NHL: Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction, Odds and Best Bets || January 7, 2024

For the 3rd game of this West Coast road trip, the Detroit Red Wings will play the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center. In their previous matchup this season, the Ducks beat the Red Wings in a close 4-3 game last month.

Both teams rank towards the bottom of the league on defense. However, the Red Wings have a much better offense. They rank 5th in the league for goals forced per game with 3.56 and have a shooting percentage of 11.9%, 2nd best in the league.

Detroit let up 3 first period goals in that previous matchup, so they’ll have to play better defense this time around. They allow 3.44 goals and 32.2 shots on goal per game, both rank 25th in the league.

Coming in on a 2-game winning streak and 3-1 in their last 4 games, the Red Wings will look to keep the momentum going. They’re 9-9-1 on the road and 4-6-0 in their last 10 games.

The Red Wings made some nice additions this year, bringing in big time offensive guys. Alex DeBrincat was picked up in the offseason and is showing his worth, leading the team with 17 goals and 21 assists.

Detroit also landed future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane who in 15 games already has 6 goals and 8 assists. Just shy of a point per game for the stud.

Dylan Larkin has come to play as well with 13 goals and 19 assists. Defensemen Moritz Seider and newly added Shayne Gostisbehere have been holding it down.

Goaltending has been a challenge this year due to injuries. Starter Ville Husso was placed on the IR with a lower body injury on December 20th. Alex Lyon, who also has been battling a lower body injury, will get the start tonight. He is a solid 7-4-0 with a 2.56 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

Can the Ducks find a way to sneak out a win tonight?

Anaheim hasn’t had the best start to the year. They come into this game on a 4-game losing streak and are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. Home ice hasn’t helped the Ducks either with a 6-15-1 record at home.

Ranking towards the bottom of the league in almost all offensive categories, the Ducks will rely on the shaky Red Wings defense to get some chances.

When they get those chances, they’ll need to make them count. But shotting percentage is one of the things the Ducks are the worst at. They shoot on goal 8.4% of the time, 31st in the league.

Staying out of the penalty box is another thing the Ducks can do to protect themselves, but it will be a tough task. Anaheim ranks dead last in the league for penalties committed per game.

Goalie John Gibson is expected to get the start tonight. He has a record of 7-16-0 with a 2.97 GAA and a .903 save percentage. This will be his first matchup vs the Red Wings this season.

A win would be huge for the team’s moral. Let’s take a look at where the sportsbooks are setting the lines.

Betting Odds

Puck Line

• Detroit Red Wings -1.5 (+146)
• Anaheim Ducks +1.5 (-176)

Moneyline

• Detroit Red Wings -156
• Anaheim Ducks +130

Totals

• Over 6.5 (-120)
• Under 6.5 (-102)

Odds courtesy of MyBookie

Game Information

• Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
• Date: Sunday, January 7, 2024
• Puck Drop: 8pm EST
• TV: BSW, BSDETX

Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction and Picks

Prediction and Pick: Detroit Red Wings Moneyline (-156)

As expected, the Red Wings are favored in this game. I agree with the sportsbooks on this one. Detroit is a better team with a lot of offensive power. Defense will be their test.

I like Lyon in net tonight vs the Ducks. He is currently 3-1 in his last 4 starts and this is the first time he will face Anaheim in his career. His 2.56 GAA falls right in line with Anaheim’s average goals per game, so if he can stand tall, he has a chance to get the W.

The moneyline is a little juicy, but I’m more confident in them winning outright over covering the puck line. I really think Detroit comes out firing early to take a lead.

Anaheim committing penalties will play a huge factor in this game. If they can’t stay out of the box, then the Red Wings power play could feast. They tank 13th in the league converting 21.9% of the time.

As we say, we’re going to pay the juice man for this play.

 

Player Prop: Patrick Kane 1+ Assist (+150)

You can tell by the way he’s been playing he was dying to get back to work. Not only has Kaner been playing well, but he has some great numbers vs the Ducks in his career.

He has 6 goal and 15 assists vs Anaheim in his last 10 games dating back to 2021. He has 12 assists alone in his last 5 games vs the Ducks, including a 5 assist game.

We’re getting some great value on this given the track record. He is playing on the 2nd line alongside former teammate Alex DeBrincat and they’re clicking nicely. Kane also plays on the 2nd power play unit, which could see some nice time tonight.

I think we’ll see plenty of chances tonight for Kane to cash this for us. Wouldn’t be surprised if we get it in the first period!

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