NASHVILLE, Tennessee  – Casey DeSmith, the substitute goalkeeper, has achieved his inaugural triumph in the playoffs, so aiding the Vancouver Canucks in reclaiming their advantageous position of playing on their ice.

DeSmith recorded 29 saves as the Canucks successfully defended against the Nashville Predators, winning the game 2-1 on Friday night. This victory gives the Canucks a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, marking the beginning of the NHL playoffs.

“His first playoff victory couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune moment,” DeSmith remarked. I was profoundly dissatisfied with my performance the other night.” The team performed exceptionally well the previous night but did not achieve the outcome that they rightfully earned. Tonight, we performed quite well. We have achieved that one. Therefore, it holds significant value.

Casey DeSmith Makes 29 Saves As The Canucks Take 2-1 Series Lead Over The Preds

DeSmith made his second consecutive start and his third overall in the playoffs since Thatcher Demko has been sidelined with an injury since the first game of the series. DeSmith conceded three goals on 15 shots, resulting in Vancouver’s loss in Game 2.

“DeSmith’s demeanor is perfectly suited for that role,” stated Canucks coach Rick Tocchet.

J.T. Miller scored a goal while his team had a numerical advantage and provided an assist. Brock Boeser’s goal, also scored during a power-play situation, ultimately determined the game’s outcome. Quinn Hughes provided two assists.

The fourth game of the series will take place on Sunday in Nashville.

Luke Evangelista prevented Nashville from being held scoreless by executing a precise wrist shot into the top corner of the net with 3 minutes and 12 seconds left in the game. Coach Andrew Brunette subsequently called for a timeout when there were 2 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in the game, and he also decided to remove goaltender Juuse Saros from the ice. Nashville was unable to score against DeSmith once more.

Brunette said that the game was enjoyable and acknowledged the Canucks for their strong defensive performance.

“As I previously mentioned, the entire series will have a muddy appearance,” Brunette stated. “It will be challenging.” Furthermore, we must improve our ability to penetrate the interior.

The Canucks achieved the distinction of being the first team to secure a victory in a playoff game by taking only 12 shots on goal since Pittsburgh defeated Nashville in Game 1 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.

Casey DeSmith Makes 29 Saves As The Canucks Take 2-1 Series Lead Over The Preds

Vancouver converted two out of three power play opportunities and prevented Nashville from scoring on all five of their power play chances. The Predators have only converted 1 out of 14 power play opportunities in this series. Brunette emphasized the need to increase the speed of puck movement and intensify efforts to approach the net more effectively, particularly against the Canucks’ physically imposing defensemen.Roman Josi, the captain of the Predators, emphasized the need to enhance their offensive tactics during power play situations by increasing their mobility.

“The opposing team’s defense is not very mobile, so I believe we need to create more movement and thenattempt shots on goal, possibly aiming for a scrappy goal, a deflection, or a rebound,” Josi stated. “Improving in that area is certainly a priority for us.”

The Predators’ record in Game 3s on home ice dropped to 11-4, marking their second consecutive defeat. In 2022, they defeated in Game 3 as Colorado completely dominated them.

After Jankowski’s unsuccessful attempt to remove the puck during the penalty kill, Miller, who had accumulated 103 points during the regular season, managed to score his first goal of the postseason with 6 minutes and 37 seconds remaining, giving his team a 1-0 advantage with their first shot on goal.

Boeser increased the Canucks’ lead to 2-0 with his power-play goal at 4:33. He skillfully redirected the puck past Saros from a close range after receiving a pass from Miller.

The Canucks goaltender also executed an amazing save at the right post in the third period against Cole Smith, thereby maintaining the shutout. He received assistance as the Canucks successfully prevented 30 shots after Nashville’s achievement of stopping 30 shots in regulation to secure victory in Game 2.

Casey DeSmith Makes 29 Saves As The Canucks Take 2-1 Series Lead Over The Preds

“Tonight, we experienced a significant number of successful blocks,” Boeser stated.

In the early stages of the game, Nashville’s defenseman Spencer Stastny was subjected to a boarding incident by Canucks’ defenseman Dakota Johnson. The penalty was initially declared a significant offense but later downgraded to a less severe infraction. Stastny made a comeback and subsequently proceeded to the locker room during the second quarter. He played for 6 minutes and 36 seconds.

The Predators did not provide a postgame update. Brunette stated that he did not receive a justification for altering the penalty to a child.

SOURCE – (AP)