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 York Islanders. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: New York Islanders at Vancouver Canucks
2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 1-0 New York
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 7:00 p.m. Pacific
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SN, MSGSN2, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice
Location: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Vancouver Canucks could break a franchise record tonight against the New York Islanders. With ten-consecutive losses, the Canucks are currently tied for the longest losing streak in franchise history. The Islanders look to bounce back from a loss against the Flames. New York sits at 26-17-5 after 48 games, with 57 points, while Vancouver sits at 16-27-5 after 48 games, with 37 points. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams. The Canucks won the previous game, 4-1, in overtime, on December 19th.
The Islanders Story
The Islanders currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division. Who saw that coming before the season started? Much of the fanfare around the team revolves around the rookie, Matthew Schaefer, who could be on his way to a 20-goal season. They pride themselves on being a stingy hockey club. They are only ranked twenty-third in goals for per game, at 2.85, but rank third in goals-against-per-game, at 2.69. So far, this stinginess has proved to have worked for the team very well.
The Canucks Story
It rains a lot in Vancouver. Right now, it feels like it is pouring every single day in Canucks land. They are looking for any bright, sunny spots they can find. Optimism may be hard to find right now, but all they can do is keep trying their best. They may be a rebuilding team, but at some point, pride needs to be restored in their jerseys. On Saturday against the Oilers, Rogers Arena in Vancouver was heavily in favour of Edmonton, despite it being a home game. With it being a weekday game and it not being against a massively popular club, what will the attendance look like this time?
“A lot of hard work behind me. Now I need some more practices with my teammates and whenever I’ll be ready, I’m going to be back. I can’t wait for that day.”
🗣️ Filip Chytil discusses both the mental and physical side of his rehab, being close to returning, and more. pic.twitter.com/uky3WW6GXR
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 18, 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.
New York: Ilya Sorokin
Vancouver: Kevin Lankinen
NHL Predictions
For a team that already struggles to score goals, Vancouver will have a massive challenge generating offence. The Islanders should have a relatively smooth game ahead, as long as they stick to their game.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-1.
Prop Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Canucks, we will pick Conor Garland to give his team a spark on the scoreboard. On the Islanders’ side of things, we will pick the star rookie Matthew Schaefer to light the lamp.
Main Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
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