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The Vancouver Canucks (16-9-5) visit the Utah Hockey Club (14-11-5) Wednesday. Puck drop from the Delta Center is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Canucks vs. Utah odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Canucks took 2 of 3 last season when Utah was the Arizona Coyotes
The Canucks have won 2 of their past 3 contests, including a 3-1 victory as +128 home underdogs vs. the Colorado Avalanche Monday with the Under (6) cashing. LW Kiefer Sherwood scored a natural hat trick with his final tally giving Vancouver a 3-0 lead 2:35 into the third period. The Avs scored their lone goal in the final minute.
In his third game back from an injury that’s lingered since last season, 2023-24 Vezina Trophy runner-up G Thatcher Demko saved 30 of 31 shots for a tidy win, his first this season.
Utah has enjoyed its own positive run with a win in 4 of its last 5 outings. The Club notched its latest W Saturday on RW Clayton Keller’s goal with 44 seconds left in regulation to top the host San Jose Sharks 4-3. Utah cashed as a -187 favorite and the Over (6) hit.
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Canucks at Utah odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 5:20 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Canucks +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Utah -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-250) | Utah -1.5 (+195)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)
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Canucks at Utah projected goalies
Thatcher Demko (1-1-1, 3.32 GAA, .881 SV%) vs. Karel Vejmelka (6-7-2, 2.40 GAA, .915 SV%)
Demko finished fourth with a .918 SV% and fifth with a 2.45 GAA last season and looked to reclaim his starting gig after saving 30 of 31 shots Monday.
One or two Demko stumbles could eventually open the door back up for G Kevin Lankinen, though; he dazzled in Demko’s absence with a 2.52 GAA and .912 SV% in 21 games (14-4-3).
Meanwhile, Vejmelka is the main reason UHC isn’t a complete pushover in its first season under its new identity.
The Czech sits eighth in the league in GAA and tied for ninth in SV%. His win-loss record more directly reflects the scoring ineptitude in front of him than his own shortcomings.
In 7 games since his last regulation loss Nov. 24, Vejmelka boasts a 2.57 GAA with a 4-2-1 line, despite underperforming with an .897 SV%.
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Canucks at Utah picks and predictions
Prediction
Canucks 3, Utah 2
Moneyline
This line has shifted a bit since Tuesday night when both clubs were -110.
The Canucks have crushed it as visitors this season (10-2-1), while Utah (4-5-3) has not held home ice well in its Beehive State debut season.
Go with the resurgent Demko to back the road warriors.
BET CANUCKS (+100).
Puck line/Against the spread
Given the goaltending matchup, only a late empty-netter would likely separate this game by 2 goals.
Of course, the market already accounts for how close this matchup should be. Don’t pay the tax.
PASS.
Over/Under
Side with the sturdy goaltending, which has helped keep Utah afloat even with offensive shortcomings and should hold up regardless of who minds the net for the Canucks.
The Hockey Club is 12-15-3 on the Over/Under, while Vancouver hovers at .500 (16-13-1).
BET UNDER 6 (-120).
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