Tonight, two Pacific division foes meet as the San Jose Sharks take on the Vancouver Canucks. Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play a part. Finally, check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks
Head-t0-Head: Canucks 2-0 Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBCSCA, SNP, ESPN+
The First Two Matchups
The Canucks won the initial two meetings between these two teams by a combined score of 7-5. Unsurprisingly, Quinn Hughes has three assists in the first two games, continuing his Norris Trophy-level campaign. Conor Garland also had three points, while Jake DeBrusk and Nils Hoglander had two points each. Elias Pettersson and Pius Suter each added a pair of goals in Vancouver’s wins. For the Sharks, Macklin Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, Luke Kunin and William Eklund led the way with two points each. Both clubs are looking for more of the same from their top players this time around.
Sharks Limping into Four Nations Break
Two games are remaining until the Four Nations face-off and they can’t end soon enough for the Sharks. Since their 3-2 victory over the Devils on January 4, the Sharks have spiralled to the bottom of the Western Conference with a 2-11-0 stretch. The team is getting some more scoring from the top of the lineup in recent games, but the same late-game woes persist. In the last game, Celebrini and Toffoli scored and had an assist, while Collin Graf netted his first career goal. Defenseman Jake Walman also had an assist from the back end.
In the net, Alexandar Georgiev‘s struggles continued. He faced just 20 shots but surrendered four goals, with the final one coming late in the third period. His save percentage is down at .875, with a goals-against-average over four. Expect Vitek Vanecek between the pipes for the first time since returning from injury. They need him to shut down the new-look Canucks.
Canucks Trying to Move into Playoff Spot
If the Canucks win and the Flames lose, Vancouver will move into sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the West. Tonight is the Sharks’ first look at the J.T. Miller-less Canucks. Following recent trades, newcomers Filip Chytil, Drew O’Connor and Marcus Pettersson have integrated themselves into the lineup well. Chytil and O’Connor both have goals. Still, however, the Canucks’ offence will have to come from their top players.
Unfortunately for Canucks fans, Hughes did not suit up on Tuesday and didn’t make the trip to San Jose. In his absence, Filip Hronek and Marcus Pettersson will look to step up from the back end. In net, Thatcher Demko earned his first shutout of the season on Tuesday. However, coach Rick Tocchet may elect to start Kevin Lankinen instead. The Sharks will have to find a way to solve either netminder.
Prediction
Following their recent trades, the Canucks look better and seem to be finding their stride. With the potential to leapfrog Calgary, the team should play inspired and impose their will on the Sharks. We like the Canucks to come out with a victory in this one.
Prediction: Vancouver wins 3-1
Prop Bets of the Night
We also have a couple of goal-scorer props for you to consider. For Vancouver, Chytil at +330 provides some great value and for San Jose, Toffoli at +200 against his former team is one that we like.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Feb. 6 San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.