November was not great for the Red Wings or Canucks, but they are both in the win column in December and in need of a run at the 30-game mark of their season. The situation is not as crucial for the Red Wings. But unfortunately for them, they find themselves in a very competitive division and conference. 

It has become crucial for the Canucks, though, as they enter this game with the second-fewest points in the NHL. If they want to avoid a fire sale and rebuild, they really need to collect points. This game should see a strong effort from both teams, making for an entertaining game.

Detroit is a -125 favourite to win on the NHL odds, with the total set at 6.5.

Red Wings vs. Canucks NHL Betting Odds

The Red Wings enter this game with two wins in seven games, and the Canucks have two victories in their last nine. There are positives for both teams because Detroit now has a three-game point streak, winning two of three, and Vancouver just snapped a four-game losing streak.

Totals trends have favoured the Over in Detroit games and the Under in Vancouver games. The Over has hit in seven out of Detroit’s last eight games due to inconsistent play. The Red Wings have scored or allowed at least five goals in four of their previous six and at least four goals in 13 of their last 15. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s offensive struggles are driving low totals in Canucks games.

Detroit Red Wings

Tonight’s game will be the third of a six-game road trip for the Red Wings. They started by collecting a point against Columbus before beating Seattle. After this matchup against Vancouver, Detroit will then play in Calgary, Edmonton, and Chicago in just four days. The Red Wings would love two points before that mini gauntlet.

Detroit is one of several teams bunched into a very crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture. They are as well-positioned as any team, though. Detroit has three players, Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, and Alex DeBrincat, who average over a point per game. Those players lead a roster that has a strong mix of veteran and young talent. If they are going to make the playoffs, though, they need to beat teams like the Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks

Alarms have begun to sound in Vancouver. Since the start of November, they are 5-9-3 with a minus-16 goal differential. There was turmoil before the season because head coach Rick Tocchet left for the Flyers job. This led to infighting within the locker room, and captain Quinn Hughes had been rumoured to want a trade. Things have not exactly quieted.

The recent play of Vancouver has only amplified the noise around Hughes and potential returns for other productive players. If Vancouver can win this one and have the opportunity to hit a three-game win streak on Thursday heading into a road trip, the noise could quiet down significantly.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Red Wings vs. Canucks?

The Red Wings are the higher ceiling team in better form and have a favourable matchup in this one. The Canucks have been far from reliable for over a month now, and they have dropped four of five at home.

Detroit scores more and allows fewer goals per game than Vancouver, and its special teams are better than the Canucks’. Recent form, roster depth, and team strengths and weaknesses bode well for the Red Wings, and I expect them to pick up a 4-2 win.