- Matchup: Vancouver Canucks vs Buffalo Sabres
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: MSG Network
- Betting Odds: Canucks (+106) Sabres (-128)
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The Vancouver Canucks (16-20-5) will travel to KeyBank Center on Tuesday to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (21-15-4). The odds for this faceoff place the Canucks at +106 while the Sabres are positioned at -128. The total points line is set at 6.5.
The Vancouver Canucks are looking to bounce back after suffering a 3-2 defeat against the Bruins in their previous outing. In that game, they accumulated 6 penalty minutes and struggled offensively, securing just 1 goal from 6 power play opportunities. Overall, they managed to score on only 2 of their 33 shots on target.
In terms of offensive performance, the Vancouver Canucks have netted 113 goals (26th in the NHL) while conceding 142. With a total of 37 points, their points percentage stands at .451. The Canucks have taken advantage of 138 power play opportunities, scoring on 28 of them, resulting in a success rate of 20.29%. At even strength, they have given up 107 goals while managing 85 of their own. Vancouver’s shot count stands at 1,095, translating to a shooting percentage of 10.3%. Defensively, they’ve faced 1,213 shots against, with a save percentage of .883. Their opponents have capitalized on 134 power play chances, ranking 9th in the league with 35 goals scored.
In goal for the Canucks will be Thatcher Demko. Over his professional hockey career, Demko has participated in 260 games, holding a record of 134-97-21, with 254 starts. He has allowed a total of 706 goals, culminating in a goals against average of 2.78. Demko has faced 7,826 shots, saving 7,120, which gives him a save percentage of .910 across 12,869 minutes played. Throughout his career, he has achieved 141 quality starts, boasting a quality start percentage of .555.
In their last outing, the Buffalo Sabres fell to the Blue Jackets, concluding the game at 5-1. Buffalo had 5 power play opportunities but failed to capitalize, scoring only 1 goal out of 33 shots.
The Sabres have attempted 1,149 shots (17th in the NHL) with a shooting percentage of 10.62%, while yielding 1,173 shots against. Their penalty kill rate stands at 85.19% over 108 power play opportunities faced, coupled with a save percentage of 89.3%. Buffalo has executed 122 power play opportunities, scoring 22 goals (ranking 20th in the league for power play performance). Overall, Buffalo owns a total of 122 goals, 46 points, and a points percentage of .575.
Guarding the net for Buffalo will be Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who boasts 4,306 saves from 4,794 shots, yielding a save percentage of .898. He holds a career record of 78-71-16 across 169 games, with 164 starts. Luukkonen’s total ice time is 8,249 minutes, achieving a quality start percentage of 53.0% and accumulating 87 quality starts over his career. His opposition averages 2.98 goals per game, accounting for a total of 488 goals allowed.
Who will claim victory in tonight’s NHL duel against the spread or on the moneyline?
Selection: Take Vancouver (+106)
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