Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Vancouver Canucks taking on the Detroit Red Wings. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks at Detroit Red Wings
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 4:00 p.m. Pacific
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SNP, FDSNDET, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice
2025-2026 Season Series: Detroit 1-0 Vancouver
Two teams at opposite ends of the standings do battle in the Canucks’ only visit to Detroit this season. The Red Wings are coming off an impressive 5-3 win against the Ottawa Senators, where James van Riemsdyk led the way with three points. The Canucks recently failed to come back against a surging Buffalo Sabres team, losing 5-3. The Canucks sit at 16-21-5 after 42 games, with 37 points, while the Red Wings sit at 25-15-4 after 44 games, with 54 points. This marks the second and final meeting this season between these two teams, with the Red Wings having won the first game, 4-0, on December 8th.
The Canucks Story
Make no mistake, the Canucks work hard every game, but the results are just not coming. They have lost three straight games, including the first of their six-game Eastern road trip against the Sabres. They have talented players, but no game-breakers that can turn a game around quickly. Elias Pettersson leads his team with 25 points in 33 games, marking just 0.76 points per game. This signals a lack of offensive output, and a lack of consistent contribution from their top six. They also rank 30th in goals against per game at 3.46. Sure, they may win a game here and there, but as they stand, they are nowhere close to a playoff-caliber team.
The Red Wings Story
The Red Wings have been a pleasant surprise to watch this season, and are currently second in the Atlantic division. Despite that, strangely, they have allowed five more goals than they have scored through 44 games. That begs the question, how sustainable is the run they are on right now? Perhaps a good reason why they have had a run of success lately is their special teams, both of which rank in the top half of the league. Their top players such as Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Larkin have also had impressive seasons. Their depth scoring is also nothing to sneeze at, with 13 of their players having more than ten points this season.
Starting Goalies
*Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.
Vancouver: Thatcher Demko
Detroit: John Gibson
NHL Prediction
The Canucks have historically not done well against the Red Wings. Since 2021, the Red Wings have a 7-2 record against the Canucks. Given their respective situations, we see no reason why the Red Wings will not come out of this game victorious. Their top-end talent and balanced lineup should allow them to prevail convincingly.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Prop Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. Elias Pettersson has been scoring more goals lately, with two in his last four games. He is our pick for the Canucks. For the Red Wings, count on DeBrincat to pot one home, as he has scored ten goals since December 1st.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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