-school code.

If you can believe it, some think he shows too much joy for the game. Imagine that? A hockey player with passion, humour and joy. Best not have too many players like that around.

3. The Horvat development It kind of got buried in the 11 goals that were scored Wednesday and all the outside noise engulfing the Canucks, but Bo Horvat had three points. One of them had to rank as one of his best assists of the season.

If Horvat didn’t miss seven weeks of the season, he’ d be on his way to 60 points and more. Some even think he could be a candidate for the 2022 Olympic team.

4. The Canucks’ defence This game will be one of the best examples of the haves and the have-nots in hockey. The Canucks have recently doubled down on their blue-line, re-signing Alex Biega and Erik Gudbranson. It means all eight of the Canucks’ defencemen are in team control for next season.

There’s just one problem: This defence isn’t good. They aren’t fast. They don’t produce points and they aren’t overly physical. That’s a bad combo.

5.

The goalie battle

Jacob Markstrom was pulled Wednesday after allowing three quick goals.

The first one, a wraparound attempt at the side of the net, probably looked the worst. It was another game where the Canucks gave up a quick goal against. Green approached Markstrom and told his No. 1 goalie he had suffered from a bit of hard luck. He will almost certainly go back to him for this game.