It has been a rough start to 2026 for the boys in blue and green. If you’re checking your calendar to see when is the Canucks next game, you are likely looking for some glimmer of hope after a brutal road trip. Honestly, "brutal" might be an understatement.
The Vancouver Canucks are scheduled to take the ice again on Thursday, January 15, 2026, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Puck drop is set for 4:00 PM PT (7:00 PM ET) at Nationwide Arena.
This game marks the end of a grueling six-game road swing that has been, frankly, a bit of a disaster. Following a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, the Canucks have now slid into an eight-game winless streak. For those keeping track at home, that means they haven't won a single game since the calendar flipped to 2026.
The Breakdown: Vancouver Canucks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Thursday's matchup isn't just another game on the schedule; it’s a collision of two teams trying to find their footing. While Vancouver is fighting through a massive slump, Columbus is going through its own upheaval. The Blue Jackets recently fired head coach Dean Evason and brought in veteran Rick Bowness to steady the ship.
You’ve got a team that can’t find a win (Vancouver) going up against a team with a brand-new coach "bounce" potential (Columbus).
If you are wondering where to watch the Canucks next game, here is the deal for Thursday:
- TV (USA): ESPN / Fubo
- Local/Streaming: Fans in BC will be looking for the usual Sportsnet Pacific broadcast, while out-of-market viewers can catch it on ESPN+.
- Radio: Sportsnet 650.
Why this game is actually a big deal
It's easy to look at a mid-January game against a bottom-half Eastern Conference team and shrug. But for Rick Tocchet’s squad, this is about stopping the bleeding before they fly back to Rogers Arena.
The Senators game showed some life—barely. Elias Pettersson finally notched his 13th goal of the season, a milestone that moved him into 10th all-time for goals in Canucks history, passing Thomas Gradin. But personal milestones don't mean much when the team is getting outshot 32-11 through 40 minutes.
When is the Canucks next game at home?
If you're tired of the late-night or mid-afternoon road starts, there is light at the end of the tunnel. After the Columbus game, Vancouver finally returns to the West Coast for a massive homestand.
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- Saturday, Jan 17: vs. Edmonton Oilers (7:00 PM PT) - This is the big one. McDavid and Draisaitl coming to town is always a circus, but with the Canucks' current form, it’s a terrifying prospect.
- Monday, Jan 19: vs. New York Islanders (7:00 PM PT)
- Wednesday, Jan 21: vs. Washington Capitals (7:00 PM PT)
Going home is usually a relief, but the Canucks have a lot of questions to answer before they hit the Rogers Arena ice.
The Goaltending Drama: Can Lankinen Hold the Fort?
We have to talk about Thatcher Demko. The update isn't great. After leaving the Toronto game on January 10 with a lower-body injury, the star netminder is sidelined again. This has been the recurring nightmare of the 2025-26 season.
Kevin Lankinen has been a total warrior in his absence. He stopped 38 of 40 shots against Ottawa. Without him, that 2-1 loss probably looks more like a 6-1 blowout. But you can't ask a backup—even a high-end 1B like Lankinen—to carry the load indefinitely when the defense in front of him is leaking chances like a sieve.
The defensive zone coverage has been the primary culprit. Missed assignments and lost puck battles in the corners led directly to both Ottawa goals on Tuesday. If they don't tighten that up by Thursday, the Blue Jackets' "new coach energy" will eat them alive.
Who else is out?
The injury list is getting crowded, which explains some of the depth issues:
- Thatcher Demko: Lower body (Week-to-week)
- Teddy Blueger: Lower body
- Filip Chytil: Concussion protocol
- Marco Rossi: Lower body
- Kiefer Sherwood: Undisclosed
On the bright side, Conor Garland returned to the lineup against Ottawa after missing five games. He didn't find the scoresheet, but his tenacity was one of the few bright spots in the offensive zone.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the game or are heading to a viewing party, here's how to stay prepped:
- Check the morning skate: Lines are fluid right now. Keep an eye on whether Zeev Buium stays in the lineup or if the coaching staff rotates the D-pairs again after the Ottawa loss.
- Sync your calendar: The Thursday puck drop is early (4:00 PM PT). If you’re working a 9-to-5 in Vancouver, you’re going to miss the first period unless you’ve got a radio or a very understanding boss.
- Watch the "Bowness Effect": Since Columbus just changed coaches, expect them to play a very structured, defensive style. The Canucks will need to be patient, which hasn't been their strong suit lately.
The winless streak has to end eventually. Whether it happens in the final leg of the road trip in Columbus or waits until the Oilers come to town is anyone's guess. But for now, mark your calendars for Thursday—the Canucks need a win, and the fans probably need one even more.
Go get yourself a coffee for that 4:00 PM start. You'll likely need it.
Next Steps for You:
Check the official NHL app two hours before puck drop on Thursday to confirm the starting goaltender, as the Canucks may give Nikita Tolopilo a look if they feel Lankinen needs a rest before the flight home. You can also monitor the waiver wire, as the mounting injuries might force a roster move from Abbotsford by Wednesday afternoon.