By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
December 18, 2025
This Friday night matchup at UBS Arena features two teams on starkly different trajectories in the 2025-26 campaign. The New York Islanders (19-12-3) sit comfortably in 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division, finding success under Patrick Roy’s structured defensive system.
In contrast, the Vancouver Canucks (13-17-3) are a team in turmoil, currently 8th in the Pacific Division and navigating a chaotic December defined by significant roster turnover and key injuries.
While the Islanders are the favorites on paper, injuries to their own forward group level the playing field slightly, setting the stage for a goaltending duel between Ilya Sorokin and Thatcher Demko.
The contest, scheduled for a 4:00 PM PST puck drop, pits the Metropolitan Division contender seeking to solidify its playoff positioning against a Pacific Division organization in the midst of trying to work its’ way back to the glories of its’ past success as a franchise by recapturing that formula and key elements that past successful Canucks teams seized and historically centered on: a combination of strong asset management, elite goaltending, effective coaching systems, and a blend of star players and valuable depth.
| Canucks | Islanders | Edge | |
| Record | 13-17-3 (29 pts) | 19-12-3 (41 pts) | NYI |
| Last 10 | 4-5-1 | 6-3-1 | NYI |
| Goals For/GP | 2.72 (27th) | 2.91 (20th) | NYI |
| Goals Ag/GP | 3.39 (25th) | 2.73 (7th) | NYI |
| Power Play | 20.0% | 16.5% | VAN |
| Penalty Kill | 78.5% | 82.3% | NYI |
New York Islanders
Record: 19-12-3, 41 pts, .603 Pts% | Home: 10-6-2, .611 Pts%
Under Patrick Roy, the Islanders have doubled down on defensive accountability. They have allowed only 93 goals this season (10th best in the NHL), suffocating opponents in the neutral zone. Their penalty kill remains a strength at over 82%.
The major storyline for New York is the absence of Bo Horvat, who suffered a lower-body injury on December 11 against Anaheim. Not only does this rob the game of the “Horvat vs. Canucks” narrative, but it also removes the Islanders’ leading scorer (19 goals, 31 points) from the lineup. With Kyle Palmieri (ACL) also out, the Islanders’ offensive depth is severely tested. They will rely heavily on Mathew Barzal and captain Anders Lee to generate offense against a Canucks team that bleeds chances.
Ilya Sorokin continues to be the team’s MVP. With a .916 save percentage and 12 wins, he consistently steals games where the Islanders’ offense goes dormant. Against a Vancouver team missing its top playmakers, Sorokin could be in for a quiet night—or a shutout performance.
Vancouver Canucks
Record: 13-17-3, 29 pts, .439 Pts% | Road: 9-7-2, .556 Pts%
The Canucks are in the midst of a massive identity shift.
The recent blockbuster trade of captain Quinn Hughes (to Minnesota) has left a leadership void and a completely new look on the blue line. While the return package—featuring young talents like Marco Rossi and Zeev Buium—offers hope for the future, the immediate on-ice product is in transition.
Compounding the trade chaos is the absence of Elias Pettersson, who is on IR with an upper-body injury until at least December 22.
Without Hughes to drive play from the back end and Pettersson to finish, the Canucks’ offense has plummeted to 27th in the league (90 goals for).
They are averaging just 2.73 goals per game, and is need of an offensive breakout if the team is going to improve on that stat sooner then later.
Thatcher Demko (7-5-0, 2.45 GAA) remains the one stabilizing force. Despite the team’s struggles, his individual numbers are respectable.
He is coming off a morale-boosting 3-0 shutout win over the Rangers, and if he starts against the Islanders, he has already proved he can steal games single-handedly. He will need to be perfect again for Vancouver to have a chance.
Strategic Focus
Vancouver Canucks
- With Hughes gone, and Pettersson on IR, the offense has fallen to unlikely heroes.
- Kiefer Sherwood has been a revelation, scoring 13 goals this season (including a key role in recent games). Jake DeBrusk and newly acquired Marco Rossi must generate offense by committee.
