Big news out of Vancouver that blindsided me (and I think most everyone else) or I would have had it in today's premium newsletter that recently went out for subscribers who have signed up: Canucks No. 1 netminder Thatcher Demko reportedly could miss the rest of the series vs. the Preds due to injury. Casey DeSmith had a very solid year as a backup but now we have to back Nashville, which largely dominated the first two periods of Game 1 despite the 4-2 loss. DeSmith has just one game of playoff experience in his career. Simply can't turn down +1.5 in a playoff game even at this price.

News came out today that Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko, who allowed just two goals in a Game 1 win, is now injured and questionable for the rest of the series. In his absence, we've got to jump on the Predators ML here at plus-money. Nashville was in the lead heading into the third period on Sunday before a pair of quick goals swung the game. The Preds are pushing to even the series, and without Demko, count me in on a Nashville win.

A recovery tonight by the Preds is not out of the question, especially after those 12 seconds of madness midway thru the third period on Sunday when the Canucks scored twice, plus an empty-netter in the last minute. For most of the night, Nashville seemed in control, and Ryan O'Reilly's goal midway thru the second period looked to be the difference until things got crazy in the third period. Vancouver was outskated for long stretches on Sunday and needed Thatcher Demko to come up big in goal to keep the score 2-1 before the late rally. The Preds hardly look outmatched here, however, and can level this series before it moves to Music City. Play Preds on Money Line