Canucks Seek Second Straight Win Against Ducks This Evening

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The Vancouver Canucks aim for their second consecutive victory tonight as they face off against the Anaheim Ducks at 7 p.m. PST. This game marks part of a challenging five-game road stretch for the Canucks, who hope to build momentum following a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

The Canucks, who halted a two-game losing streak with the win against the Kings, currently hold a slight edge in the Western Conference’s wild card race. If the playoffs started today, Vancouver would capture a wild card spot, but the nearby Calgary Flames are just one point behind, increasing the urgency for the Canucks.

“After breaking the streak, we’re feeling good heading into tonight,” said Canucks coach Rick Tocchet. “Every point counts now as we push for the playoffs.”

In their last game, Vancouver’s Tyler Myers suffered a neck injury after a shot from Kings forward Kevin Fiala. Myers did not return to the game but Tocchet did not rule him out for tonight’s matchup. The Canucks also made a roster move, recalling Sam Colangelo from the American Hockey League to replace forward Robby Fabbri, who will be placed on injured reserve.

On the other side, the Anaheim Ducks are looking to end their own two-game skid, which includes a loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. Anaheim has struggled in their recent outings, and they will be without starting goalie John Gibson, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury. Lukas Dostal is expected to start in his place for the third consecutive game, backed up by Oscar Dansk.

“We need to get back on track,” said Ducks forward Frank Vatrano. “Each game is crucial, especially facing a team like Vancouver who is fighting for a playoff spot.”

The projected lineups for both teams reflect changes due to injuries and suspensions. Vancouver will showcase forwards Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson, Nils Hoglander, Dakota Joshua, and Conor Garland, among others. Defensively, Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek will take the lead on the blue line.

Meanwhile, Anaheim’s lineup will feature Ryan Strome, Mason McTavish, and Troy Terry as primary forwards, while defensemen Jacob Trouba and Drew Helleson are expected to play significant roles. Forward Trevor Zegras is serving a three-game suspension for interference during a prior game.

Betting odds favor the Canucks, with DraftKings listing them as -135 favorites while the Ducks are at +114. FanDuel also offers similar odds, suggesting that a $135 wager on Vancouver would yield a $100 profit.

Following this game, the Canucks will travel to Seattle for a matchup against the Kraken, followed by a rematch against the Ducks at home next Wednesday. With a playoff spot in sight, every game becomes crucial for Vancouver as they try to secure their postseason position.