- The defense is now anchored by Filip Hronek and potentially the young pieces acquired in recent moves (like Zeev Buium if active, or depth veterans).
- Expect the Islanders to forecheck heavily against this patchwork defensive corps to force turnovers.
- Thatcher Demko (fresh off a 23-save shutout vs. NYR) is the only reason this game is projected to be close, if he starts.
- He would face an Islanders team that is efficient but not explosive, primarily due to injuries and players playing hurt.
New York Islanders
- The Islanders are 19-12-3 and playing typical disciplined hockey under Patrick Roy. They allow just 2.73 goals per game.
- Against a Vancouver team missing its three biggest offensive threats due to lineup changes, injuries and trades, New York will likely clog the neutral zone and force the Canucks to dump and chase.
- Ilya Sorokin (.916 SV% lifetime) will likely be in the net.
- If playing, he probably won’t face high-danger passing plays (the kind Hughes used to create), but he’ll have to be sharp against deflection plays from Sherwood and Garland.
- The Islanders have their own concerns.
- Bo Horvat (lower body) missed Tuesday’s game, and his status is crucial for this matchup against his former team but may not be cleared to play.
- If Horvat sits, the Islanders’ center depth takes a hit, potentially leveling the playing field, as Mathew Barzal is also dealing with nagging issues but is expected to play, but not at 100 percent.
Keys To Win
Vancouver Canucks
Starting Goalie (most likely Demko) Must Be the Best Player on Ice
- With Quinn Hughes (traded) and Elias Pettersson (IR) out, just like the game against the Rangers, the Canucks simply do not have the firepower to win a high-scoring track meet.
- Thatcher Demko stole the game against the Rangers with a 23-save shutout. He, or Lankinen if he starts, needs to replicate that performance. He must control rebounds and freeze play often to give a tired, undermanned team a breather. If he allows more than 2 goals, Vancouver likely loses.
Manufacture A Crease and Slot Offense
- The pristine passing lanes usually exploited by Hughes are gone.
- This has to be a different offensive strategy game. Kiefer Sherwood and Conor Garland need to drag pucks into the fight areas (the crease and slot). The Canucks must rely on point shots from Hronek and the new Canucks, with heavy screens, tips, and rebound goals. Flashy east-west plays will get broken up by the Islanders’ structure; north-south grinding is the only path to scoring, as was found to work against the Rangers. Crease and Slot!
Shelter the Blue Line
- Without Hughes’ elite breakout ability, the transition game is Vancouver’s biggest weakness.
- Simplicity is non-negotiable. The defensemen (Myers, Pettersson, Hronek) cannot try to be heroes. The wingers must come back deep to support breakouts. If the pass isn’t there, it has to be “off the glass or boards and out.”
- Turnovers at the defensive blue line against the Islanders’ forecheck will be fatal. Greater than 50 percent defensive zone time will result in a Vancouver loss.
New York Islanders
Forecheck, check
- Vancouver’s defense is currently a patchwork unit lacking its primary puck-mover.
- The Islanders’ identity is their heavy forecheck. Islanders need to finish every check on Vancouver’s defenders. If they pressure the Canucks’ D-corps, and stay right on them, panic turnovers are inevitable. New York doesn’t need to be fancy; they just need to force Vancouver to play in their own end. The more time Canucks are in their end, the less offensive zone time they have, and fewer chances for high danger shot attempts on net.
Create Traffic, Traffic, Traffic
- Demko is seeing the puck too well right now, as the Rangers found out in the Canucks last game
- You cannot beat Demko cleanly from a distance when he is in this zone.
- The Islanders must take away Demko’s eyes. A net-front presence in this league is required; they need to park in Demko’s lap and make life miserable for him.
Challenge Marco Rossi Early
- Marco Rossi is the new top-line center for Vancouver, replacing the departed stars. He is skilled but smaller and was out for a while with the Wild, and is just back to playing again.
