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 vs Washington Capitals. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs. Washington Capitals
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Victory+; MNMT; KCOP-13; ESPN+
The Washington Capitals (28-10-5) will host the Anaheim Ducks (18-20-5) at Capital One Arena on January 14, 2025. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season. Anaheim enters tonight’s game looking to continue momentum from a big win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Washington will aim to build on their recent win over the Nashville Predators.
Washington Capitals Leaning on Veterans as Ovechkin Pursues Scoring History
The Capitals are playing solid hockey with a few OT losses recently, going 5-2-3 in their last ten games. Alex Ovechkin is fully back from a leg fracture and chasing Wayne Gretzky‘s scoring title. Currently at 20 goals on the season and 873 in his career, he only has two in his last five games. Ovechkin’s career stat line against the Ducks is 12-18-30 in 25 games played. Ducks fans will remember he scored a hat trick and all of the Capitals goals in a 3-2 win during his rookie season. Ovi is a -10 in his career against the Ducks, showing that like he does against many teams, he makes his living on the power play. However, Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome have the hot hands lately. In their last five games, Wilson has four goals and five points and Strome has four assists. Logan Thompson is likely to start in net given his history with the Ducks as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. He has a 2.32 GAA and .919 save percentage on the season as part of one of the better goalie tandems in the league (and the only one with two right-handed catchers!).
Anaheim Ducks Seeking Stability Amid Rollercoaster Season
The Ducks rollercoaster season continues. After two embarrassing losses to St Louis and Philadelphia, the Ducks (and Cutter Gauthier) rebounded with an OT win against Carolina. In his first game in Philly, the Flyers fans jeered Gauthier the entire game and inspired their team to a 6-0 beatdown. A few nights later, even the Hurricanes broadcaster couldn’t say how happy Gauthier was to be out of Philadelphia enough times. Shockingly, the Ducks have the same amount of wins as the Capitals in their last 10 games, 5-4-1. One of the bright spots on the team, Jackson LaCombe, leads the team in points over the last five games with five including four assists. If for no other reason than Lukas Dostal started the last game, expect John Gibson to start tonight. Gibson has a 2.90 GAA and .909 save percentage on the season.
Prediction
The Capitals have the advantage, playing at home and better in almost every statistical area. The Ducks recent struggles, on both sides of the puck, will be on full display. Expect Washington to capitalize on Anaheim’s defensive lapses.
Prediction: Capitals win 3-1
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our NHL Predictions for the Anaheim Ducks vs Washington Capitals with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Keep an eye on Ovechkin ATG (-105) and Over 1.5 pts (+200). Also, take a look at under 5.5 goals (-105). Odds courtesy of Bet365.
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: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 14 Anaheim Ducks vs Washington Capitals appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.