Canucks vs Islanders Prediction, Picks & Same-Game Parlay for Tonight’s NHL Game

Our expert NHL predictions expect Matthew Schaefer to demonstrate why he's the Calder Trophy frontrunner when the Islanders host the Canucks.

Luc LeBlanc - Betting Editor at Covers.com
Luc LeBlanc • Content Editor
Dec 19, 2025 • 09:41 ET • 3 min read

NHL

Dec 19 • 7:00 PM ET
VAN
39 %
NYI
61 %
EXPERT PICK - PROP
Matthew Schaefer o0.5  Points (-125) Matthew Schaefer o0.5 Points (-125)
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Matthew Schaeffer of the NY Islanders
Photo By - Imagn Images. Matthew Schaeffer of the NY Islanders

The Vancouver Canucks will visit the New York Islanders, marking the first meeting between these two teams this season. Vancouver has won back-to-back games to kick off the post-Quinn Hughes era.

My Canucks vs. Islanders predictions and NHL picks for tonight suggest a tight defensive showdown, with some young stars potentially stealing the spotlight.

Canucks vs Islanders prediction

Canucks vs Islanders best bet: Matthew Schaefer 1+ Points (-125)

New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has come exactly as advertised, with 23 points this season while being among the favorites for the Calder Trophy. He ranks third on the Islanders in points and paces the team with an average ice time of 23:48.

The 2007-born rearguard has registered at least a point in seven of his last 10 games, and coupled with his increased ice time, having played north of 25 minutes in four straight, he should be in line to take advantage of a poor Vancouver Canucks defense that just traded away former captain Quinn Hughes.

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Canucks vs Islanders same-game parlay

The Canucks were one part of a gargantuan trade last week, sending a franchise cornerstone to the Minnesota Wild. Among the return was young forward Marco Rossi, who has shown some offensive upside, scoring 60 points last season.

However, the Austrian forward has just one point in his last seven games and is still in search of his first in a Canucks uniform. He's up against a strong Islanders defense that allows the ninth-fewest goals in the league. It may take him some time to become fully acclimated to the Canucks' offense.

In addition to the Isles' strong backend, both teams are missing their leading scorers due to injury in Bo Horvat and Elias Pettersson. These two impact players being sidelined will likely have a significant effect on both teams' offensive output, so I expect the Under to cash here.

Canucks vs Islanders SGP

  • Matthew Schaefer 1+ Points
  • Marco Rossi Under 0.5 Points
  • Under 5.5

Canucks vs Islanders odds

  • Moneyline: Canucks +125 | Islanders -145
  • Puck Line: Canucks +1.5 (-210) | Islanders -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+100) | Under 5.5 (-120)

Canucks vs Islanders trend

Vancouver has won seven of the last 10 meetings, including four of the last five. They split two meetings last season. Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Islanders.

How to watch Canucks vs Islanders

Location Arena, City, State/Province
Date Friday, December-XX, 2025
Puck drop 7:00 p.m. ET
TV NHL Net

Canucks vs Islanders latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Luc LeBlanc
Content Editor

Luc has been passionate about sports since he was a child, playing competitive hockey and staying closely tuned to professional leagues. Today, he brings that same energy to his work as a Content Editor, covering NHL games, player props, and betting trends with a sharp, analytical eye.

Since 2023, Luc has been writing picks and analysis for various publications, helping readers discover value in several major sports. While hockey is his specialty, he also closely follows tennis, keeping up with both the ATP and WTA Tours.

A graduate of Saint Mary’s University (BSc, Geography, 2025), Luc approaches sports betting the way he approaches maps and statistics by looking for patterns, trends, and angles that give him an edge. He focuses on research-backed and well-informed picks, spotting correlations, and finding the best opportunities in player props and game markets.

When he’s not making data-driven betting decisions or breaking down NHL matchups, you’ll find Luc on the ice, hitting the tennis courts, or engaging in some other form of exercise — staying connected to the sports he loves.

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