NHL Game Preview: Edmonton Oilers (23-17-8) vs. Vancouver Canucks (16-26-5)

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The Edmonton Oilers visit the Vancouver Canucks in a Pacific Division rivalry that could showcase Edmonton’s high-powered offense against a struggling Vancouver team plagued by injuries and a nine-game losing streak. With stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl driving the Oilers’ attack, Edmonton enters as heavy favorites, but Vancouver’s home crowd at Rogers Arena and desperation for a win might keep it competitive. Expect a moderate-paced game with Edmonton’s depth overwhelming Vancouver’s depleted roster, but goaltending from Connor Ingram (if starting for Edmonton) and Kevin Lankinen (for Vancouver) could limit scoring amid key absences.

Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC

Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT local time; broadcast on ESPN+, CBC, CITY, SN, TVAS)

Recent Team Forms

Edmonton has been inconsistent but strong offensively in wins, while Vancouver’s nine-game skid has seen poor defense and limited scoring.

Edmonton Oilers Last 10 Games (5-3-2 record, averaging 3.1 PPG scored, 2.6 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026vs NYIL 0-10 PTS, 36 SOG
1/13/2026@ NSHL 3-43 PTS, 31 SOG
1/12/2026@ CHIW 4-14 PTS, 37 SOG
1/10/2026vs LAL 3-4 SO3 PTS, 26 SOG
1/8/2026@ WPGW 4-34 PTS, 31 SOG
1/6/2026vs NSHW 6-26 PTS, 31 SOG
1/3/2026vs BUFW 5-15 PTS, 31 SOG
1/1/2026vs BOSL 2-62 PTS, 27 SOG
12/30/2025vs NJDL 2-32 PTS, 28 SOG
12/28/2025@ OTTW 4-14 PTS, 22 SOG

Vancouver Canucks Last 10 Games (1-7-2 record, averaging 2.1 PPG scored, 3.9 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026@ CBJL 1-41 PTS, 24 SOG
1/13/2026@ OTTL 1-31 PTS, 33 SOG
1/10/2026@ TORL 0-50 PTS, 24 SOG
1/8/2026vs BUFL 1-51 PTS, 24 SOG
1/6/2026@ BUFL 3-53 PTS, 37 SOG
1/3/2026vs BOSL 2-32 PTS, 34 SOG
1/2/2026vs SEAL 3-43 PTS, 24 SOG
12/29/2025@ SEAW 3-23 PTS, 24 SOG
12/27/2025vs SJSL 3-63 PTS, 27 SOG
12/22/2025@ PHIL 2-52 PTS, 25 SOG

Injury Report

Injuries decimate Vancouver’s lineup, forcing reliance on depth players, while Edmonton’s key loss up front could slow their attack.

Edmonton Oilers

Out: Adam Henrique (C, Undisclosed – LTIR, expected back Feb. 25)

Vancouver Canucks

Out: Thatcher Demko (G, Lower Body – IR, potentially shut down for season)

Out: Marco Rossi (C, Lower Body – IR, expected back Jan. 27)

Out: Kiefer Sherwood (LW, Undisclosed – Expected back Jan. 19- Feb. 2)

Out: Derek Forbort (D, Undisclosed – LTIR)

Out: Teddy Blueger (C, Lower Body – IR)

Out: Filip Chytil (C, Upper Body – IR)

Out: Guillaume Brisebois (D, Undisclosed – IR)

Key Player Matchups

Vancouver’s injuries shift pressure to young stars, giving Edmonton an edge in star power and depth.

Connor McDavid (EDM) vs. Quinn Hughes (VAN): McDavid’s speed and playmaking (recent 20-game point streak) vs. Hughes’ puck-moving defense; expect high-danger chances.

Leon Draisaitl (EDM) vs. Elias Pettersson (VAN): Draisaitl’s finishing (recent multi-point games) challenges Pettersson’s two-way play amid Vancouver’s center shortages.

Evan Bouchard (EDM) vs. Brock Boeser (VAN): Bouchard’s offensive blue line vs. Boeser’s shot volume (recent slump-breaking goal); power-play battles key.

Overall Edge: Oilers’ health and form provide a clear advantage, but Canucks’ desperation and home crowd could force turnovers.

Series History

Edmonton holds a strong all-time edge, but Vancouver has been competitive in recent regular-season meetings.

All-Time Record: Oilers lead 157-123-18 in 298 regular-season games (Oilers 91-52-6 in Vancouver)

m.aiscore.com +2

Recent Meetings: Canucks won the last on 10/26/2025 (4-3 OT). In the last 20 games: Canucks 10-9-1 (average score: VAN 3.1, EDM 3.0)

At Rogers Arena: Canucks have won 4 of the last 7 home games vs. Oilers

Betting Trends

Oilers: 1-6 in last 7 as road favorites of -151 to -200; 4-0 in last 4 in 4-in-6 situations

Canucks: 0-4 in last 4 as underdogs of +201 or greater; 2-3 in last 5

O/U Trends:

Oilers: Over in 5-1 in last 6 Saturday games; Under in 4-0-1 in last 5 as road underdogs of +201 or greater

Canucks: Over in 5-2 in last 7 as favorites

Game Odds

Edmonton Oilers              – 180

Vancouver Canucks         6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 16, 2026