Face-off: 2200 ET, 09/04/2022
Arena: Rogers Arena
Vancouver can’t afford any slip-ups if they are to challenge for a wildcard spot and look a solid bet to see off San Jose at Rogers Arena.
The Canucks are seeking to win a third straight head-to-head encounter this term and the Sharks arrive on a five-match winless stretch.
We’re happy to take 2.1 for the hosts to oblige in regular time in our Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks predictions.
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Vancouver Canucks Odds
Vancouver are six points behind Dallas for the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference and have played two games more than the Stars.
That means the odds are against them making the play-offs but the Canucks will keep fighting, judged on back-to-back 5-1 victories at Vegas and Arizona in midweek.
Bo Horvat scored twice against the Coyotes to become the first Vancouver player to reach 30 goals in a season since 2015.
The 27-year-old has netted 13 times in his last 15 matches and ranks alongside Connor McDavid and Austin Matthews for strike-rate over the past month.
“I’m playing with confidence and definitely feel good with the puck,” said Horvat. “At the same time, getting the wins is more important for sure.”
We secured a trio of successful selections in our match preview for the Arizona game and are ready to play up those winnings.
Vancouver are now 80-58 up in terms of third-period goals this term, whereas San Jose are 63-77 down.
Looking at the NHL odds, we like 3.3 for the Canucks to win the final section and over 1.5 goals to be scored in that stanza.
San Jose Sharks Odds
Our followers also enjoyed a clean-sweep of winning bets when San Jose were beaten 4-2 by Calgary on home ice last time out.
The Sharks have only picked up one point from their last five fixtures and must now hit the road for their next five matches.
After the Flames defeat, coach Bob Boughner said: “I always come back to the same thing, it’s tough to win games if you’re only scoring one or two.
“We’re trying to battle hard and we’re trying to get that puck-luck and get something to happen offensively.
“I thought for our line-up with some young guys we competed hard. It’s just tough to get it done.”
Giving experience to future prospects at this time of year is always worthwhile for teams out of the play-offs race.
However, it is hard for them when coming up against sides desperate to make the post-season.
Let’s add 7.0 for a home win by exactly two goals to our NHL predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
Arizona 1-5 VANCOUVER
SAN JOSE 2-4 Calgary
Season head-to-head: San Jose 4-5 Vancouver, San Jose 2-5 Vancouver
