Cody Ceci cut it to 4-2 at 4:21 of the third period with a slap shot from the top of the right circle that hit defenseman Derek Forbort in the leg and deflected through Demko. Luke Kunin scored on a rebound with Askarov pulled for an extra attacker for the 4-3 final at 19:54.

As for the heatmap, the Canucks did a good job of protecting the net. While San Jose was able to generate scoring chances, Thatcher Demko only faced five high-danger shots, stopping all of them. In the end, Vancouver did a good job protecting the front of the net, especially in the third period.

All eyes will be on North Vancouver's Macklin Celebrini as he plays his first NHL game in his hometown. The 2024 first-overall pick is off to a stellar start to his NHL career, with 23 points in 24 games. A projected Calder Trophy finalist this season, do not be surprised if he finds his way onto the scoresheet in this game.

Our Canucks vs. Sharks predictions expect Elias Pettersson to get an early gift this Christmas against a weak San Jose side.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take on the struggling Vancouver Canucks. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one,

Watch the Game Highlights from Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks, 12/23/2024