Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today, we are looking at the game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs Florida Panthers
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Victory+; SCRIPPS; ESPN+
The Florida Panthers (26-17-3) will host their expansion sibling Anaheim Ducks (18-21-6) at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida on January 18, 2025. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season. Anaheim concludes their six-game road trip, looking to end it on a high note. They are currently 1-3-1 on this East Coast trip. Florida will be looking to make this a road trip for the Ducks to forget. and bounce back from a loss to the Detroit Red Wings in their last game.
Panthers Aim to Regain Consistency Amid Mixed Results
The Panthers have been surprisingly inconsistent lately with a 4-5-1 record over their last ten games. Some of those losses were against top teams like Carolina and Colorado, but some of them were against struggling teams like Philadelphia and Boston. As the defending champs, the Panthers believe they can and should win any game they’re in. They are currently 3rd in the Atlantic Division and only 1.5 games back of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sam Reinhart continues to be the hot hand for Florida, with five goals in their last five games. Spencer Knight is the likely starter for Florida after coming in relief for Sergei Bobrovsky last game, and the Ducks usually get the backup treatment. He has a 2.60 GAA and an .897 SV% this season.
Ducks Struggle with Consistency Despite Dostal’s Strong Performances
The Ducks hung in with the offensive powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning the other night, but ultimately fell in a shootout. While that may seem like a decent result, the Ducks can ill afford to drop any more points in the standings if they are to keep their Wild Card hopes and dreams alive. The Ducks are 4-4-2 in their last ten games, which has been the theme of the season, they are a .500 team most of the time and then lose a bunch of games in a row. That formula usually equals a draft lottery pick. It may sound obvious, but the Ducks can’t win because they can’t score. Their top scorer in the last five games is a young defenceman who has three points over that span, Jackson LaCombe. John Gibson probably still has nightmares from playing Florida. Over the past three seasons, he has twice been asked to make more than 50 saves. If Greg Cronin is merciful, he will give Lukas Dostal the start. Dostal has a 2.88 GAA and a .910 SV% on the season.
Prediction
Sam Reinhart, who’s been on fire with five goals in the last five games, could be the difference-maker for Florida. Meanwhile, Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal will need to bring his A-game to keep Anaheim in it, especially with the team struggling to find the back of the net. This has all the makings of a hard-fought battle, but Florida’s firepower and special teams should give them the edge
Prediction: Panthers win 3 – 2
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our NHL Predictions for the Anaheim Ducks vs Florida Panthers with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Keep an eye on Sam Reinhart anytime goal (+110). Reinhart has been on a scoring streak, tallying five goals in his last five games and the Ducks aren’t known for shutting down the other team’s top players. Reinhart puts one in from in close on the power play. Also, take a look at under 5.5 (+110).
Note: Always consider checking the latest team news and player statuses before placing any bets, as injuries and other factors can influence game outcomes.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: January 18 Anaheim Ducks vs Florida Panthers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.