NHL Predictions: January 3rd, Boston Bruins 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 Boston Bruins 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: Boston Bruins at Vancouver Canucks

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

How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SN, CBC, CITY, TVAS, NESN, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice

2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 1-0 Boston

Fresh off a stellar 6-2 comeback win against the Edmonton Oilers on New Year’s Eve, the Bruins look to keep the good times rolling against a battered Vancouver Canucks team on the second half of a back-to-back. The Bruins sit at 21-18-2, after 41 games, with 43 points, while the Canucks sit at 16-20-4 after 40 games, with 36 points. This marks the second and final meeting this season between these two teams, with the Canucks having won the first game, 5-4 via shootout on December 20th.

The Bruins Story

In a highly competitive Atlantic Division with the likes of the Red Wings, Lightning, Canadiens and the surging Sabres, the Bruins have fallen off the pace. With a 3-5-2 record in their last ten games, their strong start has faded away. This team was not predicted to be a Stanley Cup Playoff team to start the year, and with their recent results, signs are pointing to those predictions being true. With their goals-for and goals-against per game rate both above three, they play high-event hockey. Against a porous Canucks defence, it can be advantageous if they can score goals in transition, or off the rush. With David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie leading the way with goals, their offence has been strong. Defensively, there is still work to be done. However, against a team that struggles to score, they may get away with some mistakes.

The Canucks Story

The Canucks lineup continues to be depleted following the injuries to Conor Garland and Marco Rossi, and their depth will be tested again here. They are on the second half of a back-to-back following Thursday’s game against the Kraken. The projected starting goalie, Kevin Lankinen, has returned to form a bit, with two consecutive wins via shootout against the Bruins and Kraken. His confidence should be high after those impressive performances. As we mentioned in the previous Canucks prediction, their home record is very poor, and the Bruins will look to pounce on their opportunity to turn their season around. Can the Canucks finally get a fifth win at home and make the fans go home happy?

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.

Boston: Jeremy Swayman

Vancouver: Kevin Lankinen

NHL Prediction

Given that both teams tend to surrender goals pretty often, expect a moderately high-scoring game between these two teams. There will be ample opportunities for both teams to break through with goals. Given the Canucks are on the second game of their back-to-back, we expect the Bruins to ultimately pull through and even the season series.

Prediction: Bruins win 4-3.

Prop Bets

To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. On the Bruins side of things, count on Morgan Geekie to add to his incredible 25-goal season with another goal tonight. On the Canucks side, we will pick goal leader Kiefer Sherwood, who is due for another goal to bolster his solid season so far.

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