Canucks vs. Sharks prediction, tips and odds for tonight’s NHL game

The Vancouver Canucks have lost three games in a row, but are in an advantageous position to get back on the winning list against the struggling San Jose Sharks.

My Sharks vs. Canucks predictions see Elias Pettersson exposing a vulnerable defense and helping Vancouver get the game back on home ice.

Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks from December 23rd.

Canucks vs Sharks Prediction

My Canucks picks
Elias Pettersson is a goalscorer at all times (+165 at Pinnacle)

My Canucks analysis
Elias Pettersson is in the midst of a goal drought, having scored just once in his last 11 games played.

Pettersson has generated 48 shot attempts, which leads all Vancouver Canucks forwards, as well as 30 scoring chances. His shooting chances were 3.21 expected goals. He just wasn’t having much luck, only converting 5% of his shots on goal and scoring 2.21 fewer goals than expected.

A date with the Sharks is a good time to turn the tide. They have defended poorly all season and there are no signs of things improving any time soon.

The Sharks have allowed 3.70 goals per game over the last 10 games, more than any team except the Buffalo Sabres, who have lost every game in that span.

All the numbers suggest that San Jose’s inability to keep the puck out of the net is justified. It ranks 31st in shot suppression and 31st in penalties taken, placing heavy emphasis on penalty kills at just 73% in the last 10 games.

Pettersson ranks second on the Canucks in power play goals and has generated more scoring chances than any of his teammates. He does most of his damage on the power play.

Pettersson has scored in 33% of his home games this season, a stark contrast to his 13% away goal rate. Don’t be surprised if he finds the net on home soil.

Canucks vs Sharks odds analysis

The Canucks have strangely struggled at home, winning just six of 18 games in Vancouver so far. They are understandably the heavy favorites for a result in this game against a Sharks team who have picked up two points in just five of their 20 away games.

History tells us that this is the likely scenario – Vancouver has won nine of the last ten head-to-head meetings, including all five on home ice.

The market has moved slightly towards the over 6.0 targets and is now trading at -102 on Pinnacle after opening at +102.

Seven of the last ten games between these two teams have come to an end, with one of the three exceptions ending in a push.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Canucks vs Sharks odds

Canucks vs Sharks live odds

Canucks vs. Sharks opening odds

• Puck line: Vancouver +1.5 (-101) | San Jose +1.5 (-114)
• Money line: Vancouver -241 | San Jose +225
• Over/Under: Over 6 (+102) | Under 6 (-117)

Odds courtesy of Pinnacle.

Canucks vs Sharks trend

Elias Pettersson has a good track record against the Sharks, scoring in three of the last nine meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Sharks.

How to watch Canucks vs Sharks

Canucks vs. Sharks recent injuries

Pages on this topic