By: David Anicetti Updated: 10/08/2025 at 10:10 PM ET
The Calgary Flames visit the Vancouver Canucks at 10:00 PM ET on Thursday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The game airs on ESPN+. Calgary finishes a back-to-back after playing in Edmonton on Wednesday, while Vancouver opens its regular season. A slap shot scores a winner with our free NHL predictions.
Calgary Flames Preview
Calgary begins the new season looking to get more scoring support around Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato. The Flames scored 225 goals last year, ranking in the bottom half of the league, and need better results from their top six. With Jonathan Huberdeau out, Coronato and Yegor Sharangovich are expected to handle bigger roles.
In net, Dustin Wolf is No. 1after a strong rookie year. The blue line features MacKenzie Weegar and rookie Zayne Parekh, giving Calgary a mix of experience and offense from the point. On short rest, the Flames need tighter shifts, quicker clears, and to avoid penalties that give Vancouver an advantage at home.
Vancouver Canucks Preview
Vancouver begins the season at home with plenty of returning stars. Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser headline the top six scorers. The feud is over between J.T. Miller and Pettersson as the Canucks shipped Miller across the country late last season. Quinn Hughes is the leader at the blue line and should log big minutes in all situations.
Thatcher Demko gives the Canucks a strong goalie. The Canucks’ plan is straightforward: use speed to forecheck, let Hughes start the attack, and press Calgary early, knowing the Flames could be tired. Vancouver has plenty of depth and will rotate four lines most of the night, except on the power play and penalty kill.
Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks Prediction
This matchup favors Vancouver. The Canucks have rest, home ice, and a clear advantage at the blue line with Hughes controlling the puck. Calgary’s pace of play can keep them in the game early, but the second game in two nights is a tough task for the Flames on the road. Vancouver’s top line and Demko will make the difference. Final Score Prediction: Vancouver Canucks win 3–1.
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