Blaine Spencer previews and predicts Game 6 of the Canucks vs. Golden Knights NHL Playoff matchup as the Golden Knights currently lead the series 3-2.
Puck drop is, Thursday, September 3rd at 9:45 EST in Edmonton, Alberta on NBCSN.
Canucks vs. Golden Knights Game 6 Preview
In a shocking move by Vancouver, the Canucks turned to Thatcher Demko at goalie for the injured Jacob Markstrom. In his first NHL playoff start, he gave us the heroic effort needed for a 2-1 upset victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. Vancouver was able to stave off elimination for one more game. Vegas now leads 3-2 in the series.
Demko was nothing short of sensational stopping 42 shots and only goal allowed was a stunner by Shea Theodore for Vegas in the second period. Demko found out late Monday evening he was going to get the nod.
The game remarkably saw zero goals in the first period which just showcased the quality of play by both goaltenders. In the second, Theodore scored late in the second but Brock Boeser equalized for Vancouver 24 seconds later. Vancouver only managed 4 shots in the second and scored on one of them.
Elias Petterson scored the game-winner 3:19 into the third period, tipping Boeser’s shot who was accredited with the assist. Vancouver went into the game at severe disadvantage without Markstrom but Demko provided the lift needed. Vancouver was opportunistic and took advantage when their two chances game.
Vegas was utterly dominant statistically in Game 5 outshooting Vancouver 43-17 but could not find the back of the net. Demko was that good while Lehner was poor only stopping 15 shots in defeat.
Game 6 will come down to the goaltenders again. Demko will most likely get the nod after this performance. He will need to produce another heroic performance in order for the Canucks to force a Game 7 where anything can happen.
Vancouver has to be much better offensively as 17 shots will not get it done while Vegas have to be agonized they could not convert so many opportunities.
Canucks vs. Golden Knights Game 6 Predictions & Picks
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Line: Vancouver Canucks (+200) vs Vegas Golden Knights (-240)
As for my picks, I got both incorrect thanks to the heroics of Demko. I did not know about the change in goaltender till the day of the game. I was more stunned that neither team scored in the first. It looked both teams were just waiting for one to make a mistake in the first.
I may have gotten my picks wrong but I’m going to still with Vegas in Game 6. No team ever wants to have deal with a Game 7. Anything can happen at that point regardless who the better team is. Also, if the Golden Knights outshoot the Canucks at the rate they did in Game 5. I highly doubt the result with be the same.
Therefore, I’m taking the Golden Knights.
Pick 1: Vegas Golden Knights (Regular Time Line) (-139)
Pick 2: Over 1.5 goals in the first (-137)
Unfortunately, one is unable to parlay these separate bets but place them. Vegas on the regular moneyline is too high. Plus, overtime has not been accustomed to either teams in the playoff so one should take the game regulation with the better odds.
I know for a fact Vegas will attack in the first and try to get the upper hand this will force Vancouver to come out of their shell. So, I like the first period to be important like it has all series besides Game 5
