As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for a crucial matchup against the New York Islanders on March 26, 2025, they face significant challenges with injuries to key players. The game is set to take place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with a start time of 7:30 p.m. ET. The Canucks, currently sitting at 33 wins, 26 losses, and 12 overtime losses, are hoping to improve their standing against the Islanders, who have a record of 32-28-10.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Islanders are favored in this contest with odds of -120, while the Canucks are the underdogs at +100. The total for the game is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup.
Injury reports reveal a tough situation for both teams. For the Islanders, Mathew Barzal, a center, is out due to a kneecap injury, having played only 30 games this season with 6 goals and 14 assists. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov is also out for the season with a lower body injury, contributing to the team’s struggles. Hudson Fasching is listed as day-to-day due to illness, leaving the Islanders with some gaps in their lineup.
On the Canucks’ side, the injury woes are even more pronounced. Star center Elias Pettersson, who has been pivotal for the team with 15 goals and 30 assists this season, is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Filip Chytil is also listed as day-to-day due to a concussion, while Nils Hoglander is out with an undisclosed injury. Defenseman Noah Juulsen is out for the season with a groin injury, further straining the Canucks’ roster.
Adding to the Canucks’ challenges, goaltender Thatcher Demko has just returned from a lengthy absence due to knee and groin injuries. In his recent game against the New Jersey Devils, Demko made 22 saves and posted a .880 save percentage in a shootout victory. He remarked, “Maybe not 100 percent yet, but that’s how it goes with coming back from injury. This time of year, there aren’t a lot of practices, and things can change quickly with lineups and everything else going on.” His return is crucial as the Canucks aim for a wild-card playoff spot, currently trailing the St. Louis Blues by three points.
Despite the injuries, the Canucks have shown resilience. In their last game, they faced the New York Rangers, where they outshot their opponents 39 to 12 but suffered a 5-3 loss. The game was particularly costly, as both Pettersson and Hoglander were sent back to Vancouver after sustaining injuries. Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed their absence for the remainder of the road trip, stating, “They went home today. They’ll be evaluated when we get back.”
Pettersson had been heating up prior to his injury, scoring four goals and accumulating ten points in his last eight games. Meanwhile, Hoglander found his stride, recording a goal and eight points in his last nine outings. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt as the Canucks push for a playoff berth.
In light of these injuries, Quinn Hughes, the team captain, has stepped up significantly. Hughes leads the Canucks with 67 points in 57 games and has averaged an impressive 27:35 in ice time over the past month. In the recent win against the Devils, he logged a staggering 31:38 on the ice, showcasing his importance to the team. Hughes expressed confidence in his teammates, stating, “We’re going to try to do everything we can to make the playoffs here and I believe we can. But if that doesn’t happen, then what we’re building here for the next couple of years, just the care factor, I like what I’m seeing.”
As the Canucks prepare for their matchup against the Islanders, the stakes are high. With Demko back in net and Hughes leading the charge, the team hopes to rally despite the injuries to their star players. The upcoming game will be a test of their depth and determination as they look to secure a vital win in the playoff race.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash, hoping to see how the Canucks adapt to their current challenges and whether they can capitalize on the Islanders’ vulnerabilities. The matchup promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to improve their standings as the regular season winds down.
