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The Vancouver Canucks arrive in San Jose on Thursday, October 29, with momentum from a dramatic comeback victory, but there is a fantasy matchup that concerns me far more: Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks power play against Vancouver’s struggling penalty kill.
Celebrini enters with 15 points, matching Canucks centre Elias Pettersson. San Jose converts 25.0% of power plays while Vancouver has killed only 63.8% of opposing opportunities. That is the biggest statistical mismatch of the night.
Vancouver has fantasy upside of its own. Jonathan Lekkerimäki scored twice in Tuesday’s 6–5 overtime comeback against Anaheim, Brock Boeser collected three points, and Filip Hronek scored the winner.
What makes this game fascinating is that Vancouver scores 3.07 goals per game but allows 4.64. That can create fantasy opportunities even when the Canucks lose. What I’m watching: whether Celebrini exploits Vancouver’s defensive problems and whether Lekkerimäki builds on his breakthrough.
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks Game Information
Broadcast availability can change and regional restrictions may apply. Check your provider shortly before puck drop.
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks Fantasy Hockey Matchup Outlook
Vancouver is 3–10–1; San Jose is 6–6–1. The Sharks defend better (3.38 versus 4.64 allowed per game). Vancouver won April 11 in a shootout; San Jose won their other three meetings last season.
2026–27 regular season, entering October 29. Source: Canucks game notes/NHL statistics.
NHL Fantasy Players to Watch in Canucks vs. Sharks
Celebrini is my highest-upside pick. Against Buffalo, he skated with Ivar Stenberg and Collin Graf; Will Smith joined Michael Misa and Mason Marchment. Celebrini and Smith remained on PP1 with Dmitry Orlov. These are not confirmed tonight’s lines.
Pettersson and Boeser anchor Vancouver’s first unit, with Hronek handling heavy minutes. Lekkerimäki offers upside after his two-goal night. Starting goalies remain unconfirmed.
NHLTradeRumor.com Fantasy Matchup Projection
These projections assume the player dresses and receives meaningful minutes. They are analyst ranges, not guarantees. PP1 assignments reflect recent usage, not a confirmed October 29 lineup.
Top Five Canucks and Sharks Fantasy Scorers This Season
The bars compare 2026–27 scoring to date, not expected production tonight. For last-season context, Vancouver’s 2025–26 leaders (G–A–P) were Pettersson 15–36–51, Hronek 8–41–49, Boeser 22–26–48, DeBrusk 23–19–42 and Karlsson 15–20–35. San Jose’s were Celebrini 45–70–115, Smith 24–35–59, Wennberg 18–37–55, Eklund 15–38–53 and Toffoli 19–30–49.
NHLTradeRumor.com Scoring Index: Each player’s point total is indexed against his team’s leading scorer. This visualization describes past production and is not a future projection. G–A–P = goals–assists–points; entering October 29.
Injuries and Absences That Could Affect Fantasy Value
Thatcher Demko (hip) is out; Kevin Lankinen or Leevi Meriläinen must play. San Jose is missing Alexander Wennberg and Igor Chernyshov (upper body), creating opportunity for Stenberg, Graf and Misa. Monitor Stenberg’s PP1 role.
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks Fantasy Hockey Prediction
MY SCORE PREDICTION: Vancouver Canucks 3 – San Jose Sharks 4.
I favour San Jose’s special teams. Pettersson and Boeser should still get opportunities. Confirmed goaltenders could change my pick.
My bigger fantasy takeaway: Stenberg’s PP1 time and Lekkerimäki’s shot volume matter more for future starts than one final score.
How to Watch Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks
October 29, 10 ET / 9 CT / 8 MT at SAP Center. Canada: Sportsnet. U.S.: NBC Sports California; eligible out-of-market ESPN+. Radio: KiSS West Coast, Sharks Audio Network. Blackouts may apply; check access.
Explore our Canucks TV schedule, Sharks TV schedule and 2026–27 NHL points leaders. Join our NHL Fantasy Hockey Pool to test your GM skills and compete for bragging rights.
