Golden Knights vs Canucks Prediction & Odds - 2/23/2025

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is set to host a crucial Pacific Division matchup as the Vancouver Canucks, riding a three-game winning streak, face off against the Vegas Golden Knights in what promises to be an intense battle for playoff positioning.

The Canucks have been impressive lately, going 6-1-1 in their last eight games while demonstrating remarkable defensive prowess, allowing just 14 goals during this stretch despite missing key defenseman Quinn Hughes due to an oblique injury.

The defending champion Golden Knights, tied for the Pacific Division lead, have shown signs of recovery with consecutive victories after a challenging stretch where they lost 11 of 16 games, though they'll need to overcome the absence of important contributors Shea Theodore and William Karlsson.

Both teams' recent form suggests a tightly contested affair, with Vancouver's defensive excellence set to clash against Vegas's high-scoring offense that ranks sixth in the NHL with 3.29 goals per game.

The previous meeting between these teams saw Vegas emerge victorious with a 3-1 win, but the Canucks' recent defensive transformation could present a different challenge this time around.

As these Pacific Division rivals prepare to face off, this matchup could have significant implications for the playoff race and division standings.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks preview

The Pacific Division heats up as the Vancouver Canucks head to T-Mobile Arena for a crucial showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights, with both teams vying for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The Golden Knights, currently tied with Edmonton for the Pacific Division lead, enter the contest with renewed confidence after securing back-to-back victories against New Jersey and Boston, despite struggling through a rough patch that saw them drop 11 of their previous 16 games.

Vancouver comes in red-hot, riding a three-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 6-1-1 record in their last eight outings, while demonstrating remarkable defensive prowess by allowing just 14 goals during this stretch.

The absence of key players could significantly impact both sides, with Vegas missing defenseman Shea Theodore and center William Karlsson, while Vancouver continues to cope without star defenseman Quinn Hughes due to an oblique injury.

The goaltending battle presents an interesting narrative, as Vancouver's Kevin Lankinen (19-8-7, 2.53 GAA) looks to maintain his solid form against Vegas's tandem of Ilya Samsonov and Adin Hill.

The Golden Knights' offensive firepower, averaging 3.29 goals per game (tied for 6th in the NHL), will be tested against a suddenly stingy Canucks defense that has been the cornerstone of their recent success.

Jack Eichel (19 goals, 50 assists) and Mark Stone (14 goals, 35 assists) remain key threats for Vegas, though their performance could be affected by fatigue following their participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

History favors the home team, with Vegas claiming a 3-1 victory in their previous meeting this season, but Vancouver's recent defensive excellence and road success (winning three of their last four away games) suggest this matchup could be much tighter.

With the Canucks fighting to maintain their wild card position and the Golden Knights aiming to solidify their division lead, this Pacific Division clash promises to be an intense, defensive battle that could come down to the wire.