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 Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks
2025-2026 Season Series: Toronto 1-0 Vancouver
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 4:00 p.m. Pacific
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SN, CBC, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice
Location: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vancouver wraps up their homestand against Toronto on Hockey Night in Canada. The Maple Leafs are on a six-game losing streak, while the Canucks won their last game in a shutout. Toronto sits at 24-21-9 after 54 games, with 57 points, while Vancouver sits at 18-31-5 after 54 games, with 41 points. This marks the second and final meeting between these two teams. The Maple Leafs blew out the Canucks at home, 5-0, on January 10th.
The Maple Leafs Story
Since Toronto beat Vancouver, 5-0, on January 10th, they have only won two of the next ten games, and have lost six in a row coming into this game. Needless to say, their situation is a lot more bleak than the last time we did a Leafs and Canucks predictions article. Currently, they sit ten points back of a playoff spot, and despite Matthew Knies believing the team will make it, reality is pretty harsh for them. The good news is that they might get William Nylander back into the lineup. He has missed seven games with a groin injury. Despite the injury, he still leads his team in scoring, with 48 points in 37 games.
Head Coach Craig Berube criticized the poor team defence and goaltending after the 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He has every right to be upset as the team has allowed 48 goals in the last ten games, which is the most goals against in the NHL since January 11th.
The Canucks Story
Well hey, the Canucks actually won a game! They are playing for pride right now, and it is good to see the players showing up for most games. There must be some renewed confidence after a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks last game. Unfortunately, Nikita Tolopilo did not officially record a shutout, as he was pulled by the concussion spotter after the first period, resulting in Kevin Lankinen making one save. The Canucks remain seven points back of 31st in the NHL, so for now, team tank can rest assured.
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.
The Maple Leafs will likely start Joseph Woll in net. In 23 games this season, he has a record of 11-7-4, a 3.01 goals-against average, and a .908 save percentage. He has only won one of his last six starts.
For Vancouver, we expect Kevin Lankinen to get the start. In 30 games this season, he has a record of 7-17-4, a 3.54 goals-against average, and an .881 save percentage. He’ll look to bounce back after being pulled in his last start against the San Jose Sharks.
Prediction and Best Bets
The Maple Leafs struggle to defend, and the Canucks struggle to score. Which side will break through first? We are predicting an upset victory for the Canucks, as they are under less stress than the Maple Leafs right now. History tells us the Maple Leafs do not play well under pressure, so we expect them to lose their seventh-consecutive game.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-3.
Best Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Ducks, we will pick veteran John Tavares to pot his 20th goal of the season. On the Canucks side, we will pick Drew O’Connor to score in consecutive games.
Main Photo Bob Frid – Imagn Images
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