Canucks vs. Stars NHL Odds, Picks, Predictions: Will Low-Scoring Trends Continue? (March 26)

Canucks vs. Stars Odds

The Pacific Division's fifth-place Vancouver Canucks travel to Dallas to take on the Central Division's fifth-place Stars on Saturday night. This is the second meeting between these teams this season as the Canucks won the first matchup, 6-3.

Will we see another high-scoring affair between these two teams? Or can the goaltenders step up this time around?

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks enter this contest following Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues — yet another low-scoring affair for the Canucks as they have seen six or fewer total goals scored in five of their last seven games.

The primary reason for these low-scoring games has been the stellar goaltending of Thatcher Demko, who is the projected starter in this matchup. Over his last six starts, Demko boasts an impressive 0.918 save percentage.

Demko's good play should not come as a surprise as he currently ranks fifth in the league among starting goaltenders in five-on-five goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx). Vancouver's goaltender has had to be excellent as he is getting little-to-no scoring support recently.

Over their last five games, the Canucks are averaging just 1.8 goals scored. This season, they rank just 23rd in five-on-five expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF).

Dallas Stars

Much like Vancouver, Dallas enters this matchup with a goaltender who has been playing excellent between the pipes.

Jake Oettinger, the projected starter, has found a groove in net that he should be able to continue against a cold Canucks offense. This season, he boasts a solid 0.917 save percentage and has a lot of Stars fans excited for the future of their young goaltender.

And in front of Oettinger is a very underrated blue line that could shut down Vancouver.

Dallas currently ranks 11th in the league in five-on-five expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA). I expect Dallas' blue line to help keep Vancouver in check once again, as this matchup has seen six or fewer total goals scored in eight of the last 10 meetings.

Canucks vs. Stars Pick

I am backing two excellent goaltenders to keep this game low scoring. While Dallas can certainly put the puck in the net, I trust Demko can hold his own.

On the flip side, I definitely trust Oettinger to keep a poor Vancouver offense in check.

Pick: Under 6 (-120) | Play to -130