Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Vancouver Canucks taking on the New Jersey Devils. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: New Jersey Devils at Vancouver Canucks
2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 1-0 New Jersey
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 7:00 p.m. Pacific
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SN, MSGSN, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice
Location: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Canucks breathed life into their 2026 campaign last game, and face-off against Jack Hughes and the Devils to continue their eight-game homestand. New Jersey sits at 26-22-2 after 50 games, with 54 points, while Vancouver sits at 17-28-5 after 50 games, with 39 points. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams. The Canucks won the previous game, 2-1, on December 14th.
The Devils Story
It has certainly been a perplexing season for the New Jersey Devils so far. Currently, they sit four points back of a Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff spot, despite having the worst goal differential in the conference, with a -23. A common belief might be that they have struggled because Devils star Jack Hughes was out for a significant amount of time. However, since his return on December 21st, the Devils have a record of 6-8-1, and have only scored an average of two goals-per-game in that span. The offence just has not been there for a team that is supposed to be dangerous offensively.
Goaltending has also been an issue. Jacob Markström has had a tough season, with a 13-11-1 record and an .882 save percentage. Jake Allen has been better, with a 12-11-1 record and a .909 save percentage. Whatever it is, something has to improve for this team to be good enough to make the playoffs in a competitive conference.
The Canucks Story
The Canucks can breath a sigh of relief, as they finally have a win in 2026. They snapped their franchise record 11-game losing streak against the Washington Capitals last game. The team responded well to head coach Adam Foote‘s criticism of the veterans, and pulled off a solid comeback victory. Furthermore, it was actually the veterans who showed up last game, with Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Evander Kane, and Filip Hronek showing up on the scoresheet. Filip Chytil will also potentially return to the lineup for the first time since October 19th.
For the sake of the rebuild, yes, finishing 32nd in the NHL is ideal, but it is also equally important to provide a positive environment for young players to grow in. Wins definitely help towards that cause.
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 New Jersey, Jacob Markström likely will start. Since the 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders, Markström has improved in his play, with a record of 3-1-0 and a .907 save percentage. He has a 3.27 goals-against average, and an .882 save percentage through the season with a record of 13-11-1.
For Vancouver, Kevin Lankinen should be getting his third-consecutive start in goal. In 26 games this season, he has a record of 7-14-4, a 3.39 goals-against average, and an .887 save percentage.
NHL Predictions
The Canucks should have gained some confidence in their last outing, but the Devils need this game more. With how much the Devils struggle to score, a porous Canucks team may be able to be exploited. We think this may be a close, competitive game, with the Devils ultimately taking it. Maybe some overtime is in order.
Prediction: Devils win 4-3.
Prop Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Devils, we will pick Jack Hughes, as he is due for some more goal-scoring. On the Canucks side, we will pick Brock Boeser to score in back-to-back games tonight.
Main Photo Credit: Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.