Canucks End Season Against Golden Knights in Must-Watch Matchup

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Vancouver Canucks will face off against the Vegas Golden Knights tonight in their final game of the 2024-25 NHL season, set for 10 p.m. ET at Rogers Arena. The matchup is significant for the Canucks, who are looking to conclude a disappointing season on a high note, while the Golden Knights seek to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Golden Knights, who have already secured the Pacific Division title with a record of 49-22-10 for 108 points, take the ice coming off a narrow 5-4 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames. Despite their standings, head coach Bruce Cassidy may rest key players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone tonight to avoid any risk of injury ahead of the playoffs.

Vancouver, eliminated from playoff contention last week, boasts a current record of 38-29-14 with 90 points, having recently found some form with three wins in their last four games. The Canucks’ last outing saw them clinch a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday.

In a twist of irony, this matchup could mark the final appearance in a Canucks jersey for two of their pending free agents, Pius Suter and Brock Boeser. Boeser, who debuted with Vancouver in 2017, has become a notable scorer in the team’s history, currently sitting eighth all-time in franchise goals. A disappointing finish to the season encapsulates a challenging tenure overshadowed by management’s struggles.

The projected roster for the Golden Knights includes forwards Brandon Saad, Tomas Hertl, and Pavel Dorofeyev, alongside defensemen Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore. Goalie Akira Schmid is anticipated to start, boasting an impressive .945 save percentage from limited appearances this season.

In contrast, the Canucks are expected to lineup with forwards Nils Hoglander, Pius Suter, and Conor Garland, and will see Kevin Lankinen in net. Lankinen has faced difficulty against the Knights earlier this season, losing all three encounters despite holding a .921 save percentage.

Both teams encounter considerable roster uncertainties that have led to a -110 equal moneyline for each side, indicating a tight contest. Recent history favors the Golden Knights, who possess a 21-9-1 edge in their all-time series against the Canucks, winning all three earlier matchups this season with a cumulative score of 9-4.

As the puck drops tonight, the Canucks will also aim for individual player milestones, such as Jake DeBrusk seeking his 30th goal and Quinn Hughes aiming to surpass Alex Edler for the most points by a Canucks defenseman in franchise history.

With Canada’s latest sports betting odds placing even stakes on the game, it promises to be an intriguing conclusion for both teams. As the Golden Knights chase a positive exit ahead of the playoffs, the Canucks seek solace in a memorable finish.

Fans can catch live action on TNT and truTV or on Sportsnet Pacific for Canadian viewers.