Canucks: Betting odds and prediction vs. Hurricanes (January 15)

The Vancouver Canucks have lost consecutive games for the first time under new head coach Bruce Boudreau. Following a spirited effort that ended in a 4-2 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night, Vancouver will travel up north along the American east coast to Raleigh, where they’ll play the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.

Now 16-17-3 on the season, the Canucks remain 7th place in the Pacific Division and are six points out of the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference. Saturday’s game against Carolina will be game three of five in Vancouver’s American road trip, as they continue to search for their first points on the trip.

The Carolina Hurricanes, similarly to the Canucks, come into the matinee matchup losers of two consecutive games after getting obliterated 6-0 by the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

Carolina sits 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division, only two points behind the New York Rangers, however hold four games in hand on their New York counterpart. The Canes are led by one of the league’s best head coaches in Rod Brind’Amour, and hold some young elite talents with the likes of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen.

Currently placed first in offensive rankings, and sixth in defensive goals allowed per game, the team from Raleigh are amongst the most balanced teams in the entire NHL.

After a porous 0-4 showing on the power play against the Lightning, the special teams battle won’t get any easier for the Canucks, as the Hurricanes hold the best penalty kill efficiency rate in the league.

This will be the second and final meeting between these teams in the 2021-22 regular season, with the Canucks taking the opening matchup 2-1 in Vancouver on December 12th.

Expect another good goaltending duel on Saturday, with goalies Thatcher Demko and Frederik Andersen expected to occupy the two creases.

The odds for Saturday’s game are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of FanSided.

Betting Odds

Moneyline

Canucks +182

Hurricanes -215

Goal Total

Over 5.5 goals -120

Under 5.5 goals +100

Puckline

Canucks +1.5 at -140

Hurricanes -1.5 at +115

Prediction

After a spirited performance in Tampa on Thursday, I expect the Canucks to come out with a similar performance on Saturday. Afternoon/Morning puck-drops can have some interesting affects on teams playing in these games, however both squads are coming off successive defeats, and I’d assume they come out firing from the start. Just like the matchup against the Lightning, I’m not convinced Vancouver has the talent to beat the Hurricanes on the road, but I’m backing them to keep the game close for all 60 minutes. The Canucks know that their playoff hopes are on thin ice despite the hot start with Boudreau at the helm and I’d expect them to play inspired in PNC Arena on Saturday.

Pick: Canucks +1.5 at -140

What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Canucks and Hurricanes? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!