The Vancouver Canucks are coming off a spirited performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning which unfortunately saw them fall 2-1 to the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions.
In a game that included questionable officiating, the common theme in many NHL games these days, Vancouver did manage to receive another goal from J.T. Miller, who was able to extend his point streak to 12 games; however, in the end, the team could not solve Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy for a tying goal, dropping the much-needed two points as a result.
Following the defeat, Vancouver’s record now sits at 29-24-7, good for fifth in the Pacific Division. The Canucks also remain three points out of third place in the division, as well as three points outside of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
With the trade deadline less than one week away, the Canucks continue to be in an intriguing position, essentially splitting the fanbase into sellers and buyers.
The team does have a few games ahead of Monday’s deadline, including a visit from the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. This match-up marks the second meeting between these two clubs this season, with New Jersey scoring a touchdown of goals against Vancouver back on February 28th.
Fortunately for Vancouver, they still have the advantage against the Devils heading into Tuesday night.
New Jersey still dwells near the basement of the league, holding a record of 22-32-5, while sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
Led by head coach Lindy Ruff, the Devils boasts talents including the likes of Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier. Special teams have been mediocre for New Jersey thus far this season, with their 10th ranked penalty kill being offset by their 22nd ranked powerplay.
However, t has also been calamity in between the pipes for the Devils this season, as four goalies have featured in at least ten games. On Tuesday, youngster Nico Daws is expected to be in net, making his 12th start of the season. Daws has been the best goalie for New Jersey, tallying a 2.50 GAA and a .916 save percentage.
Canucks starter Thatcher Demko should keep his spot between the pipes on the opposite end of the rink.
The odds for Tuesday’s game between New Jersey and Vancouver are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official betting partner of FanSided.
Betting Odds
Moneyline
Canucks -155
Devils +130
Goal Total
Over 6.0 goals -115
Under 6.0 goals -105
Puckline
Canucks -1.5 at +155
Devils +1.5 at -185
Prediction
With only 22 games left in the regular season, Vancouver really needs to tighten the ship and make a hard push for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. Games like these need to be lay-ups given the team’s dire situation, so expect the Canucks to care of business relatively easily. The home team will have revenge on their mind following the 7-2 drubbing last month, and they should emphatically keep their playoff push going on Tuesday.
Canucks cover the puckline in an easy victory.
Pick: Canucks -1.5 at +155
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Canucks and Devils? What bets will you be placing on the matchup? Let us know your feelings down below in the comment section!