Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 19,070 for hockey games and has been the home of the Buffalo Sabres since 1996, known for its passionate fanbase and historical significance in hosting memorable NHL moments.
Recent Team Forms
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks are reeling, entering on a four-game losing streak and going 1-9 in their last 10, with defensive lapses and injuries compounding issues.
Their last five games:
Jan 3, 2026: L 2-3 vs. Boston Bruins (outshot 35-28; failed to capitalize on power plays).
Dec 31, 2025: L 3-6 vs. Philadelphia Flyers (collapsed in third period; Rossi injured).
Dec 29, 2025: L 1-4 at Seattle Kraken (poor offensive output; held to 22 shots).
Dec 27, 2025: L 2-5 vs. Edmonton Oilers (allowed three power-play goals).
Dec 25, 2025: W 4-3 OT vs. Calgary Flames (gritty comeback; Pettersson game-winner). Overall form: L-L-L-L-W, with a -8 goal differential in the last five. Road form is dismal (5-11-3), averaging 2.4 goals per game while allowing 3.8. Season stats: 2.85 GPG (24th), 3.42 GAA (28th), 44.2 shots against per game (30th).
Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres had their 10-game win streak snapped but remain competitive, going 8-2 in their last 10 with solid goaltending and balanced scoring.
Their last five games:
Jan 3, 2026: L 1-5 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (outshot 37-26; defensive breakdowns ended streak).
Dec 31, 2025: W 4-2 at New York Islanders (strong third period; Dahlin two assists).
Dec 29, 2025: W 3-1 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Levi 32 saves; stifled high-powered offense).
Dec 27, 2025: W 5-3 at Ottawa Senators (power-play efficiency; three goals on special teams).
Dec 23, 2025: W 4-3 OT vs. Detroit Red Wings (comeback win; Thompson OT hero). Overall form: L-W-W-W-W, with a +4 goal differential in the last five. Home form is strong (12-6-2), averaging 3.2 GPG while allowing 2.8. Season stats: 3.15 GPG (14th), 2.95 GAA (12th), +0.8 shot differential per game.
Series History
The Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres, both 1970 expansion teams, have met 140 times in the regular season, with Vancouver holding a 60-67-13 edge (including a 25-37-6 road record).
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Buffalo leads all-time in goals 464-449. Recent history favors Vancouver, who are 5-4-1 in the last 10 meetings, including a 3-2 win on December 11, 2025.
The Sabres have won 4 of the last 7 at home, but Vancouver has covered in 3 of the last 5 overall. Games trend under the total (7 of last 10 under 6.5 goals), averaging 5.2 combined goals. No playoff meetings in history.
Injury Report
Vancouver Canucks:
Marco Rossi (F): Out (lower-body; placed on IR January 2, expected to miss at least a week).
Conor Garland (F): Out (undisclosed; out at least a week, last played December 31).
Derek Forbort (D): Out (LTIR; lower-body since October).
Brock Boeser (F): Questionable (upper-body; day-to-day).
Elias Pettersson (F): Questionable (undisclosed; limited in practice).
The Canucks’ forward depth is thinned, forcing reliance on young call-ups.
Buffalo Sabres:
Alex Lyon (G): Out (lower-body; expected return January 10).
Michael Kesselring (D): Day-to-day (lower-body; missed January 3 game).
Tyson Kozak (F): Day-to-day (upper-body; out since December 18).
Conor Timmins (D): Out (broken leg; out since December 18).
Jason Zucker (F): Probable (returning from suspension/activation January 6).
Buffalo’s goaltending is stable with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen starting, but blue-line depth is tested.
Key Player Matchups
This inter-conference matchup pits Vancouver’s skilled forwards against Buffalo’s physical defense. Expect a mid-paced game focused on neutral-zone battles and special teams.
Quinn Hughes (VAN, D) vs. Rasmus Dahlin (BUF, D): Hughes (elite puck-mover, 45 points) drives Vancouver’s transition against Dahlin (40 points, physical leader). Dahlin’s size could neutralize Hughes’ speed; this blueline clash decides possession.
Elias Pettersson (VAN, F) vs. Tage Thompson (BUF, F): If healthy, Pettersson (30 points) brings playmaking vs. Thompson’s scoring (25 goals). Thompson’s shot volume tests Vancouver’s weak PK; Pettersson must create in 5-on-5.
J.T. Miller (VAN, F) vs. Alex Tuch (BUF, F): Miller (versatile two-way, 35 points) matches Tuch’s speed (28 points). Tuch’s forecheck could force turnovers; Miller’s faceoff prowess (55%) edges special teams.
Thatcher Demko (VAN, G) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF, G): Demko (.905 SV%) faces a rebound test post-injury slump vs. Luukkonen’s hot streak (.915 SV% during win streak). Goaltending could decide a low-event game.
Betting Trends
Vancouver Canucks: 18-23 ATS overall (8-11 ATS away). They’ve gone 19-22 on over/under (10-9 O/U away). Trends: 1-5 SU in last 6 games, 4-2 SU in last 6 vs. Buffalo, but 1-4 ATS in last 5 road games; under in 4 of last 5 overall.
As underdogs, they’re 6-14 SU and 9-11 ATS.
Buffalo Sabres: 22-18 ATS overall (11-9 ATS home). 20-20 on over/under (10-10 O/U home). Trends: 8-2 SU in last 10 before last loss, 4-1 ATS in last 5 home games; over in 3 of last 5 vs. Western teams.
As favorites, they’re 14-6 SU and 12-8 ATS.
Head-to-Head: Vancouver 5-5 ATS in last 10 meetings; under in 7 of last 10 (average 5.2 goals). NHL trends: Home favorites like Buffalo are 58% ATS vs. sub-.500 teams; inter-conference games hit the under 55% with totals under 6.5.
Game Odds
Vancouver Canucks 6.5
Buffalo Sabres – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 5, 2026
