The Vancouver Canucks (15-17-3) face the Philadelphia Flyers (17-10-7) in an Eastern vs. Western Conference matchup that pits a surging Canucks team on a four-game winning streak against a Flyers squad looking to snap a two-game skid and leverage their strong home form. This game at Wells Fargo Center could have playoff implications for both, with Philadelphia holding a wild-card spot and Vancouver fighting to climb in the Pacific Division. Expect a focus on special teams and goaltending, as the Canucks’ recent offensive surge (averaging 3.5 goals per game in wins) meets the Flyers’ mid-pack defense, potentially leading to a tight, low-event affair if Philadelphia’s penalty kill holds firm.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This multi-purpose arena, opened in 1996, has a seating capacity of approximately 19,500 for hockey and is known for its passionate fanbase, high-definition video boards, and premium amenities.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Phil and SN-PAC, with streaming available via ESPN+.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences, with the Canucks’ forward group hit hard and the Flyers managing minor day-to-day issues that could impact depth.
Vancouver Canucks Injuries:
Elias Pettersson (C): IR (undisclosed); expected return December 30.
Teddy Blueger (C): IR (undisclosed); expected return December 27.
Filip Chytil (C): IR (undisclosed); expected return December 30.
Derek Forbort (D): LTIR (undisclosed); expected return January 10.
Philadelphia Flyers Injuries:
Christian Dvorak (C): Day-to-day (undisclosed); game-time decision for December 22.
Aleksei Kolosov (G): Day-to-day (undisclosed); game-time decision.
Tyson Foerster (RW): IR (undisclosed); expected return May 17.
Player Matchups to Watch
Injuries shift focus to star wingers and defensive pairings, with special teams potentially deciding the outcome in a projected close game.
Quinn Hughes (VAN, D) vs. Travis Konecny (PHI, RW): Hughes’ puck-moving (team-leading assists) tests Konecny’s scoring threat (20+ goals pace), key for transition play.
J.T. Miller (VAN, C) vs. Sean Couturier (PHI, C): Miller’s two-way game (point-per-game) faces Couturier’s shutdown role, dictating faceoffs and neutral-zone battles.
Brock Boeser (VAN, RW) vs. Nick Seeler (PHI, D): Boeser’s shot volume exploits Seeler’s physicality, potentially creating power-play opportunities.
Filip Hronek (VAN, D) vs. Joel Farabee (PHI, LW): Hronek’s mobility vs. Farabee’s speed, crucial for odd-man rushes amid absences.
Thatcher Demko (VAN, G) vs. Samuel Ersson (PHI, G): Demko’s athleticism vs. Ersson’s consistency, a goaltending duel if Kolosov sits.
Team Records
Vancouver Canucks: 15-17-3 (33 points), mid-pack in the Pacific Division with an 11-7-2 road record.
Philadelphia Flyers: 17-10-7 (41 points), strong in the Metropolitan Division with a 10-5-4 home record.
Recent Team Forms
Vancouver enters hot with four straight wins, while Philadelphia has struggled recently but shows resilience at home.
Vancouver Canucks (Last 5 Games): Averaging 3.4 goals scored and 1.8 allowed, showcasing defensive improvements. Form: W-W-W-W-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. BOS | W 5-4 (SO) |
| Dec 19 | @ NYI | W 4-1 |
| Dec 16 | @ NYR | W 3-0 |
| Dec 14 | @ NJ | W 2-1 |
| Dec 11 | vs. BUF | L 2-3 |
Philadelphia Flyers (Last 5 Games): Averaging 3.0 goals scored and 3.8 allowed, with special teams lapses in losses. Form: L-L-W-L-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | @ NYR | L 4-5 (SO) |
| Dec 18 | @ BUF | L 3-5 |
| Dec 16 | @ MTL | W 4-1 |
| Dec 14 | @ CAR | L 2-3 (SO) |
| Dec 13 | vs. CAR | L 3-4 (SO) |
Series History
The Philadelphia Flyers lead the all-time series 82-39-13-2 against the Vancouver Canucks in 136 games (regular season and playoffs), with a 64.2% win rate. At home, Philadelphia is 45-23-1. Recent trends show balance, with the Flyers winning 3 of the last 5 meetings, including a 4-3 victory on October 11, 2024. Games average 5.8 combined goals, trending over in high-output contests but under in defensive duels.
Betting Trends
Trends: Flyers are 3-2 in their last five but 2-3 against the spread at home. Canucks are 4-1 in their last five and 4-1 against the spread as road underdogs. The over has hit in 22 of Canucks’ 35 games and 18 of Flyers’ contests this season. Canucks have lost their last four night games, while Flyers have won seven of their last eight following a shootout loss.
Game Odds
Vancouver Canucks 5.5
Philadelphia Flyers – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
