NHL Predictions: February 25th, Winnipeg Jets at Vancouver Canucks

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Vancouver Canucks. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Winnipeg Jets at Vancouver Canucks

2025-2026 Season Series: Winnipeg 1-0 Vancouver

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 7:00 p.m. Pacific

How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SNP, TSN3, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice

Location: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia

The Vancouver Canucks begin their post-Olympic campaign with a clash against Olympic Gold winner Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets. Vancouver sits at 18-33-6 after 57 games, with 42 points, while Winnipeg sits at 22-26-8 after 56 games, with 52 points. This marks the first of three meetings between these two teams. In their last meeting, Winnipeg beat Vancouver, 5-3, on November 11th.

The Jets Story

Winnipeg has had a disappointing season to say the least, as they sit 11 points out of the playoffs. It has been quite the baffling season for them, as they are on pace to finish with only 76 points. That would be a 40-point drop from last season, when they won the Presidents’ Trophy. At least, they can be proud of their goaltender, Hellebuyck, for coming back with Olympic Gold at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

In more unfortunate news for the Jets, they will be without their top defenceman, Josh Morrissey, for some time. Head Coach Scott Arniel said that Morrissey will meet with doctors upon his return to the team to evaluate next steps. Morrissey had not missed a regular-season game so far this season, with 42 points in 56 games.

The Canucks Story

For Vancouver, they are simply playing out the string. 25 games to go, and it will likely be a slog to watch them on a regular basis. With the season all but lost in terms of playoff hopes, it would be in the franchise’s best interest to stay in last place in the NHL for the best odds at picking first in the upcoming draft. The more exciting developments that could arise in the coming week or two will be the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline and the potential moves they will make.

Vancouver will get some bodies back, with Marco Rossi and Zeev Buium returning to the lineup after their injuries. Unfortunately, Filip Chytil will continue to miss time after a terrible accident during practice, which fractured his facial bone.

Starting Goalies

Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.

Winnipeg will likely start Eric Comrie in net, giving a much-deserved break for Hellebuyck. Comrie has a record of 9-9-1, a 3.07 goals-against average, and an .892 save percentage.

For Vancouver, we expect Nikita Tolopilo to get the start. Kevin Lankinen‘s return has been delayed due to an Eastern snowstorm, so he will likely not dress for this game. In nine games this season, Tolopilo has a record of 3-3-1, a 3.10 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage.

Prediction and Best Bets

Both teams have had middling numbers, but the Jets have the advantage offensively, with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor driving play. They should be able to take advantage of a poor Canucks defence to lead them to victory.

Prediction: Jets win 4-2.

Best Bets

To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Jets, we will pick Connor to score a goal. On the Canucks side, Jake DeBrusk will be our pick to pot one.

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