Sharks v Canucks: probable line-ups, prediction and odds
3VS2Predicted score
Vancouver CanucksProbable line-ups
SharksGoalie confirmed · AskarovLine 1 · Pair 1Goalie confirmed · MerilainenCanucksThe match setting
The San Jose Sharks host the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center on Thursday night (10 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. PT), with Vancouver last in the NHL standings.
Vancouver are 3-10-1 and allow the most goals (4.64 per game) and the most shots (32.8) in the league, with a penalty kill at 63.8% (31st). The Canucks also generate the fewest shots in the NHL (20.8 per game).
San Jose (6-6-1) count on Macklin Celebrini, 15 points in 11 games, and Ivar Stenberg, 9 points, who now plays on the first line and the first power-play unit alongside him. The Sharks' power play ranks eighth in the league at 25%.
Both starting goalies are confirmed: Yaroslav Askarov (3-5-0, .898 save percentage) for San Jose and Leevi Meriläinen (2-3-1, .900) for Vancouver. Elias Pettersson leads the Canucks with 15 points.
The 3 key points
- 1.The league's leakiest defenceVancouver allow 4.64 goals and 32.8 shots per game, both last in the NHL.
- 2.Celebrini against his hometown teamThe Vancouver native leads San Jose with 15 points in 11 games.
- 3.Two goalies under pressureAskarov (.898) faces Meriläinen (.900): both at .900 or below this season.
The Teacher's verdict
Vancouver have the league's worst defence and one of its weakest penalty kills, and Macklin Celebrini, with Ivar Stenberg on his wing, faces his hometown team. With two goalies who have struggled to stop pucks this season, San Jose at home have our preference.
Predicted score
Model score: the most likely scoreline from the live odds.
Teacher mode onOnly bet what you can afford to lose.The Teacher's picks are analyses, not certainties. Always check the odds before you bet.