- The Islanders’ centers (Horvat (if healthy to play)/Nelson) should look to physically dominate Rossi in the faceoff circle and along the boards.
- If New York can neutralize Vancouver’s new primary playmaker early, the Canucks’ offence will have less engine power to drive it. If he can use his speed, he gives Vancouver a fighting chance. If he gets boxed out, the chances are the Canucks offence becomes that much more limited, unless others step up to assist.
Pacific Division Standings (as of 12/18/25)
| Pacific Division | W | L | OTL | PTS | DIFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Knights | 16 | 6 | 10 | 42 | 5 |
| Ducks | 20 | 12 | 2 | 42 | 9 |
| Oilers | 16 | 12 | 6 | 38 | -2 |
| Kings | 14 | 10 | 9 | 37 | -3 |
| Sharks | 17 | 14 | 3 | 37 | -11 |
| Kraken | 12 | 13 | 6 | 30 | -21 |
| Flames | 13 | 17 | 4 | 30 | -16 |
| Canucks | 13 | 17 | 3 | 29 | -20 |
Western Conference Wild Card Standings (as of 12/18/25)
| TEAM | GP | W | L | OTL | PTS | ROW | GF | GA | DIFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | 33 | 24 | 2 | 7 | 55 | 22 | 133 | 77 | 56 |
| Stars | 34 | 22 | 7 | 5 | 49 | 18 | 115 | 90 | 25 |
| Wild | 34 | 20 | 9 | 5 | 45 | 14 | 104 | 87 | 17 |
| Golden Knights | 32 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 42 | 12 | 97 | 92 | 5 |
| Ducks | 34 | 20 | 12 | 2 | 42 | 12 | 121 | 112 | 9 |
| Oilers | 34 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 38 | 11 | 116 | 118 | -2 |
| Kings | 33 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 37 | 9 | 86 | 89 | -3 |
| Sharks | 34 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 37 | 9 | 102 | 113 | -11 |
| Mammoth | 36 | 17 | 16 | 3 | 37 | 13 | 111 | 106 | 5 |
| Blues | 35 | 13 | 15 | 7 | 33 | 13 | 87 | 123 | -36 |
| Jets | 33 | 15 | 16 | 2 | 32 | 13 | 98 | 100 | -2 |
| Blackhawks | 33 | 13 | 14 | 6 | 32 | 12 | 93 | 101 | -8 |
| Kraken | 31 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 30 | 7 | 77 | 98 | -21 |
| Predators | 33 | 13 | 16 | 4 | 30 | 9 | 93 | 115 | -22 |
| Flames | 34 | 13 | 17 | 4 | 30 | 10 | 87 | 103 | -16 |
| Canucks | 33 | 13 | 17 | 3 | 29 | 9 | 92 | 112 | -20 |
Final Thoughts
The Canucks have won two straight games to start their 5-game Eastern road trip, and I am sure they are expected to take a tough 4-1 loss to a team that is locked in this season on their home ice, and will battle from start to finish, and refuse to yield an inch without a fight and mighty resistance.
But the first two games of the road trip had me reflect on past successful Canuck teams. The Canucks can win. In the long run, I feel if good people get involved, they will win more than they will lose.
Canucks Can Return To Past Success With More Change
The Vancouver Canucks can return to that past success by combining strong management, effective coaching systems, and a blend of veteran leadership and young talent development. This “formula” defined past successful teams, particularly the 2010–11 Presidents’ Trophy-winning squad that reached the Stanley Cup Final. But it also worked with the 1982 and 1994 teams, with some differences.
A New Era
The current team is now focused on rebuilding and developing a younger core to ensure a clearer path toward sustained competitiveness.
They aim to build a new identity through strategic asset development, moving off older veterans for prospects and draft picks, a process they hope will lead to long-term success, a playoff contender season in and season out, like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and Colorado Avalanche.
