NHL Game Preview: San Jose Sharks (26-21-3) vs. Vancouver Canucks (17-30-8)

0
20
Vancouver Canucks logo

The San Jose Sharks (26-21-3) face the Vancouver Canucks (17-30-8) in a Pacific Division matchup as the Sharks look to continue their push toward playoff contention against a rebuilding Canucks squad mired at the bottom of the standings. San Jose has shown offensive flair with young talents leading the charge, while Vancouver struggles with consistency and injuries, making this a potential opportunity for the Sharks to extend their recent success on the road. Expect a game where San Jose’s speed tests Vancouver’s depleted defense, possibly leading to an uneven contest.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. This 18,910-capacity venue has been the Canucks’ home since 1995 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere during Pacific Division rivalries.

Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT).

Recent Team Forms

The Sharks have been competitive, going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games with a +5 goal differential. They’ve won four of their last five, including a 3-1 victory over the Rangers in their most recent outing, showcasing strong goaltending and opportunistic scoring. San Jose averages 3.3 goals per game in this stretch while allowing 2.8, with a solid 4-2-1 road record lately.

The Canucks are in a rough patch, posting a 2-6-2 record in their last 10 games with a -10 goal differential. They’ve lost five straight, including a 3-2 defeat to New Jersey, highlighting defensive breakdowns and offensive droughts. Vancouver averages 2.4 goals per game recently while conceding 3.4, with home form offering little relief (8-15-3 at Rogers Arena).

TeamLast 10 RecordGoals For (Avg)Goals Against (Avg)Streak
San Jose Sharks6-3-13.32.8W4
Vancouver Canucks2-6-22.43.4L5

Injury Report

Injuries are a major factor, especially for the Canucks, who are missing key contributors on both ends, potentially exposing them to San Jose’s attack.

San Jose Sharks:

Ty Dellandrea (F, lower body): On IR since January 6; no clear return timeline, impacting forward depth.

Collin Graf (F): Left practice early January 4; status uncertain, possible day-to-day.

Shakir Mukhamadullin (D), John Klingberg (D), Vincent Desharnais (D): Various issues; Klingberg returned to practice, but others may be limited or out.

Overall: Multiple defensemen questionable, but core forwards like Celebrini remain healthy.

Vancouver Canucks:

Brock Boeser (F): On IR (retroactive to January 25) after injury in loss to New Jersey; week-to-week.

Zeev Buium (D): On IR (retroactive to January 25); expected out at least a week.

Marco Rossi (C, lower body): On IR since January 12; sidelined 2-3 more weeks, missing this game.

Thatcher Demko (G): On IR since January 19; goaltending depth tested.

Tom Willander (D): Questionable after January 25 issue.

Overall: Significant absences in forwards and defense, forcing reliance on call-ups.

Key

Player Matchups

This Pacific clash highlights youth vs. experience, with San Jose’s emerging stars challenging Vancouver’s remaining core amid injuries.

Macklin Celebrini (Sharks F) vs. Elias Pettersson (Canucks F): Celebrini, fresh off a two-goal performance, brings speed and scoring (noted in recent games) against Pettersson’s playmaking (13 goals, 18 assists). This could decide offensive control.

Will Smith (Sharks F) vs. Quinn Hughes (Canucks D): Smith’s creativity on the wing tests Hughes’ puck-moving ability; Hughes must contain San Jose’s rushes without full defensive support.

Fabian Zetterlund (Sharks F) vs. J.T. Miller (Canucks C): Physical centers; Zetterlund’s grit vs. Miller’s leadership in faceoffs and two-way play.

Goaltending: Yaroslav Askarov (Sharks) vs. Arturs Silovs (Canucks): Askarov has been reliable in wins; Silovs steps in with Demko out, facing pressure from Sharks’ shots.

Key X-Factor: Tyler Toffoli (Sharks F) could exploit Vancouver’s weakened blue line with his veteran scoring touch.

Series History

The Canucks lead the all-time series 76-67-9-3 in 155 meetings (49.0% win rate for Vancouver).  

Recently, Vancouver has dominated, going 7-3-0 in the last 10 games.

The average total goals in those matchups is 5.9, with unders hitting in four of the last five. At Rogers Arena, Canucks are 37-? vs. Sharks (home edge).

Last 5 Head-to-Head GamesDateResultTotal Goals
Sharks @ Canucks12/27/2025Sharks 4-37
Canucks @ Sharks11/20/2025Canucks 3-14
Sharks @ Canucks11/02/2025Canucks 5-27
Canucks @ Sharks03/15/2025Canucks 4-26
Sharks @ Canucks12/10/2024Canucks 3-2 (OT)5

Betting Trends

Moneyline: San Jose has won 60% of games as road favorites this season.

Puck Line: Sharks -1.5 (+200), Canucks +1.5 (-240). Sharks are 15-12 ATS on the road; Canucks 12-16 ATS at home.

Over/Under: 6.5 (Over -110, Under -110). The over has hit in 5 of the last 10 head-to-heads but under in 6 of Canucks’ last 10 games.

Trends: Sharks are 4-1 in last 5 road games; Canucks 2-3 in last 5 overall but 3-2 ATS as underdogs. Models give Sharks a 55% win probability.

Game Odds

San Jose Sharks                – 125

Vancouver Canucks         6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026