For some fan bases, a new hockey season means a new beginning and endless possibilities for your favourite team. Historically for us Canucks fans, it’s just another year of potential heartbreak.

But a thorough offseason by Patrik Allvin adding supplementary pieces like Carson Soucy, Ian Cole, Teddy Blueger, and Pius Suter to an already dynamic Canucks core has instilled optimism in Canucks fans. Could this be the year the Vancouver finally breaks through?

The Canucks will open their season against the game’s brightest star as they host the Edmonton Oilers. Here are three bets I like for tonight’s game.

The triggerman on hockey’s most dynamic power play, Draisaitl will get plenty of looks against a poor Vancouver penalty kill.  I have his over on shots as my lock of the day.

Evan Bouchard to record a power play point at +125. My $12.50 bet would return $28.12.

Bouchard replaced Tyson Barrie after the trade deadline as the quarterback of Edmonton’s number-one-ranked power play and thrived in that role. In 12 post-season games last year Bouchard scored an astonishing 15 power-play points.

Conor Garland to score a point at +120. My $12.50 bet would return $27.50.

One day after Garland was granted permission from Canucks management to facilitate a trade he will suit up in the season opener for Vancouver. I have seen this script too many times, I forecast a revenge game for Garland.

Erik Karlsson to register a power play point at +120. My $10 bet would return $22. – MISSED

Petr Mrazek to make over 31.5 saves at -118. My $12.50 bet would return $23.71. – HIT

Vegas Golden Knights vs Seattle Kraken game to end with under 6.5 goals at -125. My $12.50 bet would return $21.85.

We had a solid start to the 2023/2024 season going three for four. We staked $47.50 and returned $64.93; we are now up $17.43 on the year.