Golden Knights vs Canucks Game 6 Odds & Picks – Sept 3

• The Vancouver Canucks now trail the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in their playoff series
• Game 6 will be played on Thursday, September 3 at 9:45 PM EST
• Read below for the betting odds and game preview

The Vancouver Canucks are being listed as +200 underdogs in the Game 6 Golden Knights vs Canucks odds after winning Game 5 behind an incredible goaltending performance. With a 3-2 series lead, the Golden Knights have opened as heavy -240 favorites for Game 6 on Thursday, September 3 at 9:45 PM EST.

Despite being just two wins away from the Western Conference Final, the Canucks aren’t getting much respect from oddsmakers. They’ve been listed as substantial underdogs in every game this series, including being listed as +197 underdogs for Game 5.

Can the Canucks rely on goaltending to steal another victory and force a Game 7 vs Vegas?

Golden Knights vs Canucks Game 6 Odds

Odds as of  Sept 1

Demko Steals Game 5 for Nucks

Vancouver rookie and backup goalie Thatcher Demko made a surprising start for the Canucks in Game 5. Jacob Markstrom had started every single game for the Canucks this postseason, but he was deemed unfit to play prior to puck drop. Demko made an incredible 42 saves in his first NHL career playoff start to lead Vancouver to a 2-1 victory.

The Canucks were heavily outplayed in Game 5, getting outshot 43-17 by Vegas, but they managed to stay alive thanks to Demko’s incredible performance. Vancouver was also opportunistic with their chances, as Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson both scored to propel the team to victory.

Markstrom has faced the most shots out of any goalie this postseason, so he likely needed a night off at some point in these playoffs anyways. We don’t know if Markstrom is injured or if he will return to the crease for Game 6, but Demko has proven he can be counted on if he gets the call next game.

Lehner or Fleury for VGK?

While we don’t know which goalie will start for Vancouver in Game 6, it’s also a mystery which goalie will be getting the call for Vegas. Lehner gave up two goals on just 17 shots in Game 6 and has posted a save percentage below .900 in three of his last five starts. He certainly hasn’t been bad for Vegas, but he also hasn’t played well enough to lock down the starter role.

DeBoer asked who his starting goalie is tonight.

"Are we going to do this dance every morning? My feet are sore?" #VegasBorn

— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) September 1, 2020

Marc-Andre Fleury is 3-0-0 this postseason and turned in an exceptional performance in Game 4 to help Vegas take a 3-1 series lead. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vegas turned back to the Flower for Game 6. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has played in plenty of Game 6’s in his career and also hasn’t lost to the Canucks in regulation since 2006.

If Demko stands on his head again, the Golden Knights are going to need the goaltending to match. They’re heavily out-chancing and outshooting Vancouver in this series, but if they can’t get a big save when they need it, the Canucks could force a Game 7.

Bet Vegas to Take Game 6

There’s something about Vancouver’s two victories in this series that shouldn’t ooze much confidence for prospective bettors. In both victories, the Canucks were heavily outshot and required tremendous goaltending performances to win. Demko, who posted a .905 save percentage in the regular season, is a great story, but it’s unlikely he repeats that type of showing.

#Canucks Thatcher Demko is the first rookie goalie to win his NHL playoff debut when his team was facing elimination since Jose Theodore of the Canadiens in 1997 pic.twitter.com/kKSxvWJiai

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) September 2, 2020

The Golden Knights are going to be a frustrated team heading into Game 6 after scoring just one goal on 40-plus shots in Game 5. I’d be concerned if Vegas looked like they were starting to slow down, but they’ve been the much better team in this series and have been getting contributions from all over their lineup.

Goaltending is where it gets tricky for Vegas. They should take Game 6 either way, but if Fleury does get the nod, the Golden Knights puck line becomes the play. His incredible 13-1-3 all-time record vs Vancouver and playoff experience is reason to feel extra confident in a motivated Vegas team. Try and get confirmation either way before placing your bet.

Pick: Vegas Golden Knights ML (-240), Vegas Golden Knights PL -1.5 (+177)