The Vancouver Canucks and the expansion franchise Vegas Golden Knights meet at Rogers Arena in a Pacific Division tilt. It’s the first time these two clubs have ever met head-to-head. The game will get going at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 16 and it’s being shown live on Sportsnet Pacific.
Vegas Golden Knights at Vancouver Canucks Odds
Vancouver (-170) is currently favored over Vegas (+150), and the oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-120 for the under, +100 for the over).
Vegas is 10-7 straight up (SU) and has earned 6.2 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 17 regular season outings, 11 of its games have gone over the total, while six have gone under and none have pushed. This 2017-18 Golden Knights team is 3-6 SU on the road.
Vegas has converted on 20.6 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 27th out of 31 teams, and it has successfully killed off only 77.2 percent of all penalties.
For the team as a whole, the Knights have been sent to the penalty box just 3.8 times per game this season, and 2.8 per game over its last five on the road. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
With a .860 save percentage and 23.1 saves per game, Maxime Lagace (2-6-1) has been the best option in goal for Vegas this year. If it chooses to rest him, however, the team may roll with Marc-Andre Fleury (3-1 record, .925 save percentage, 2.48 goals against average).
The visiting Golden Knights will be led by David Perron and James Neal. Perron has 15 points via five goals and 10 assists, and has recorded two or more points in four different games. Neal has 10 goals and four assists to his credit (and has logged a point in nine games).
On the other bench, Vancouver is 9-9 straight up (SU) and has netted 2.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. 11 of its games have gone under the total, while seven have gone over and none have pushed. It’s 3-6 SU at home this season.
The Canucks have converted on just 16.2 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 25th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 78.3 percent of all penalties.
Canucks players have been called for penalties 4.4 times per game in total this season, and 3.4 per game over their last five home outings. The team’s been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.4 minutes per game over their last five home outings.
Jacob Markstrom (26.2 saves per game) has been the primary selection in goal for the Canucks. Markstrom has five wins, nine losses, and two OT losses to his name and has maintained a 2.53 goals against average and a .913 save percentage this season.
Brock Boeser (five goals, 10 assists) will pace the attack for Vancouver.
Vegas Golden Knights at Vancouver Canucks Betting Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Canucks, O/U – Under