Canucks vs. Islanders: Projected Lineups and Game Preview

Elmont, New York – The Vancouver Canucks face off against the New York Islanders tonight at 7 p.m. ET at UBS Arena. Both teams are coming off losses and are looking to rebound. The game will be broadcast on MSGSN, NHLN, and SN.

Canucks' Outlook

The Canucks (13-17-3) have struggled this season and recently traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, signaling the start of a rebuild. In return, they acquired Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a first-round pick in the 2026 draft. Vancouver is trying to find a balance between youth and experience as they navigate this rebuilding phase.

Elias Pettersson is unlikely to play due to an upper-body injury. Other injured Canucks include Filip Chytil (concussion protocol), Teddy Blueger (lower body), and Derek Forbort (undisclosed). Arshdeep Bains recently cleared waivers and was loaned to Abbotsford of the American Hockey League.

Projected Canucks Lineup:

• Conor Garland -- Marco Rossi -- Brock Boeser
• Nils Hoglander -- David Kampf -- Jake DeBrusk
• Evander Kane -- Max Sasson -- Kiefer Sherwood
• Liam Ohgren -- Drew O'Connor -- Linus Karlsson
• Marcus Pettersson -- Filip Hronek
• Zeev Buium -- Tyler Myers
• Elias Pettersson -- Tom Willander
• Thatcher Demko
• Kevin Lankinen

Scratches: P.O Joseph, Aatu Raty.

Islanders' Perspective

The Islanders (19-12-3) are aiming to continue their December surge despite a number of injuries. They are without key players such as Bo Horvat (lower body), Kyle Palmieri (ACL), Alexander Romanov (upper body), Semyon Varlamov (knee), and Ethan Bear (upper body). Bo Horvat, who formerly played for the Canucks for eight seasons, will miss the game due to a lower-body injury sustained on Dec. 11.

Matthew Barzal missed the morning skate due to maintenance but is expected to play. Marshall Warren was recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League but is not expected to play.

Projected Islanders Lineup:

• Emil Heineman -- Mathew Barzal -- Jonathan Drouin
• Anders Lee -- Jean-Gabriel Pageau -- Simon Holmstrom
• Anthony Duclair -- Calum Ritchie -- Maxim Shabanov
• Kyle MacLean -- Casey Cizikas -- Marc Gatcomb
• Matthew Schaefer -- Ryan Pulock
• Adam Pelech -- Tony DeAngelo
• Adam Boqvist -- Scott Mayfield
• Ilya Sorokin
• David Rittich

Scratches: Maxim Tsyplakov, Marshall Warren.

Goalie Matchup

Thatcher Demko is expected to start for the Canucks, while Ilya Sorokin is likely to start in goal for the Islanders. Sorokin has a 2.12 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Kevin Lankinen will likely serve as the backup for the Canucks. Lankinen has a 3.01 goals against average with a .871 save percentage.

Betting Odds

The Islanders are favored to win, with a -140 moneyline. The Canucks are the underdogs at +116. The over/under for the game is set at 5.5 goals.