Canucks vs Islanders Betting Preview

New York enters Friday playing its best stretch of hockey this season. Their 6-2-0 December run comes despite significant injuries, including the absence of Bo Horvat, who will miss his third straight game against his former club. The Islanders still generate defensive stability and timely scoring. Their structure sharpened under Patrick Roy, and their pace has improved even with limited forward depth.

Their 3-2 loss in Detroit ended a three-game winning streak. They controlled stretches but failed to extend their lead. Scoring remains their challenge. They have produced two goals or fewer in five of their last nine games. Their responsibility and detail at five-on-five keep them competitive despite the losses of Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov for the season.

Vancouver arrives in a full rebuild after a major trade last week. They dealt captain and leading scorer Quinn Hughes to Minnesota in exchange for Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and a 2026 first-round pick. The move signaled a long-term reset. Vancouver sits last in the NHL with 29 points. Their playoff hopes evaporated during a 3-9-3 slide.

The trade delivered early returns. Both Buium and Ohgren scored their first goals as Canucks, and Vancouver won back-to-back games for the first time since mid-October. Their young group brings energy, but their depth and experience remain limited. Adam Foote emphasized the emotional challenge of losing Hughes while shifting focus toward development.

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Line Movement and Odds

Islanders -210, Canucks +175
Total: 5.5 (over -115, under -105)

New York opened as a firm favorite due to their recent form and Vancouver’s rebuild.

Check updates on the NHL odds page.

Matchup Breakdown

Vancouver overview

Vancouver’s roster shift changes their identity. Rossi brings playmaking potential, Ohgren adds pace, and Buium offers mobility on the back end. They inject talent into a young core that needs repetitions. Their consistency remains the primary issue. They generate isolated scoring chances but struggle to sustain pressure.

Their defensive structure weakened after the Hughes trade. Vancouver relies on forward support and simplified zone exits. Their special teams need improvement. Their energy in recent games reflects the lift that young players often bring after joining a rebuilding lineup.

Their challenge involves handling New York’s physicality and layered defensive reads.

New York overview

New York remains disciplined. Their defensive habits and structure carry them through low-event games. Without Horvat, Palmieri and Romanov, their margin shrinks. Jonathan Drouin returned recently, easing pressure on the top six. Their forecheck drives possession when sharp. Their blue line focuses on tight gaps and controlled retrievals.

Horvat leads the team in goals and points, and his absence narrows their scoring options. Roy stresses process-driven play. Their resilience through injuries shows buy-in. Their penalty kill and shot suppression keep them competitive even when goals dry up.

Their path involves maintaining their defensive details and producing secondary scoring to support their top forwards.

Injuries

Canucks

No significant Injuries to Report

Full roster outlook available on the
Vancouver Canucks page.

Islanders

• Kyle Palmieri — Out, knee
• Alexander Romanov — Out, shoulder
• Bo Horvat — Out, ankle

Team overview available on the
New York Islanders page.

Betting Trends

• Islanders 6-2 in December
• Islanders strong to the under due to defensive structure
• Canucks 2-0 since the Hughes trade
• Canucks limited scoring depth across lineup
• Islanders struggling to reach three goals without Horvat
• Vancouver trending under given limited offensive consistency

Best Bets and Prediction

New York’s discipline and defensive stability create a controlled environment. Their structure should limit Vancouver’s young lineup. The Islanders lack finishing at times, but their depth and system give them a strong edge at home. Vancouver’s recent wins reflect energy but not sustainable form.

Projected score: Islanders 3, Canucks 1
Best Bet: Islanders -210
Total Lean: Under 5.5

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