Jack Eichel of the Las Vegas Knights takes on the Anaheim Ducks 
NHL

Golden Knights vs Ducks Prediction, Betting Odds, and Our Best Bet

Anaheim Ducks Look to Capitalize on Home Ice and Vegas Fatigue

Matt Brown

The Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks face off in what feels like one of the most lopsided NHL matchups this week. The Golden Knights, are looking to maintain their dominance over the Ducks, while the Ducks aim to prove themselves as, at the very least, capable challengers. 

Just because Las Vegas is dialed in on Anaheim, it doesn’t mean there aren’t good bets to be had. Here’s our expert analysis and prediction for the Golden Knights vs the Ducks.

Golden Knights: Tired But Talented

Vegas enters this game fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Edmonton Oilers. That game was where Adin Hill's stellar goaltending sealed the victory.

Hill has been one of the league’s most reliable netminders recently as he’s posting a 1.65 GAA and a .938 save percentage in his last 10 games. He’s on fire and we’re not so sure the Ducks will be able to be much of a threat to him.

Offensively, the Golden Knights bring plenty of firepower. Jack Eichel leads the charge on the team with 28 points this season, while Ivan Barbashev has stepped up in the last few games notching 11 points over 7 games. The team’s ability to generate a whopping 3.6 goals per game ranks them 7th in the league, while their power play sits 5th with a 27.4% conversion rate. Those numbers are a big reason the Golden Knights sit at 16-7-3 on the season.

However, fatigue could be a big factor heading into tonight’s game.

This game is the second of a back-to-back for Vegas, which might explain their heavy reliance on their defense and goaltending in recent games. 

Despite this potential slow-down, they’ve consistently outclassed Anaheim, winning 6 of their last 10 head-to-head matchups, including the previous 2 games this season.

Ducks: A Defensive Stand

The Ducks come in with momentum after edging the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in a shootout. If you follow the NHL, then you’re well aware that momentum can go a long way.

Lukas Dostal continues to impress everyone between the pipes as he’s boasting a .921 save percentage for the season. He’s smoking hot and not slowing down. Anaheim’s defense has been the backbone of their team this season, allowing just 2.91 goals per game, good for 8th in the NHL.

It sounds like the Ducks are a decent team, right?

Offensively, the Ducks have struggled. 

They’re ranked 26th in goals per game (2.56) and they rely heavily on players like Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano to generate scoring. Both players are looking great, but Anaheim's 27th-ranked power play (15.7%) highlights their struggles in creating consistent offensive pressure when they need it the most.

Playing at home, Anaheim will need to find a way to make the most of Vegas's potential fatigue while continuing their strong defensive play. 

But with their dismal home record, losing 7 of their last 10 games at Honda Center, it’s an uphill battle for the Ducks.

Betting Odds and Trends

The moneyline odds favor Vegas at -165, while Anaheim is priced at +140. That’s about where we’d expect these 2 teams to be.

The point spread of Vegas -1.5 offers some decent value at +145, though betting on Anaheim to cover at +1.5 is heavily juiced at -175. Keep in mind that the Golden Knights have beat the Ducks by 2 goals and 1 goal so far this season. 

The total sits at 6.5, with bettors leaning toward the over, as 73% of bets and 71% of the money are on that side so far. Could that change between now and game time? Of course, but it’s a trend you might want to note.

Historically, the Golden Knights have dominated this matchup. With 13 wins in their last 20 games against the Ducks, they’re simply showing who the dominant team is. Additionally, Vegas has won 16 of their last 26 games this season, compared to Anaheim's struggles at home.

Prediction and Best Bet

The Golden Knights are the better team on paper, and their dominance over the Ducks simply cannot be ignored. 

Even with their tired legs, Vegas’s depth and experience should allow them to dictate the pace of this game. Meanwhile, Anaheim’s inconsistent offense makes it difficult to trust them to keep up with an even-tired Las Vegas.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: Vegas Golden Knights 3-Way Moneyline (-115)

Vegas has about a 60% implied probability of winning in regulation, making this the most attractive bet for the game. While the Ducks’ defense might keep things closer than most would think, we’re predicting that the Knights will edge out a win, potentially in a lower-scoring game.

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