The Vancouver Canucks will try to avoid their first three-game losing skid of the season when they host the San Jose Sharks Monday night.
There might not be a softer landing spot on the NHL schedule than San Jose, a team that has just seven points on the season and have yet to win on the road in seven games — though they are coming off a win against St. Louis.
Vancouver is a 2.5-goal favorite in the NHL odds, but is the puck line the best option? Let’s break this down below with my free NHL picks for the Sharks vs. Canucks on November 20.
Sharks vs Canucks odds
Sharks vs Canucks predictions
The Vancouver Canucks could certainly be accused of playing with their food last time out, dropping a 4-3 decision to the Seattle Kraken — a team that had just six wins in the previous 18 games.
After surrendering 1.75 goals per game on a run that saw it win seven of eight, Vancouver has now allowed nine goals in the last two outings... the most it's surrendered over any two-game stretch this season.
But the San Jose Sharks represent the high-water mark of offense for the Canucks this season. They doled out a 10-1 whipping in San Jose, which sent the Sharks to their 10th straight loss. San Jose has been playing better hockey of late, going 3-3-0 in its last six, but is still struggling to score. Its 1.53 goals per game average is by far the fewest in hockey.
How big is the gap between the Sharks and everyone else? The Capitals are the second-lowest scoring team in the league, but their 2.47 goal average is closer to the 13th-ranked Dallas Stars than San Jose.
Meanwhile, Vancouver is the NHL’s highest-scoring team, averaging 4.17 per contest — still the only team above the four-goal level.
I've been burned by the Canucks the last two times I took them on the spread — failing to cover against the Islanders and Kraken — and the moneyline holds no value... so I'm targeting the Over. Vancouver has a 12-4 O/U on the season, and I like the idea of this being a get-right game on offense.
The Canucks have cleared this total themselves in the last two head-to-heads, and the two sides have tallied at least seven goals in eight of the last 10 matchups.
My best bet: Over 6.5 goals (-105 at SIA)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Sharks vs Canucks same-game parlay
Over 6.5
Pettersson anytime goalscorer
Miller anytime goalscorer
Let’s build this into a three-leg same-game parlay, centering on Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. The 25-year-old Swede Pettersson has feasted on the Sharks of late. While he didn’t bag a goal last game (piling up three assists instead), EP has goals in three of his last five against San Jose.
Miller has tallied in two straight against San Jose and has six goals in nine November games, including a goal last game against Seattle. I’m expecting both to get ample opportunities to light the lamp — particularly with the man advantage.
San Jose is a Top 10 team in penalty minutes this season and owns the fourth-worst penalty kill (71.4%).
Meanwhile, Vancouver owns a Top 3 power play — converting at a 32.4% clip — and Pettersson and Miller are two of the Top 5 PP scoring leaders in the NHL. Miller is tied for the league lead in powerplay goals with six, while Pettersson has four.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NHL bonuses
All Users
Get one no-sweat SGP every day
Bonus bets back if your wager doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back
If your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Sharks vs Canucks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The shortest odds for a Canucks win straight up has been -315, otherwise, the odds continue to climb. SIA has Vancouver at -358, but some books have had them as deep as -450.
As for the total, the books haven’t dipped below six goals, especially considering the previous 10-1 ‘Nucks win, and the fact they’re the highest-scoring team in hockey.
Most of the books have settled at the 6.5 goal total. Nine of the Canucks’ last 11 games have gone Over the total, and the Over has hit in five of the last eight meetings in Vancouver.
Sharks vs Canucks betting trend to know
Vancouver is 10-0 in its last 10 games against San Jose. Find more NHL betting trends for Sharks vs. Canucks.
Sharks vs Canucks game info
| Location: | Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC |
| Date: | Monday, November 20, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet Pacific, Bally Sports California |
Sharks vs Canucks latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
