Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights: Game preview, predictions, and odds | December 19, 2024

The Vancouver Canucks are on the road to play the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. Vancouver (16-9-6) suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Wednesday. Vegas (20-8-3) is coming off a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.

Vancouver vs Vegas: Head-to-head & key stats

• Vancouver is 7-12-2 all-time against Vegas
• The Canucks are averaging 3.16 goals per game
• The Golden Knights are allowing 2.93 goals per game
• Vancouver is 10-2-2 on the road
• Vegas is averaging 3.45 goals per game
• Vancouver is allowing 3.06 goals per game
• The Golden Knights are 11-3 at home

Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights: Preview

The Canucks are coming off a thrilling 3-2 OT loss to Utah on Wednesday and now play the second half of a back-to-back against Vegas. Vancouver is led by Quinn Hughes, who has 37 points, while Elias Pettersson has 26 points, Conor Garland has 25 points and Jake DeBrusk has 23.

The Canucks will start Kevin Lankinen, who's 14-43 with a 2.52 GAA and a .912 SV%. In his career against Vegas, he's 3-0-2 with a 3.47 GAA and a .890 SV%.

Vegas, meanwhile, is coming off a 3-2 road win over Minnesota on Sunday. The Golden Knights will start Adin Hill, who's 13-5-2 with a 2.78 GAA and a .899 SV%. In his career against Vancouver, Hill is 1-3 with a 2.49 GAA and a .913 SV%.

The Golden Knights are led by Jack Eichel, who has 42 points. Ivan Barbashev has 30 points, Shea Theodore has 26 points, Mark Stone has 24 points and Tomas Hertl has 22.

Canucks vs Golden Knights: Odds & Prediction

Vancouver is a +140 underdog, while Vegas is a -166 favorite, with the over/under set at 5.5 goals.

The Canucks are playing in the second half of a back-to-back, which is always a tough spot. Vegas, meanwhile, has played well at home this season, so expect the Golden Knights to come out with energy after having a nice couple of days off.

Vegas should be able to get out to an early lead here as the Golden Knights will start strong and cruise to a big home win.

Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Canucks 2.

Canucks vs Golden Knights: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Vegas ML (-166)

Tip 2: Over 5.5 goals (-120)

Tip 3: Quinn Hughes 3+ shots on goal (-110)