NHL: Canucks vs Knights Puck Line Preview
Vegas Can Solidify Spot as Legit Contender, Canucks Closer to Division Crown
The Vancouver Canucks (46-20-8, 100 points) are hoping to put the finishing touches on what would be their first Pacific Division title since the 2012-2013 season when they were swept out of the playoffs by the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks own a six-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers with eight games to play in the current NHL playoff standings.
The Vegas Golden Knights (41-25-8, 90 points) have an outside shot at catching the Edmonton Oilers for second in the Pacific Division while keeping an eye on the Los Angeles Kings who trail VGK by three points with a game in hand.
Welcome to playoff hockey before the playoffs. NHL betting odds show the Knights as a -130 favorite with a total of 5.5 (over -120). The puck is scheduled to drop at 10:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. PT and can be seen on SCRIPPS from T-Mobile Arena. Let’s start our Canucks vs Knights puck line preview starting with the visitors.
Canucks vs Knights 
Location: T-Mobile Arena
Day/Time:
Streaming: SCRIPPS
Perceived Lack of Respect for Canucks
Some in the Vancouver media have talked about a lack of respect for the Canucks as they head towards the postseason. We always thought this kind of talk was a little self-serving because ultimately it doesn’t matter how much publicity a team or player gets as long as they win in the playoffs. We could be guilty of overlooking Vancouver, but we have them at ninth in our NHL power ratings (4th in the West).
A quick look at the NHL stats page will tell you why we don’t think of them the way we do the Colorado Avalanche or Edmonton Oilers. We know they have a terrific top six with Elias Pettersson (33-51-84) and Brock Boeser (38-31-69) anchoring their first line and J.T. Miller (35-59-94) centering the second. The problem comes when the postseason starts and Rick Tocchet starts leaning on his stars more because of a lack of production from his bottom six.
Then there is the question of how strong Vancouver will be in the net with Thatcher Demko placed on LTIR. Demmo is dealing with a knee injury and is expected to return for the playoffs but will he be 100%? Casey DeSmith (11-7-6, 2.71, .900) is projected to get the start tonight while Arturs Silovs (1-0, 2.00, .909) backs up.
Knights Gaining Momentum After OT Win
For coach Bruce Cassidy, all you want is for your team to peak at the right time, and after a 2-1 overtime win at Minnesota, you could say Vegas is right where they want to be. The Knights collected points for the sixth straight game and nine of their last 11. More help could be coming with newly acquired Tomas Hertl (15-19-34) skating in a red non-contact jersey at practice on Monday.
Cassidy said that when Hertl is added to the line-up he will be on the wing for now. If you’re waiting for a possibility of a suspension to Jack Eichel after spearing Kirill Kaprizov, you can count on the veteran playing in this one. You can bet that the league will review the incident, because they review all game misconducts, and there is a possibility of a suspension, but as of now don’t load up on Vancouver because it’s likely Eichel will receive a fine.
Vegas has some work to do as far as bettors are concerned because this season (-2.25 units) hasn’t nearly been as good as last (+17.20 units) and most of that is because of an 18-20 (-4.67) mark on the road. At home, Vegas has been a strong play with a 23-13 record (+2.42 units).
Total and Puck Line Could Provide a Bankroll Boost
The Vancouver Canucks have scored six times in their last three games and the Knights are a team that has allowed one goal five times in their last eight games, yet we’re looking at juice on the over. A peculiar move not only because of recent form but head to head these two clubs have cashed three under in their last four games including both meetings this season.
We suggest the over is the side here with both NHL teams desperate for two points. We can easily see a situation where a team pulls their goaltender earlier than normal which could result in a few empty net goals. The Knights are +205 on the puck line which could fit in nicely with an over wager. That does it for today’s Canucks vs Knights puck line preview, we wish you all the best with your NHL picks and parlays tonight.
Check out all the updated odds to win Stanley Cup and more right here at Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
