NHL Hockey Betting: Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks
One of the great things about NHL hockey is that there are few ‘easy games’. In fact, most matchups offer a rivalry, a divisional battle or at the very least a compelling storyline. This is no exception–both teams are looking for a return to the postseason where both feel they have ‘unfinished business’. This is especially true for the Anaheim Ducks, who fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals. The Canucks are something of a question mark. They’ve still got talent led by the Sedin Twins but they’ve added some younger players that are making a nice contribution. Are they a team in ‘rebuilding mode’ or are they still a contender?
Vancouver is 1-0-1 on the season so far, splitting a home and home series with rivals Calgary. The Canucks won the road leg of the set with ease, 5-1 at the Scotiabank Saddledome but dropped the rematch in overtime when Johnny Gaudreau scored the winning goal to give the Flames a 3-2 win. The Ducks were on the losing end of their only game to date, dropping a 2-0 verdict to San Jose. Since the Sharks were expected to have a ‘down year’ as they rebuild following years of success and the Ducks expected to be among the contenders for the Western Conference title, that result is obviously unacceptable.
Both teams are expected to have their starting goalies between the pipes. Anaheim’s starter Frederik Andersen is confirmed while Vancouver starter Ryan Miller is listed as ‘likely’. With former backup Eddie Lack now in Carolina the Canucks turn the backup duties over to well traveled Swede Jacob Markstrom who saw most of his previous NHL action in Florida. A very tough spot for the Canucks coming off the home and home series against Calgary and with a road game against the Los Angeles Kings on deck tomorrow night. Sure looks like a potential ‘flat spot’ and given the recent history of this head to head series the Ducks don’t need much help. Anaheim has won 8 of the last 10 meetings including 4 of 5 at the Honda Center. Anaheim won’t want to start the season 0-2 and we expect them to get the victory in this one.
BET ANAHEIM DUCKS -170 OVER VANCOUVER CANUCKS
