The Vancouver Canucks picked up a win in dramatic fashion Thursday night, blowing a multi-goal lead in the 3rd period before eventually winning in a shootout.
Unlike last night, my Predators vs. Canucks predictions see goals being hard to come by in a battle between the NHL’s worst offensive team and an injury-plagued Vancouver squad.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for January 3.
Canucks vs Predators prediction
My Canucks pick
Under 6 (-128 at Pinnacle)
My Canucks analysis
The Vancouver Canucks’ offense has cooled off of late, scoring just 27 goals over the past 10 games. That ties them for 23rd in the NHL.
It’s going to be tough to pick up the pace given all the key injuries they’re dealing with. Captain Quinn Hughes, who leads the team in scoring by 13 points, is sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Elias Pettersson is one point behind Conor Garland for first on the team in points among forwards, and it sounds like he will also be out for several weeks.
Filip Hronek, who was producing half a point per game prior to injury, also remains out. Suffice to say, a lot of meat has been taken off the bone.
They’ll have to rely on structure, simplicity, and defensive play to achieve results. The good news is that there’s reason to believe they can do just that.
The Canucks have been a Top-10 shot-suppression team over the last 10 games. They have also limited goals effectively during 5-on-5 play, ranking fifth in goals conceded per 60 minutes.
Vancouver should be able to make life very difficult for Nashville. The Predators have shown more life of late but they still remain dead last in goals per game this season.
Nashville has also struggled on the road all year, winning just three of 20 games this season.
Canucks vs Predators odds analysis
The Canucks opened as +121 home underdogs and are now trading at +127. While that may seem perplexing given how things have gone for the Predators, the Canucks are without four high-end players (Hughes, Pettersson, Hronek, and Thatcher Demko) and in the latter half of a back-to-back against a rested opponent.
The Predators' O/U record is 14-24 on the season. They have played in many low-scoring games, and another one is expected here. The total is holding steady at 5.5.
Vancouver has won seven of the past 10 games against Nashville. However, they lost their only meeting this season, falling 5-3 on home ice.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canucks vs Predators odds
Canucks vs Predators live odds
Canucks vs Predators opening odds
- Puck line: Vancouver +1.5 (-220) | Nashville -1.5 (+186)
- Moneyline: Vancouver +121 | Nashville -136
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Odds courtesy of Pinnacle
Canucks vs Predators trend
Four of the past six head-to-head meetings have featured five goals or fewer. Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Predators.
How to watch Canucks vs Predators
| Location: | Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC |
| Date: | Friday, 1-3-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Canucks vs Predators latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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