Key Ingredients of Past Success
Through my in-depth research on the Vancouver Canucks over the last four years, I have concluded the following about strong Canucks contender teams, which gave Canucks fans hope of coming so close to hoisting that most prized trophy in all of professional sports, the hardest trophy to win. The Stanley Cup.
Here goes:
- Elite Goaltending: The most successful Canucks teams were anchored by world-class goaltenders like Richard Brodeur, Kirk McLean, Roberto Luongo and Thatcher Demko, whose elite performances and consistency provided a solid defensive foundation.
- Talented Core: Success was built around a strong core of talent, most notably the Sedin twins (Henrik and Daniel), who consistently elevated their linemates and were perennial Art Ross and Hart Trophy candidates, winning them in back-to-back seasons. Other key players included two-way forward Ryan Kesler and standout defensemen. The 1982 and 1994 Stanley Cup Final Canucks teams had strong, talented cores, with talents, skills and a bonding and closeness that brought them so close to drinking out of the ultimate championship bowl.
- Strong Management and Coaching: Effective management, such as under former GMs Pat Quinn and Mike Gillis, involved shrewd drafting, strategic trades, and adding crucial depth players. Coaching systems, like those implemented by Alain Vigneault, emphasized a balanced, offensive-minded approach with a focus on defensive responsibility and player development.
- Resilience and Culture: Successful teams exhibited significant resilience and a strong work ethic, creating a winning culture that allowed players to thrive under pressure. This included an emphasis on fitness and conditioning, which allowed them to play an intense, demanding style.
- Asset Management: Current management, led by Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin, is focusing on strategic asset management, leveraging a strong prospect pool to build a more sustainable future, avoiding the pitfalls of past short-sighted moves.
This Canucks team that is playing against the Islanders is part of a new era, a new beginning, that if the current management can do what they have done in Detroit, Carolina, and Pittsburgh, the Vancouver community could achieve something very special.
Time For Change
The culture has to change within the organization. So does the ownership.
In spite of certain ownership, in spite of some past management personnel, in spite of player feuds and player selfishness, success came to this club in the past years. All in despite of everything certain people did to stop it from happening.
Draft choices, NHL players, European players, hockey players from all countries, will only want to play in a city that is progressive, accepting, respectful, accomodating, safe, and prepared to support its team to become a contender, not a bottom feeder.
With things like a year round training facility, and amenities that invest in looking after its players, the players families, and staff; and acceptance of color, race and creed, exhibited in the employee base.
What good is it for the Vancouver Canucks to be worth billions of dollars on paper and be the worst team in the NHL in 2025? Is that picture representative of the organization, the ownership, the community, the province?
I ask you, why has the present ownership of the Canucks been satisfied with futility, losing, the loss of good players, the lack of interest in the professional hockey community to take the Canucks and its ownership seriously, as the years go by without a lasting playoff-contending team year, after year, after year?
Before the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and Francesco Aquilini continue to allow this hockey market to continue to struggle on its way to the bottom of other past struggling teams, and perhaps move, like the Vancouver Grizzles had to, I pray that everyone realizes before it’s too late, how this franchise has barely made it this far with selfish ownerships, some that have abused the team for personal and family gain.
The professional sports community in this province is largely, if not completely, based in the Lower Mainland. Professional sports are struggling. Talk of professional basketball or baseball moving into Western Canada, especially British Columbia. Not a chance in B.C. Even investment is questionable and risky.
It’s not like the Canucks are moving to Kelowna anytime soon, and setting up home. Maybe if the Lower Mainland gets a serious earthquake.
It’s time for a change.
Time for the Aquilini family to step down as team owners and sell the team to ownership that is prepared to put the NHL Vancouver Canucks first and foremost in word and deed, and no longer squeeze the life out of it, its community and fanbase.
I don’t want this country, this province to lose this sports franchise. Enough of reminiscing, dwelling on the past. Time to create a new future. And it has to begin by giving Rutherford and Allvin new ownership to help them accomplish that future building. Or this opportunity will be lost. And so will the team.
Until next time, hockey fans
