- Matchup: Vancouver Canucks vs Detroit Red Wings
- Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
- Broadcast: Fanduel Sports Network
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On Thursday, the Vancouver Canucks (16-21-5) will head to Little Caesars Arena to square off against the Detroit Red Wings (25-15-4).
The Canucks are eager to address some problems after their recent 5-3 defeat against the Sabres. Despite the loss, their offense was just average, converting 3 of 35 shots on goal. They had 4 power play opportunities, scoring once, while also incurring 2 penalty minutes during the game.
When it comes to even-strength play, the Canucks have surrendered 112 goals and netted 87 themselves. They have allowed their opponents 135 power play opportunities (ranked 8th in the NHL), resulting in 35 goals against. On the offensive side, the Vancouver Canucks have scored 116 goals (ranking 26th overall) this season, while allowing 147 goals. With 1,131 shots taken, their shooting percentage is 10.3%. To date, they have accumulated 37 points, with a points percentage of .440. The Canucks have faced 1,234 shots against them and currently hold a save percentage of .881. They also have 142 power play opportunities, scoring 29 goals, yielding a rate of 20.42%.
In net for the Canucks is Thatcher Demko. Throughout his professional journey, Demko has achieved 141 quality starts with a quality start rate of .553. He boasts a save percentage of .909, having logged 12,872 minutes on the ice. Demko has faced 7,845 shots, with 7,135 saves to his credit. Having allowed 710 goals, his goals against average stands at 2.78. His overall record is 134 wins, 98 losses, and 21 overtime losses, serving as the starting goalie in 255 matches, with 261 games played in total.
Detroit, in their last game, faced off against the Senators, emerging victorious with a 5-3 scoreline. They executed 20 shots on goal, converting 5 of them, and had 5 power play chances, scoring once.
This season, the Detroit Red Wings have tallied 134 goals, earning 54 points with a points percentage of .614. They have allowed a total of 139 goals, made up of 116 at even strength and 23 while shorthanded. At even strength, the Red Wings have scored 100 goals and achieved a remarkable 34 power play goals (ranking 3rd in the NHL). With 138 power play opportunities, their success rate stands at 24.64%. They have taken 1,256 shots (7th in the league) boasting a shooting percentage of 10.67%, while conceding 1,229 shots. Their penalty kill percentage is impressive at 80.67% against opponents’ 119 power play attempts, with a current save percentage of 88.7%.
Guarding the net for Detroit will be John Gibson. With a career record of 218-226-64 over 531 games, Gibson’s quality start rate is 53.9%, with 280 quality starts during his professional career. He has recorded 14,648 saves from 16,106 shots against, resulting in a save percentage of .909. Opponents have averaged 2.81 goals per game against him, with a cumulative total of 1,458 goals allowed. Gibson has started in 519 games and spent 26,878 minutes on the ice.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s NHL bout against the spread or moneyline?
Prediction: Back Vancouver
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