[Oct 16, 2026 (Fri)] NHL Analysis Canucks @ Panthers Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Canucks @ Panthers (Oct 16, 2026 (Fri)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Canucks @ Panthers

Canucks projected starting goalie: Kevin Lankinen @ Panthers projected starting goalie: Jacob Markstrom

A five-game losing streak and a shaky goalie meet a Panthers side that owns the 5v5 expected-goals edge.

Even blending in last season because it is early, Florida's 5v5 xG% is 50.6 to Vancouver's 42.6, an 8.0-point gap. This season alone it is 53.1 to 38.8. The Canucks are 2-6 with a 26-38 goal differential. The Panthers are 3-2-2 at 19-20.

In goal, Lankinen has a .873 SV% and -15.7 GSAx over 26 road games across the last two seasons. This year he is at .786 and -11.8, with -10.5 GSAx over his last five and six goals allowed last time out. Markstrom's home numbers over two seasons are modest (.885, -7.9 GSAx), but this season he sits at .904 and +1.4, with two goals allowed last time.

Vancouver has lost five straight and scored two or fewer in each of those games. Florida beat Columbus 7-3 last time. The last meeting, in March, went to Vancouver 5-2.

Neither goalie is confirmed. If Vancouver goes with Meriläinen, his five games this season show a .926 SV% and +2.0 GSAx, though his road GSAx over two seasons is -10.3. If Florida turns to Schmid, he is at .875 and -1.3 GSAx in three games.

In summary, the team numbers lean heavily toward Florida. Vancouver's ability to hold down goals, and whether it changes goalies, is the key.