Welcome to NHL Predictions presented by us here at Last Word on Hockey! Today, we feature the Ottawa Senators as they take on the Anaheim Ducks from the Pond, or more precisely, the Honda Center. Ottawa is a team trying to keep its head above water, while Anaheim continues its rebuild. So, join us as we delve into matchups and key takeaways in deciding who might prevail in this one. Just like we do for the whole season here at Last Word on Hockey, checkout your favourite team and us analyzing how they might do!
NHL Predictions the Ottawa Senators at the Anaheim Ducks
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
TV Coverage: RDS, TSN5, Victory+
Ottawa comes into this one on the second half of playing in back-to-back nights and more than willing to assert their dominance. Afterall, it’s always sunny in Anaheim, isn’t it? Does anyone remember ’07? Well, like this one, it was Ducks vs Sens.
Keys to the Sens Victory on the Road
Ottawa needs to prove that night-in, night-out, they can perform at the highest level. This doesn’t mean accepting anything less than beating the teams they are supposed to beat and competing against the rest. Therefore, coming off last night’s loss to Anaheim’s crosstown rival, the Sens need a win today. The Sens and head coach Travis Green really hope the team eliminates the mental errors. Versus the Los Angeles Kings, two too many on the ice penalties, or two, too many, too many on the ice penalties are two, too many.
So, what’s going well for the Sens? Their top line, it seems like fans are going with the G.S.T. Line, are leading the team offensively. (Maybe the STAG Line will get some votes too) Like on Tim Stützle’s goal yesterday, when they’re going, they’re tough to contain. Of course, the other two members are Brady Tkachuk and Adam Gaudette. Stützle comes into this one riding a six-game point streak, Brady a four gamer, and Gaudette has a three-game, goal-scoring streak. Look for the trio to continue their positive ways.
On the other side of the coin, there are a few players who were expected to produce that need to get it going. David Perron has been held pointless in nine games. In addition, Shane Pinto has but three points in 15 games. Even Michael Amadio has only four points on the campaign thus far, and hasn’t missed a game. This was supposed to be where the Sens improved. However, if their bottom six aren’t producing, they are no further ahead as an organization. Something has to give.
In net, Anton Forsberg did well to contain the Kings for the first two periods yesterday. Also, he helped to give Linus Ullmark a bit of a rest. Look for Ullmark to get the call tonight, and try to get things on track for Ottawa. It starts now? One last note, please check for all the latest lineup news before locking in your fantasy starting lineups.
How About Those Ducks?
For the Ducks, Leo Carlsson and Trevor Zegras will continue to play a huge role for this organization. Those two players in particular, seem to be a great litmus test for the team in an overall sense. Carlsson has 11 points through 20 games thus far. Meanwhile, Zegras has just ten through 22 contests. It seems the Ducks will experience some growing pains but will be better for it in the long run.
A couple young studs on the blueline include the duo of Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov. It is easy to see that general manager Pat Verbeek has a vision for the club. Furthermore, they seem to be getting it done on the defensive side of the puck. Which is reason for optimism, given their collective youth and offensive-minded tendencies. Mason McTavish is another example of a young player, with tons of potential, just waiting for the team to put it all together.
Interestingly enough, one strength for the Ducks is team save percentage. It currently sits at .916. Compared to Ottawa’s, which is .887. Lukas Dostal and John Gibson are doing their respective parts to prove they ain’t no slouches. Whoever gets the start, with Dostal expected to get the call, look for the Sens to be in tough.
NHL Predictions: Ducks and Senators
Based on our analysis, we like the Sens to bounce back in this one. It’s December and it’s time for the club to prove to everyone they are a playoff contender in 2024-25. Look for someone from the depth forward group to step up tonight in Anaheim.
Prediction: Ottawa wins in regulation, 3-2.
According to Fanduel, if we want to look at adding some friendly wagers on the outcomes as part of our NHL Predictions, check these out. Ottawa on the moneyline is -172, and the under of 6.5, is -140. Start your parlay with those two. Gaudette as an anytime scorer is +380, which given recent success is worth a shot. For the Ducks, McTavish is +340 as an anytime scorer, also a strong value pick.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions Senators Edition Ottawa at Anaheim Ducks December 1st appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.