Canucks @ Predators

Who will WIN this matchup?

Vancouver Canucks (14-16-3)

@ Nashville Predators (20-10-1)

Starting Goalies:

Anders Nilsson(VAN):  Confirmed

Pekka Rinne(NSH): Likely

Current odds:

Vancouver Canucks: (+180)

Nashville Predators: (-220)

• The Vancouver Canucks were mired in a disastrous 1-10-2 stretch before turning around their fortunes last week with a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators to conclude a dismal five-game road trip. The Canucks took that momentum on the road with a resounding triumph in St. Louis and rallied past Columbus heading into the finale of their three-game trek against the Predators on Thursday. Elias Pettersson scored on his first NHL penalty shot against Nashville last week and continued his sizzling play with a goal and an assist in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Blue Jackets, giving the rookie sensation three goals and seven assists in his last four contests. Pettersson’s fast start has allowed him to become the first player with 32 points through his first 27 NHL games since Alexei Yashin in 1993-94.

• Nashville returned from a fruitless trek through Western Canada and opened a three-game homestand by surrendering a goal just 26 seconds into the contest on Tuesday before reigning Vezina Trophy recipient Pekka Rinne closed the door in a 3-1 victory versus Ottawa. “It was good for us to get back on the winning trend, and it’s always nice to come back home and play in front of our fans,” forward Austin Watson said.

• Jake Virtanen, who joined Pettersson and Bo Horvat by scoring and setting up a goal against the Predators, netted the winner versus Columbus with 1:46 remaining in the third period. “All of our goals were greasy ones (Tuesday), but it was nice to get them because we often don’t get them often,” Virtanen said. The 22-year-old British Columbia native has matched his goal total from last season despite playing in 42 fewer games.

• Ryan Johansen had an assist for his fifth point in five games this month after finishing November by being held off the scoresheet in six of eight contests. The 26-year-old Vancouver native also set up a goal against the Canucks and added his fourth assist this month to boost his team-leading point total to 26. Fellow center Colton Sissons began his three-game point streak with a goal and an assist versus Vancouver.

• Nashville captain Roman Josi is riding a four-game assist streak.

• Horvat has six points (three goals, three assists) in his last six contests.

• The Predators are 5-8-1 versus Pacific Division representatives this season.