After a 2-0 start to the 2023/2024 season, the optimism among Vancouver Canucks fans was through the roof, but a 2-0 loss where the Canucks were thoroughly outclassed by a rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers team is causing many to ask if this is just the same old Canucks team of years’ past.

It was the effort level of the Canucks that ultimately cost Vancouver the game. After a sloppy first period had them down 2-0, Vancouver responded in the second by getting outshot 22-3, in one of the most lopsided periods in Canucks franchise history.

Next up for the Canucks is a matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa has struggled to start the year, but sharpshooter Steven Stamkos is set to return to the lineup after a two-game absence. Here are three bets I like for tonight’s games.

This is the prop that won us the most money last year. This is the first time this season Pettersson’s shot line hasn’t been at 3.5. We’re going to hammer good old reliable here.

Steven Stamkos to register over 2.5 shots at -150. My $12.50 bet would return $20.83.

As mentioned, Stamkos is returning to the lineup tonight. Stamkos has registered eight shots in two games this season. In just two games against Vancouver last season, Stamkos scored four goals and tallied 13 shots.

Over 6.5 goals scored in the match at -140. My $10 bet would return $17.14.

Two of Vancouver’s three games this season have gone over 6.5, and three of four Tampa games have done the same. Both matchups last season between these two teams went over 6.5 as well. We will risk .8 units here.

Cale Makar to register over 2.5 shots at -175. My $12.50 bet would return $19.64.

Makar was our bonus bet on Saturday night and cashed us out in the first period. Makar hit over 2.5 in both matchups against the Blackhawks last season and has registered 12 shots in three games this year.

Vancouver to score a power play goal at -150. My $12.50 bet would return $20.83.  – MISSED

Elias Pettersson to score 2+ points at +162. My $10 bet would return $26.25. – MISSED

Canucks to win money-line at -130. My $12.50 bet would return $22.11. – MISSED

A really bad day for us, losing nearly three units just kills some of our early season progress, we have to be better and we will be. We staked $35 and returned $0 we are now only up $8.98 (.7 units) on the year.