Upcoming Match-ups

Canucks vs Golden Knights Game 7 Odds & Picks – Sept 4

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in NHL Hockey

Updated Mar 10, 2021 · 12:45 PM PST

Vancouver Canucks defensemen Quinn Hughes skating in the middle of a NHL game.
Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes skates against the Minnesota Wild in an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
  • The Vancouver Canucks have evened up their playoff series with the Vegas Golden Knights at 3-3
  • Game 7 will be played on Friday, Sept. 4, at 9:00 PM ET
  • Read below for the betting odds, game preview, and predictions

The Vancouver Canucks have rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to even up their second-round playoff series with the Vegas Golden Knights. Game 7 is set for Friday, September 4, at 9:00 PM ET.

Despite not being able to solve Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko, Vegas has opened as heavy -230 favorites in the Game 7 Canucks vs Golden Knights odds. Vancouver is being listed as +195 underdogs.

Which team should you back in Game 7 between Vegas and Vancouver?

Canucks vs Golden Knights Game 7 Odds

Team Moneyline Puckline Total Odds at DraftKings
Vancouver Canucks +195 +1.5 (-141) O 6 (-106)
Vegas Golden Knights -230 -1.5 (+118) U 6 (-115)

Odds as of  Sep. 3.

The Canucks have been heavy underdogs in every game in this series thus far. They were listed at +200 odds for Game 6.

Demko Is Stealing the Show

Vancouver backup goaltender Thatcher Demko has been incredible for the Canucks ever since taking over for starter Jacob Markstrom prior to Game 5. Demko has stopped 90 of 91 shots in Games 5 and 6, including pitching a 48-save shutout in Game 6.

YouTube video

Demko didn’t have the best stats in the regular season, but he’s shut down one of the best offenses in the entire NHL over two straight games. Despite the high shot count, the Canucks defense has been adjusting to this high-tempo Vegas offense and limited them to just 12 high-danger chances in Game 6.

One of the reasons to bet on Demko not crumbling under the pressure in Game 7 is his college history. Demko backstopped Boston College to two Beanpot Championships, including posting a shutout in the championship game as a junior. He also took the Eagles to the Frozen Four semi-finals in 2016.

Fleury Could Start Game 7 for VGK

There’s one major reason to consider betting the Golden Knights for Game 7: Marc-Andre Fleury. The “Flower” hasn’t lost in regulation against Vancouver in 14 years and has plenty of experience playing in Game 7s. In three playoff starts this summer, Fleury is undefeated with a .893 save percentage and 2.67 GAA.

Lehner hasn’t been the reason Vegas has lost the past few two games, but he also hasn’t been as good as Demko. The one stat to be worried about is that Lehner is 1-7-1 with a .889 save percentage and 3.66 GAA when starting on consecutive nights in his career. There isn’t even 24 hours before the two teams play Game 7. The  6′ 4″, 240-pound Lehner could be fatigued if he gets the call.

The Canucks aren’t outshooting the Golden Knights, but they’re making their chances count. Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, and Tyler Toffoli all have multiple goals in this series. The Canucks have enough talent on offense that they don’t need to put 40-plus shots on goal to find the back of the net.

What’s the Best Bet?

It’s clear the Vegas Golden Knights are the better team in this series. They’ve outshot Vancouver in every game and have a 91-40 edge over the last two games.  They have run into a goaltender who is writing an incredible story, however.

Vancouver has the momentum right now, but this one is close to a toss-up. NHL teams that have rallied from 3-1 series deficits are 29-28 all-time (50.8 percent) in the ensuing Game 7. Demko is going to be fatigued considering the amount of rubber he’s faced in a short span, but the same can be said to some extent for Lehner if he plays on consecutive nights.

Vegas should eventually get rewarded for all the chances they’re generating, but I’m staying away from VGK unless it’s confirmed Fleury is getting the nod. The safer play is taking the Under. It’s cashed in three of the past four games and is the best bet with the level Demko is operating at right now.

Pick: Under 6 (-115)

Author Image