Red Wings vs Canucks Prediction 1/8/26 NHL Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Red Wings vs Canucks prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 8th at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Detroit Red Wings Betting Preview

The Detroit Red Wings are 25-15-4 this season after they defeated Ottawa by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Detroit had their lead cut to 3-2 and 4-3, but they added a shorthanded goal in the third to seal the win. The Red Wings were out shot by a total of 37-21, won 41.3% of the face-offs, and went 1-5 on the power play in the game. Detroit got goals from Copp, Larkin, Rasmussen, Raymond, and van Riemsdyk, while Gibson stopped 34 out of 37 shots, which was a .919 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Detroit lost to the Penguins in back to back games by scores of 4-1 and 4-3. The Red Wings have won three of their last five games and they are currently third in the Atlantic standings with 54 points. Detroit has scored 3.05 goals per game and they have allowed 3.16 goals against per game, while also going 24.6% on the power play and 80.7% on the penalty kill this season. Lucas Raymond has led Detroit with 12 goals and 33 assists, while Alex DeBrincat has added 22 goals and 21 assists. The projected starting goalie for Detroit is John Gibson, who is 14-9-1 with a 2.94 goals against average and an .897 save percentage this season. 

Vancouver Canucks Betting Preview

The Vancouver Canucks are 16-21-5 this year after they lost to Buffalo by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Vancouver cut the deficit from 4-0 to 4-3 in the third period, but their comeback attempt fell short in the loss. The Canucks out shot Buffalo by a total of 37-20, won 46.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Vancouver got goals from DeBrusk, Ohgren, and Pettersson, while Demko stopped 15 out of 19 shots, which was a .789 save percentage.

Prior to that game, Vancouver lost to the Bruins by a score of 3-2 and the Kraken by a score of 4-3. The Canucks have lost four games in a row and they are currently last in the Pacific standings with 37 points. Vancouver has scored 2.76 goals per game and they have allowed 3.50 goals against per game, while also going 20.4% on the power play and 74.1% on the penalty kill this season. Elias Pettersson has led Vancouver with 11 goals and 15 assists, while Filip Hronek has added three goals and 23 assists. The projected starting goalie for Vancouver is Thatcher Demko, who is 8-9-1 with a 2.79 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this year. 

Why the Detroit Red Wings will win

• The Red Wings have won each of their last seven games against the Canucks following a road win.
• The Canucks have lost each of their last five games following a road loss.
• The Red Wings have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games against the Canucks following a road win.
• The Canucks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games at Little Caesars Arena.
• The Canucks have lost the second period in each of their last six games when tied after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

• Seven of the Canucks’ last eight road games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Seven of the Red Wings’ last eight games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 14 of the Red Wings’ last 15 games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in four of the Canucks’ last five road games.

Detroit Red Wings Player Prop Facts

• Dylan Larkin has scored a goal in four of the Red Wings’ last five games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
• Patrick Kane has recorded at least one assist in each of his last eight home appearances against the Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks Player Prop Facts

• Filip Hronek has recorded at least one assist in four of the Canucks’ last five games as road underdogs.
• Elias Pettersson has scored at least one goal in five of his last six appearances against Atlantic Division opponents.

Red Wings vs Canucks Prediction 

Vancouver comes into this matchup on a four game losing streak and they have allowed 18 goals during that span. The Canucks are 12-9-2 on the road this year, while the Red Wings are 14-8-1 at home. Detroit has lost two of their last three, but did get a nice road win against Ottawa in their last game. The Red Wings are the much better team in this matchup and Vancouver is dealing with a good amount of injuries, so I will take Detroit to win by at least two goals here.