Anaheim Ducks - Ottawa Senators predictions and free betting tips [07/03/2024]

The Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators are set to square off in a regular NHL season match.

Anaheim Ducks

Midway through a five-game homestand, the Ducks have attained a 4-5-1 record in their last ten appearances. Kicking off their home stand with a win over New Jersey, 4-3, was a notable achievement. However, the subsequent loss to Vancouver, the Western conference leaders, with a score of 2-1, offered mixed feelings.

During the face-off with the Canucks, Anaheim only capitalised on 1 of the 18 shots on goal, with Alex Killorn scoring one goal in the first period. Due to an illness of starting goaltender John Gibson, Lucas Dostal returned to the posts. After an impressive 52 saves against the Devils, he further contributed 29 saves in the game with Vancouver.

Vancouver's winning goal by Conor Garland landed in the middle of the second period. It was scored soon after Anaheim returned to full strength following a penalty, thanks to a pass from Russian Nikita Zadorov. Throughout the season, Anaheim strives to improve their gameplay. They have registered wins against the Sharks and Devils but have been facing issues defensively, averaging 3.52 goals against per game and blocking 75.5% shots in the majority.

In offense, Anaheim is scoring an average of 2.64 goals per game, utilising 19.6% opportunities on the power play. Frank Vatrano stands out among the skaters with 29 goals, Troy Terry is noted for 29 assists, and Mason McTavish has made 117 shots on goal. Despite difficulties, the team emphasises improving both the offensive and defensive performances to enhance their chances for the remainder of the season.

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators, anchoring the Atlantic Division standings with 53 points, face significant challenges on the road, holding the worst record in the Eastern Conference with 8 wins, 18 losses in their last 26 games. They recently traded one of their offensive front-runners, Vladimir Tarasenko, to Florida for two future draft picks today. This trade comes amidst a four-game losing streak, including a recent loss against Philadelphia Flyers by 4:2. Ottawa is in the middle of a road trip, with stops including Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose.

Due to injuries, goaltenders Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg, as well as captain Brady Tkachuk missed the recent match, but returned to practising on Tuesday. Tkachuk missed his first game after 219 games streak, the eighth-longest in franchise history. The team used a three-day break to recharge on the Pacific shore, which, according to defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker, had a positive impact on the mood and readiness for forthcoming matches.

The Senators, this season, are scoring an average of 3.27 goals per game, but their defense is lagging behind, allowing an average of 3.59 goals and placing them 30th in the league in this parameter. Tim Stuetzle contributed significantly to the team's offense with 14 goals and 42 assists. The team's scoring leaders also include Brady Tkachuk with 26 goals and Claude Giroux, responsible for 145 shots on goal.

The goaltending line has been under criticism after Anton Forsberg allowed 63 goals, and Joonas Korpisalo conceded 123 goals this season. Overall, the team needs to improve its defensive gameplay and goaltending performance to enhance their chances of success in the upcoming matches of the season.

Head-to-Head

The Ducks have prevailed three times in the last five head-to-head matches against the Senators, including the most recent victory in this season - on 16th February Anaheim beat Ottawa 5:1, with the Ducks' Russian defenseman Mintyukov netting the first goal.

Match prediction – Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators

Ottawa, having traded Tarasenko earlier today, is at a loss of striking power. With a streak of 4 consecutive losses, the Senators don't look very promising either. On the contrary, Anaheim recently scored 10 goals in two victorious matches against San Jose and New Jersey, hence leaning towards a positive handicap for the Ducks.