NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights

2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 0-0 Vegas (Vegas won season series 4-0 in 2024-25)

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 7:00 p.m. Pacific

How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SNP, SCRIPPS, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice

Location: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Vancouver looks to go into the Olympic break on a good note against the Vegas Golden Knights. Vancouver sits at 18-32-6 after 56 games, with 42 points, while Vegas sits at 25-16-14 after 55 games, with 64 points. This marks the first of three meetings between these two teams. Last year, Vegas swept the season series, 4-0.

The Canucks Story

Following a dismal 6-2 loss against the Utah Mammoth on Monday, things are pretty boring in Canucks land. Fans are hoping for trades to be made, but none are on the horizon, as the Olympic roster freeze has come into effect as of today. The only real piece of positivity to be seen is Teddy Blueger scoring four goals in his last six games. As he is on an expiring contract, he may be one of the more prominent trade pieces for the Canucks at this stage. The Canucks would do well to showcase their trade chips as much as possible before the trade deadline.

Another piece of bad news, however, is that Filip Chytil was injured during Monday’s game against Utah and did not play in the third period. Head coach Adam Foote said he was dealing with migraines in a press conference on Tuesday, which means he is unlikely to play in the final game before the Olympic break.

The Golden Knights Story

What a baffling team this is. Despite only winning 25 out of 55 games this season, the Golden Knights are on top of the Pacific Division. The reason for this is their 14 losses in overtime or shootouts. In terms of wins this season, they actually rank fifth in the division.

Despite this, they still generate a lot offensively. Their top players, Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Mark Stone, have had excellent seasons, and the depth of this team is strong. 25 players have recorded at least a point this season for them. However, they need to focus on playing a full 60 minutes. It sounds cliché, but the stats do not lie. Below is the breakdown of goals scored and allowed by period.

1st Period: 48 goals for, 60 goals against (-12 differential)

2nd Period: 54 goals for, 56 goals against (-2 differential)

3rd Period: 73 goals for, 46 goals against (+27 differential)

If the Golden Knights do not get it together and play a more complete game consistently, they may find themselves in jeopardy of falling out of Stanley Cup Playoff contention entirely. Vegas only sits three points up on the second wild card team, the Anaheim Ducks.

Kai Uchacz was at Vegas’ practice on Tuesday, skating on the fourth line. He may make his NHL debut tonight, due to centre Jonas Rondbjerg being week-to-week with an injury. Rondbjerg’s Olympic availability is in the air as of this moment.

Lines at practice today. Kai Uchacz is centering the 4th line, may make his NHL debut tomorrow.

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— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 3, 2026

 

Starting Goalies

Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.

For Vancouver, we expect Nikita Tolopilo to get the start. In nine games this season, he has a record of 3-3-1, a 3.10 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage. He has had some strong performances lately, proven by his save percentage.

For Vegas, Adin Hill is the projected starter. In 11 games this season, he has a record of 3-3-3, a 3.51 goals-against average, and an .856 save percentage. It has been a rough go for him after coming back from his injury, but more reps could equate to more success down the road.

Prediction and Best Bets

Simply put, Vegas needs to play a more complete game. More often than not, they will fall behind early, but put their best foot forward in the third period. However, as the Canucks struggle to keep the puck out of their net, Vegas may just get away with playing like that. Do they really want to risk it, though?

Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-2.

Best Bets

To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Canucks, we will pick Teddy Blueger, the hot hand to score. On the Golden Knights’ side, we will pick captain Mark Stone to score one.

Mandatory Credit Photo: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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