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 against the Buffalo Sabres. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 4:00 p.m. Pacific
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SNP, MSG Sports Buffalo, NHL Centre Ice
2025-2026 Season Series: Buffalo 1-0 Vancouver
Last time these two teams met, just over three weeks ago, it was the toilet bowl. Both teams sat at the bottom of their respective conferences and were at the lowest of the low. Now, the Sabres are knocking on the door for a playoff spot after their recent heater. The Canucks made drastic changes, trading Quinn Hughes the day after losing to the Sabres. The Canucks sit at 16-20-5 after 41 games, with 37 points, while the Sabres sit at 21-15-4 after 40 games, with 46 points. This marks the second and final meeting this season between these two teams, with the Sabres having won the first game, 3-2 on December 11th.
The Canucks Story
The Canucks will be very happy to go on a six-game road trip, given their woes at home. Although their overall record is poor, they have a strong road record of 12-8-2. It is quite baffling to see that contrast with their horrendous 4-12-3 home record. They have not been playing particularly poorly recently, but they have failed to get the results they wanted. As they embark on their six-game road trip on the East Coast, they will look to get back to the W column more consistently and inch closer to the playoff line. Although it is no secret that fans would want a rebuild at this point, management is still sending some mixed messaging with their direction of the team. One thing is for sure, the players will not “tank”, and will continue to work hard.
The Sabres Story
The Sabres had their ten-game winning streak snapped in their last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite their run of success, they are still below the playoff line, albeit much closer now. This game represents a crossroads for their season. Time and time again, they have failed to find consistent success, so this game is important in seeing their ability to bounce back. If they let one loss snowball into two, they may find themselves back to their old ways quickly. The key for this team will be to get back to rattling off wins with ease and prove to everyone their capabilities. However, with goaltender Alex Lyon‘s injury, they will have to rely on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to carry the lion’s share of games.
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.
Vancouver: Thatcher Demko
Buffalo: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
NHL Prediction
We expect the Sabres to pull through with a win with their strong special teams and get back to their winning ways. The Canucks usually keep things close, so we will count on that again here.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-3.
Prop Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. On the Canucks side of things, we will pick the recently re-signed Linus Karlsson to score. On the Sabres side, we will pick the team leader in goals with 20, Tage Thompson.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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