Canucks Aim to Extend Dominance Over Last-Place Sharks

Vancouver’s Hot Streak vs. San Jose Continues

The Vancouver Canucks (31-15-5) have been dominant against the San Jose Sharks (13-34-3) in recent seasons, going 14-1-0 in their last 15 meetings since the 2019-20 campaign.

This season, Vancouver has already beaten San Jose twice:

• Nov. 2: Canucks 3-2 (in San Jose)
• Dec. 23: Canucks 4-3 (in Vancouver)

Now, the Canucks look to continue their Western Conference playoff push while the Sharks try to snap a four-game losing streak.

Canucks Finding Their Groove

Vancouver is 4-1-1 in its last six games, showing strong defensive play and solid goaltending.

Thatcher Demko’s Return to Form

• 25-save shutout vs. Colorado on Tuesday
• First shutout of the season
• Overcoming early-season knee injury

Demko has battled through inconsistent results this year but showed flashes of his All-Star form in the 3-0 win against Colorado.

Coach Rick Tocchet could stick with the hot hand in Demko or give Kevin Lankinen another road start. Lankinen has been one of the NHL’s best road goalies this season with a 13-3-3 record (2.34 GAA).

Offensive Leaders & Injuries

• Jake DeBrusk (19 goals) had a goal and assist vs. Colorado after struggling for much of January.
• Quinn Hughes (lower body) will miss his third straight game but still leads the team with 59 points (45 assists).

Sharks Struggling to Stay Competitive

San Jose remains at the bottom of the NHL standings and has lost 18 of its last 23 games (4-18-1).

Impact of Recent Trades & Injuries

• Mikael Granlund (45 points) and Cody Ceci were traded to Dallas on Saturday.
• Ty Dellandrea & Alexander Wennberg (upper body injuries) are questionable.

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Rookie Star Macklin Celebrini Leading the Offense

• 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists)—most among active Sharks players
• Challenging for NHL rookie scoring lead despite missing 12 games

Goaltending Situation

• Vitek Vanecek (fractured cheekbone, out since Dec. 14) returned as backup on Tuesday.
• Could start Thursday as the Sharks rotate goalies before the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Game Preview & Final Thoughts

Key Storylines:

✔ Can Vancouver continue its dominance over San Jose?
✔ Will Demko start again, or will Lankinen get the nod?
✔ Can Celebrini keep the Sharks competitive despite recent trades?

The Canucks have been playing some of their best hockey in recent weeks, while the Sharks are still adjusting to a younger, rebuilding roster.

Expect Vancouver to control the pace and extend its dominance in this one-sided rivalry.