The Predators flew into Vancouver still down four of their better players after a grinding home win against the Sabres. The Canucks, a rebuilding team with some great young talent and some work to do, .
Pekka Rinne was tested early and often, as some iffy defensive coverage left the Canucks with excellent chances in front of the goal. Play continued in the Predators’ end for a while before Ryan Johansen and new linemates Kevin Fiala and Ryan Hartman found the offensive zone.
Whatever momentum the Preds might have been working on building was cancelled out when Austin Watson took an early penalty and Alex Edler promptly scored a power play goal.