Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take on the struggling Vancouver Canucks. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Let’s look at the Sharks face-off against the Canucks. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Canucks
Time: 9 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBC Sports California, Amazon Prime Video (California), ESPN+
The First Time These Two Met
Unlike many of last year’s matchups, San Jose kept the first meeting competitive. Mikael Granlund tied the game late in the third, but Pius Suter responded less than a minute later to steal the game in regulation for the Canucks. Suter found the back of the net twice, being assisted by Conor Garland both times. Vancouver is looking to repeat this performance, while the Sharks are aiming to avenge the game in November.
Sharks Doing Everything but Closing Out Games
Each of the Sharks’ last four games has been decided by one goal, with San Jose surrendering a late goal to lose. Their most recent game, a 3-2 OT loss to the Oilers, spoiled a masterful performance from Yaroslav Askarov. Unexpectedly, Luke Kunin and Jan Rutta found the back of the net as the only goal-scorers. That was Kunin’s ninth of the year, as he moved to 15 points. In recent games, however, Macklin Celebrini and Nikolai Kovalenko have provided the spark for the club. Celebrini has 23 points, while Granlund still leads the team with 32 points.
Jake Walman continues to have a remarkable season, as he sits with 25 points and is the team’s unquestionable number-one defenseman. Between the pipes, Askarov and Alexandar Georgiev are sharing starts as Vitek Vanecek is out with an upper-body injury. Askarov has been great in his three starts, while Georgiev has some things to work on. Expect Georgiev to see the net, as coach Ryan Warsofsky continues to both play.
Canucks Need a Win Going Into Break
Vancouver comes into tonight’s matchup having lost three of their last four. The team is really struggling to find offence outside of franchise defenseman Quinn Hughes. He has six points in his last five games and 40 on the year. Recently, the club hasn’t gotten scoring from their big guns, so the depth has had to step up. Kiefer Sherwood had a hat-trick performance against the Avalanche and is tied with Suter for second on the team in goals. Jake Debrusk leads Vancouver with 15 goals. The Canucks trio of Elias Pettersson, JT Miller and Brock Boeser has just five combined goals since the start of December. Coach Rick Tocchet needs his big players to step up in order to find a win.
In net, Thatcher Demko has returned to the starter’s job. He’s played in four games and posted an .887 SV%, and taken some pressure off of Kevin Lankinen. Lankinen has continued playing well as his burden has been lightened. He struggled against the Senators but let up just two combined goals in the two prior starts. Demko will be back in the net against the Sharks.
Prediction
The break can’t come soon enough for Vancouver, while San Jose is desperate for a win. Ultimately, the Canucks’ top players should bounce back and give the Canucks a much-needed win.
Prediction: Vancouver wins 4-2
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 23 San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.