The Vancouver Canucks are set to take on the Seattle Kraken on Friday, January 2, 2026, in what will be the second matchup of the season between the two Pacific Division rivals. Their last encounter on December 29, 2025, concluded in a dramatic 3-2 shootout win for the Canucks.
As both teams have struggled with offensive production, this game is anticipated to be a goaltending duel. The Canucks, following the departure of former captain Quinn Hughes, have seen contributions from several key players stepping up in his absence. Vancouver currently ranks 25th in the NHL for goals scored, while the Kraken sit close behind with the third-lowest rate of goal production in the league.
In this highly competitive matchup, goaltenders Philipp Grubauer of the Kraken and Thatcher Demko of the Canucks are expected to play pivotal roles. Grubauer carries a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.32 and a save percentage of .920, while Demko has a GAA of 2.72 and a save percentage of .907.
In light of recent games where both teams failed to exceed offensive expectations, the best bet for this matchup is projected to be the under 5.5 total goals, which has proven successful in their previous meetings.
Defensively, Vancouver’s Tyler Myers stands out, having blocked 75 shots this season, which leads his team. Notably, he averages the third-most ice time among defensemen and has hit the Over in four of his last five games. His performance is crucial as the Canucks’ backline manages the increased responsibilities in the wake of Hughes’ absence.
Another key player for Vancouver, Kiefer Sherwood, has been making headlines with 16 goals and 184 hits, ranking him second on the team in shots on goal. He has also hit the Over in his past four games, showcasing his reliability as a player during a challenging season for the team.
The Kraken have been strong in their recent head-to-head performances, winning seven of the last ten matchups, and two of the Canucks’ three victories against them have come in extra time.
The upcoming game will be held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, with a puck drop scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the action live on KHN and SNP. With both teams looking to establish dominance, this matchup promises to deliver an intense night of hockey.