NHL Game Preview: New Jersey Devils (26-22-2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (17-28-5)

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The New Jersey Devils travel to Vancouver for an interconference matchup against the Canucks on Friday, January 23, 2026. The Devils, sitting fourth in the Metropolitan Division, aim to rebound from a recent overtime loss and capitalize on their strong offensive core to extend a four-game point streak on the road. The Canucks, mired in a disappointing season and last in the Pacific Division, look to snap a three-game home losing streak amid defensive struggles and goaltending inconsistencies. This is the second and final meeting of the season, with New Jersey winning the first 4-2 in Newark on November 14, 2025, thanks to a multi-point night from Jack Hughes.

Venue Location

Rogers Arena
Vancouver, BC
Capacity: 18,910
(Opened in 1995, this downtown venue is home to the Canucks and known for its intimate seating and vibrant atmosphere, with fans creating a “Green Men” tradition that energizes the team during key moments.)

Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: SN (Canucks local), MSGSN (Devils local), NHL Network (national select markets)
Radio: Sportsnet 650 (Vancouver), WFAN 101.9 FM (New Jersey)

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with absences that could impact lineups, with New Jersey missing defensive depth and Vancouver struggling with forward injuries.

New Jersey Devils:

Timo Meier (RW): Out (Lower body; IR, expected return early February)

Dougie Hamilton (D): Questionable (Upper body; limited in practice)

Curtis Lazar (C): Game-time decision (Illness)

Nathan Bastian (RW): Out (Shoulder; out indefinitely)

Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are healthy and expected to center the top lines. Vitek Vanecek is probable to start in goal.

Vancouver Canucks:

Brock Boeser (RW): Out (Concussion; IR, expected return mid-February)

Elias Pettersson (C): Probable (Lower body; cleared but monitored)

Dakota Joshua (LW): Game-time decision (Undisclosed)

Phillip Di Giuseppe (LW): Out (Personal reasons; indefinite)

Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller remain available to lead the defense and forward groups. Jacob Markstrom is expected to start in net.

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights a family affair with the Hughes brothers, alongside veteran scoring vs. young talent in a matchup of speed and physicality.

Jack Hughes (NJ) vs. Quinn Hughes (VAN): Brother vs. brother. Jack (25G, 35A) leads the Devils in points with his elite speed and playmaking, potentially exploiting Vancouver’s 25th-ranked defense. Quinn (10G, 40A) anchors the Canucks’ blue line with puck-moving prowess, aiming to contain his sibling’s rushes.

Nico Hischier (NJ) vs. J.T. Miller (VAN): Captain vs. leader. Hischier (20G, 28A) brings two-way play and faceoff dominance (54.2%), facing Miller (18G, 30A), Vancouver’s top center who’s physical in the dots but inconsistent defensively.

Jesper Bratt (NJ) vs. Filip Hronek (VAN): Wing vs. defenseman. Bratt (22G, 32A) uses his shot and agility to generate offense, challenging Hronek’s steady pairing with Quinn Hughes for containment.

Luke Hughes (NJ) vs. Conor Garland (VAN): Young D vs. agitator. Luke (8G, 25A) adds offensive punch from the blue line, but Garland’s pesky forecheck could disrupt New Jersey’s transitions.

Other notes: New Jersey’s power play (22.0%, 14th) vs. Vancouver’s penalty kill (78.4%, 20th) could be key. The Canucks’ home rebounding edge may neutralize the Devils’ speed.

Team Rankings

CategoryDevils Rank (League)Canucks Rank (League)
Goals Per Game3.16 (12th)2.70 (26th)
Goals Against Per Game3.00 (15th)3.40 (26th)
Power Play %22.0% (14th)18.6% (19th)
Penalty Kill %80.5% (16th)78.4% (20th)
Shots Per Game30.8 (12th)28.4 (24th)
Faceoff %51.2% (10th)49.8% (18th)

Recent Team Forms

New Jersey has been competitive but inconsistent, while Vancouver’s form reflects their rebuilding struggles.

