The Nashville Predators face off against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Three

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The Nashville Predators face off against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Three

The Vancouver Canucks need to get their offense up to par with how great their defense is playing.

In net, the Vancover goalie reclaimed his form, and he made 18 of his 32 saves in overtime by diving and flipping to block shots and give his teammates a chance. Matt Halischuk scored 14:51 into the second overtime for a 2-1 Predators win on Saturday night that tied this Western Conference semifinal series 1-1.

Nashville coach Barry Trotz said Sunday that Rinne has returned to his usual stingy form against Vancouver after his teammates rescued him for a change in their opening series against Anaheim.

Now Rinne has allowed Vancouver, which scored a NHL-high 262 goals in the regular season, only two goals in the first two games. The Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel—who claimed the league’s scoring title the past two seasons, have yet to notch a point.

Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, who tied it 1-1 by scoring a goal off Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo’s left skate with 67 seconds left in regulation, called it a team effort.

The Canucks, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s best team in the regular season, didn’t sound too worried before flying out of Vancouver with the series switching to Nashville for Game 3 on Tuesday night.

Defenseman Kevin Bieksa had a chance at the win before Rinne dove headfirst to smother the puck with 2:14 left in the first overtime. He said the Canucks just have to score more goals.

The Canucks have only 18 goals in nine playoff games this postseason, worst among teams still playing. Bieksa said it’s not a problem except when it costs games.

The Canucks also brought defenseman Sami Salo, out since early in Game 6 in Chicago, to Nashville. Coach Alain Vigneault said he was unsure if Salo will be available for Game 3.

Vancouver has had chances. The Sedins set up Jannik Hansen late in the third period for a tap in that could have iced the victory on Saturday, but he missed it. They set up Bieksa with an empty net in what should have been a game-winner, even with Rinne’s spectacular save.

The Canucks have the edge on Nashville and should get the win in game three.

Hockey Picks: Vancouver Canucks

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