Ducks vs. Canucks NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Can Vancouver Roll in Western Conference Clash? (February 19)
Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko.
- The Vancouver Canucks host the Anaheim Ducks in Saturday's NHL showdown.
- Goaltender Thatcher Demko has been big for the Canucks, who look to secure another big victory.
- Tony Sartori breaks down the game below and gives his top pick.
Ducks vs. Canucks Odds
| Ducks Odds | +135 |
| Canucks Odds | -155 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 (-115 / -105) |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL here. | |
We have a Pacific Division tilt Saturday, with the fifth-place Anaheim traveling to Canada to take on the sixth-place Vancouver in NHL action.
This will be the fourth meeting between these teams this season, with the Ducks taking two out of the first three games.
So, can the Canucks even the season series or will the visiting side prevail as a road underdog?
Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim will end its road trip attempting to break a four-game slide. The Ducks are coming off two particularly lopsided losses, suffering a 6-2 loss in Calgary and 7-3 setback against Edmonton.
The road has been particularly difficult for Anaheim against tougher opponents, as they're just 2-9 in their last 11 games.
Projected starting goaltender John Gibson will look to break the spell. However, Gibson has particularly struggled recently as well. Over his last four starts, Gibson is 0-3-1 with a lowly 0.853 SV percentage.
While Anaheim has had their stretches of good hockey, things seem to be regressing toward the mean for this group. The Ducks currently rank in the bottom half of the league in both 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF) and 5-on-5 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA) overall.
Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver returns home following Thursday night's 5-4 road victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks are searching for their third consecutive win, having won three of their last four contests.
Just as Anaheim has struggled on the road, Vancouver has been impressive at home. The Canucks have been particularly impressive as a home favorite, winning five of their last six games in that role and eight of their last nine games as a favorite either at home or on the road.
Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has been the centerpiece for the Canucks, as he boasts a 0.919 SV% and ranks third among starting goaltenders in 5-on-5 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx). Demko has been on fire recently, winning his last three starts in a row and posting a 0.940 SV% across those four games.
The defense in front of Demko has also done a great job limiting high-danger chances from the opposition. This season, Vancouver ranks eighth in the league in average expected goal value of opposing 5-on-5 shots.
Ducks-Canucks Pick
Bottom line, we have teams trending in different directions. Not only are the teams trending opposite, but both starting goaltenders are as well.
I like the team with the hotter goaltender at home, especially with how bad Anaheim has been this season as a road underdog.
Pick: Vancouver ML (-155 | Play up to -160)
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