New Jersey Devils (Last 10 Games: 5-4-1)
The Devils have earned points in seven of their last 10, including a 4-3 OT loss to Boston (Jan. 21). They’ve averaged 3.2 GPG but allowed 3.1, with strong special teams in wins.

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Performer
Jan. 21vs. BOSL (OT)3-4J. Hughes: 1G, 2A
Jan. 19@ NYRW3-2Hischier: 2G
Jan. 18vs. NYIL2-4Bratt: 1G, 1A
Jan. 16@ PITW (SO)3-2Vanecek: 30 saves
Jan. 14vs. OTTW5-3J. Hughes: 2G, 1A
Jan. 11@ BUFL1-3Hischier: 1G
Jan. 9vs. CARW4-2Bratt: 2G
Jan. 7@ WSHL (OT)3-4J. Hughes: 2G
Jan. 5vs. TBLW3-1Vanecek: 28 saves
Jan. 3@ FLAL2-5Bratt: 1G, 1A

Vancouver Canucks (Last 10 Games: 3-6-1)
The Canucks have dropped six of their last 10, including a 2-4 home loss to Seattle (Jan. 21). They’ve struggled defensively, allowing 3.5 GPG while scoring 2.6.

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Performer
Jan. 21vs. SEAL2-4Q. Hughes: 1G, 1A
Jan. 19vs. CGYW3-2Miller: 2G
Jan. 18@ CGYL1-3Pettersson: 1G
Jan. 16vs. ARIL2-3Markstrom: 25 saves
Jan. 14@ EDMW (OT)4-3Q. Hughes: 1G, 2A
Jan. 11vs. LAKL1-4Miller: 1G
Jan. 9@ ANAW5-3Pettersson: 2G
Jan. 7vs. SJSL (SO)2-3Q. Hughes: 2A
Jan. 5@ VGKL2-4Miller: 1G, 1A
Jan. 3vs. ARIL1-2Markstrom: 28 saves

Series History

New Jersey leads the all-time series 50-45-8 in 103 regular-season games. The Devils have won 3 of the last 5 meetings, including this season’s 4-2 victory. Trends: The under has hit in 4 of the last 6 games, averaging 5.8 total goals.

DateLocationResultScorePuck Line Covered?
Nov. 14, 2025New JerseyNJ Win4-2NJ -1.5
Mar. 5, 2025VancouverVAN Win3-2VAN +1.5
Nov. 16, 2024New JerseyNJ Win5-3NJ -1.5
Mar. 10, 2024VancouverVAN Win4-3 (OT)NJ +1.5
Nov. 9, 2023New JerseyNJ Win5-2NJ -1.5

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Devils 25-25 (50% cover rate); Canucks 20-30 (40% cover rate). New Jersey is 5-5 ATS in last 10, Vancouver 3-7 ATS. Over/Under (O/U): Devils games hit over 26-24 (52%); Canucks 23-27 (46%). Last 10 Canucks games average 5.6 total goals. Moneyline (ML): Devils 20-22 as favorites (48% win rate); Canucks 8-20 as underdogs. Vancouver is 10-16 straight-up at home. Recent Trends: Devils 4-3 SU last 7 road games; 5-5 ATS vs. West. Canucks 2-8 SU last 10 vs. East; under in 6 of last 10 home games.

New Jersey’s better record (26-22-2 vs. 17-28-5) and 5-4-1 last 10 give them a 60% win probability. Vancouver’s home struggles and injuries favor the road team. Vancouver covers 40% of puck lines but keeps games close at home (10-16 SU). Devils are 5-5 ATS recently; expect a tight contest. Both trend under (NJ 24 unders, VAN 27 unders); last five meetings averaged 5.8 goals. Defensive focus and goaltending push under.

Game Odds

New Jersey Devils            – 155

Vancouver Canucks         5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 22, 2026