Vancouver-canucks vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

Lightning Look to Test Potent Offense Against Resilient Canucks

The Tampa Bay Lightning (15-7-2) begin the second leg of their four-game Western road trip with a matchup against the Vancouver Canucks (14-8-2) on Saturday afternoon. Bolstered by an explosive offense that ranks second in the NHL in goals per game, the Lightning aim to maintain their momentum following an 8-1 demolition of the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

Lightning’s Offensive Surge

Tampa Bay has displayed incredible scoring prowess this season, averaging 3.92 goals per game — trailing only the Washington Capitals. Thursday’s dominant win against San Jose featured five first-period goals, matching the team’s season-high for goals in a game.

“It’s always good to go on the road on a positive note,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “But I also think you’ve got to turn the page … This will be a good test for us.”

The Lightning’s offense has been driven by depth and versatility. In the first meeting between these teams on Oct. 15, Tampa Bay earned a 4-1 victory, with Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, and Anthony Cirelli each contributing a goal and an assist.

Key Players for Tampa Bay

• Brayden Point: A consistent scoring threat, Point has been pivotal in driving the Lightning’s attack.
• Nikita Kucherov: Although Kucherov has missed the past two games with an undisclosed injury, his return could provide a significant boost.
• Andrei Vasilevskiy: After an easy outing against San Jose, Vasilevskiy’s confidence will be critical against Vancouver’s opportunistic offense.

Canucks Find Their Groove

Despite an early-season stumble, the Canucks have rebounded impressively, going 14-6-2 since their loss to Tampa Bay. They’re coming off a 5-2 comeback victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, marking their ninth win in 15 games where they’ve allowed the first goal.

“Something just clicks, and we start winning our puck battles and playing our style of hockey,” said forward Brock Boeser, who scored his 400th NHL point in Friday’s game.

Vancouver’s recent success can be attributed to their balanced scoring and ability to adapt mid-game. However, slow starts remain a concern for coach Rick Tocchet, as his team has frequently played from behind.

Key Players for Vancouver

• Brock Boeser: The forward is in excellent form, sparking rallies and reaching milestones in what has been a standout season.
• Thatcher Demko: Returning as the backup for Friday’s game, Demko’s availability could strengthen Vancouver’s goaltending depth.
• Elias Pettersson: As one of the team’s top scorers, Pettersson’s creativity and scoring ability will be crucial in breaking through Tampa Bay’s defense.

Key Matchup: Tampa Bay’s Firepower vs. Vancouver’s Resilience

The Lightning’s high-scoring offense will test Vancouver’s ability to overcome defensive lapses and slow starts. Tampa Bay has thrived on fast starts, and a repeat of their early dominance could overwhelm a Canucks team that has repeatedly dug itself into early holes.

Vancouver, however, has shown an impressive ability to adjust, boasting a 9-5-1 record in games where they’ve allowed the first goal.

Check out NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions for detailed insights and analysis.

What’s at Stake?

For Tampa Bay, this game serves as a litmus test for sustaining offensive consistency on the road. A win would bolster their confidence as they head deeper into their Western swing against Edmonton, Calgary, and Seattle.

For Vancouver, continuing their hot streak and proving they can contend with elite offensive teams will solidify their status as a playoff contender in the Pacific Division.

Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-intensity battle between two teams with contrasting styles: Tampa Bay’s offensive firepower versus Vancouver’s resilience and adaptability. The outcome could hinge on which team capitalizes on early opportunities.