Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Vancouver Canucks look to hit the reset button as they open their 2025-26 season at home against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena. Vancouver enters with a new bench boss in Adam Foote and a mix of youthful energy and veteran presence. The Flames, meanwhile, come in with early momentum after Wednesday’s 4-3 shootout win over Edmonton — a statement victory to open their campaign.
Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+, with the Canucks listed as -199 favorites and the Flames at +167. The total is 6.0 goals (Over +101 / Under -122).
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Line Movement and Odds
The Canucks opened around -185 and climbed to -199 after early sharp action leaned their way, largely due to Calgary’s back-to-back scheduling. The Flames’ Wednesday night thriller against Edmonton created fatigue concerns for bettors, while Vancouver enjoys a rested, energized lineup. The total remains steady at 6.0, with 60% of tickets and 55% of money backing the Under — likely anticipating a methodical start from Foote’s revamped defense-first system.
“Great. He got better, he’s smart,” Foote said of rookie Braeden Cootes, who made the opening roster. “There might be an adjustment at times, but he’s handled it well.”


Matchup Breakdown
Calgary Flames Outlook
The Flames enter their second game in as many nights after an emotional come-from-behind win over Edmonton. Nazem Kadri scored the shootout winner, while rookie Matvei Gridin notched his first career goal in memorable fashion. Calgary showed fight and resiliency, overcoming a 3-0 deficit before securing the extra point.
Head coach Ryan Huska will likely rotate goaltenders, giving Dustin Wolf the start after Jacob Markstrom played in the opener. Wolf, who earned 29 wins and three shutouts last season, provides calm stability in net. Calgary’s offensive balance — led by Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Blake Coleman — gives them a fighting chance, but the second leg of a back-to-back could sap some of their speed late.
Vancouver Canucks Outlook
The Canucks come into this season eager to rebound from a frustrating 38-30-14 campaign that fell short of playoff expectations. New head coach Adam Foote brings a more structured, physical identity, with an emphasis on disciplined puck management and defensive integrity.
The spotlight shines brightest on Elias Pettersson, who aims to recapture his 102-point form from 2022-23 after an injury-plagued year. Veteran addition Evander Kane makes his Canucks debut, bringing scoring punch and grit to a team that needs both. Rookie Braeden Cootes adds excitement, and Quinn Hughes anchors the blue line after a 76-point season.
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen (projected starter) will be leaned upon to stabilize the crease after posting 1,213 saves last season. Vancouver also holds a strong home-ice advantage — going 22-12-7 at Rogers Arena last year — and opens with a fresher roster against a travel-weary opponent.
Injuries and Conditions
Vancouver Canucks | Calgary Flames |
---|---|
F Ilya Mikheyev – Out (lower body) | F Jakob Pelletier – Day-to-day (upper body) |
D Carson Soucy – Probable (conditioning) | D Rasmus Andersson – Probable (rest) |
F Pius Suter – Questionable (illness) | G Dustin Wolf – Expected starter |
G Kevin Lankinen – Expected starter | F Andrew Mangiapane – Out (hand) |
Vancouver Canucks Injury Report | Calgary Flames Injury Report |
Weather: Indoors at Rogers Arena — no weather impact.




Best Bets and Prediction
The Canucks’ rest advantage and newfound balance under Adam Foote should make the difference here. The Flames may struggle to sustain energy after Wednesday’s intense win over Edmonton. Expect Vancouver’s top line to dictate tempo while Lankinen anchors a controlled defensive effort.
Pick: Vancouver Canucks Moneyline (-199)
Projected Final Score: Vancouver 4, Calgary 2
Lean: Under 6.0 (-122)
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Category | Detail |
---|---|
Best Bet | Canucks ML (-199) |
Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
Projected Score | Canucks 4, Flames 2 |
Total Lean | Under 6.0 (-122) |
Market Split | 60% bets Under, 68% money Vancouver |
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