This looks a bit worrying for the Canucks, with GK Thatcher Demko out until further notice, as was the case in the Game 2 loss to the Preds. It was Demko (35-14-2 in the regular season) who was main catalyst in the Vancouver surge under Rick Tocchet; not so much backup Casey DeSmith, in goal again tonight and having hit the wall late in the regular season when in an extended stint as the Canucks' number one with Demko out. At Bridgestone, Andrew Brunette has the last line shifts, and if not for a brief moment of madness in the opener (when Vancouver scored twice in 12 seconds in the 3rd period), the Preds could already be up 2-0. Play Preds on Money Line

We saw a glimpse of what this series could become with Thatcher Demko out of the net, and it's not pretty for Vancouver. On just 15 shots, Casey DeSmith allowed three goals for a putrid save percentage of .800. Nashville won 4-1 thanks to an empty netter, and now returning home, they seem set to take control of this series. I was a believer in the value on the Preds before this series began, and I'm surprised we're getting such a reasonable price on their moneyline at home on Friday. Count me in.

Think the Canucks are toast in this series with No. 1 goaltender Thatcher Demko ruled out for Friday after also missing Game 2 with an injury -- and it sounds like he will not return this series after winning the opener. Casey DeSmith is a solid No. 2 but a massive downgrade as we saw in Game 2 when he allowed a goal on Nashville's first shot as the Preds won 4-1 in Vancouver. DeSmith also struggled some at the end of the regular season. Really tough break for the Pacific Division champs.