Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) watches as defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) checks Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista (77). Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

NHL playoffs: Thatcher Demko's injury opens the betting door for Nashville

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated Apr 23, 2024 2:58 PM ET

In surprising news Tuesday afternoon, Vancouver's star goalie Thatcher Demko has been announced out with an injury for Game 2 against the Nashville Predators. Demko owns the NHL's fourth-best save percentage and fifth-lowest goals allowed average this season, and he allowed just two goals in a 4-2 Canucks win on Sunday night.

Hearing Thatcher Demko injured and questionable for rest of series
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 23, 2024

In his stead, Vancouver is forced to turn to Casey DeSmith, who ranks 27th in goals allowed average and 42nd in save percentage. It goes without saying that this is a big drop off, and if Demko is indeed out for the rest of the series, now may be the time to pounce on the Predators.

Predators bets you can make off this news

The news quickly swung Nashville's moneyline price tonight. Earlier today, the Predators were +140 to win, and now they're +110 with a few hours to go until puck drop.

If you're hoping to back Nashville at plus-money to even the series tonight, you may want to get on that sooner than later.

The Predators were leading as Game 1 entered the third period, and a pair of quick goals ultimately flipped the game in Vancouver's favor.

Beyond tonight's outcome, one might want to consider backing Nashville to win the series. The current price on the Predators advancing is +210.

+210 for Nashville to come back and win with a below-average goalie opposite them? That's a bet we're going to have to make.

Griffin Carroll

Griffin Carroll is focused on bringing you the betting numbers that matter. With a focus on the NFL, NHL and NBA, Griffin relies on a data-driven betting approach for prop bets, spread picks and over/unders.

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