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NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames, March 28th
Main Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames, March 28th

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports  |  By Marcus Yu  |  Last updated Mar 28, 2026 7:50 AM ET

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 Vancouver Canucks against the Calgary Flames. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions with Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames

2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 1-1 Calgary

Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

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

Location: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia

The Vancouver Canucks begin a stretch of four road games in six nights, starting with a matchup against the Calgary Flames. Vancouver sits at 21-42-8 after 71 games, with 50 points, while Calgary sits at 30-34-8 after 72 games, with 68 points. This is the third and final meeting between the two teams. Calgary won their last meeting, 5-2, on November 23rd.

The Canucks Story

Vancouver is coming off an ugly 4-0 loss against the Los Angeles Kings, getting outshot 38-19. It was a frustrating game, with defencemen being caught out on long shifts on a regular basis, and hemmed in their own zone. It ended with young defender Zeev Buium getting involved in a fight with Brandt Clarke in the final minutes of the game. While it did not show up on the scoreboard, Canucks fans should be happy about a bit of physical pushback from a frustrated team.

Head coach Adam Foote‘s player deployment has been questionable throughout the season, but with the team eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention, it is surprising that young players have not been given time to play. Victor Mancini, who was re-signed last week, has been healthy scratched for two games in a row in favour of Pierre-Olivier Joseph. Kevin Lankinen has started in five consecutive games, meaning that it has been two weeks since the 25-year-old netminder Nikita Tolopilo has gotten any action. After Evander Kane hits 1000 games, you have to wonder if more young forwards, such as Curtis Douglas and Nils Hoglander, will be in the lineup more consistently.

The Flames Story

Calgary has found more success lately, being 4-0-1 in their last five games. They have played spoiler for teams in the playoff chase, and could be a reason why some teams end up missing the playoffs. However, they remain in last place in the NHL in goals scored per game, even behind the Canucks. Goaltenders Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley have had decent seasons as well. While they are out of the playoff hunt, the team is enjoying itself, playing a physical, balanced brand of hockey.

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.

For Vancouver, it feels like a matter of time before Nikita Tolopilo gets the start, so he may get it tonight. In 15 games this season, he has a 5-6-2 record, a 3.34 goals-against average, and an .892 save percentage. Kevin Lankinen has started in the last five games.

Calgary will likely start Dustin Wolf in the net. In 51 games this season, he has a 21-25-3 record, a 2.95 goals-against average, and an .898 save percentage.

Prediction and Best Bets

These are two teams that are anemic in the scoring department and out of playoff contention, so expect a bit of a slow, sloppy game. With these two teams going in different directions with their recent results, we believe the Flames will come out victorious.

Prediction: Flames win 4-2.

Best Bets

To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For Vancouver, we will pick Jake DeBrusk to score a goal. On the Flames’ side, we will pick Morgan Frost to bury one.

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This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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