Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks NHL Odds and Predictions

The Vancouver Canucks travel to Anaheim tonight to play their first road game of the year. The Canucks are (1-1) after a couple of tight games at home versus the Kings and Panthers. With 3 of a possible 4 points, the Canucks have had a fairly successful start to the season. The Anaheim Ducks, on the other hand, have had the worst start possible, losing their first 3 games, each of which was on the road. The Ducks hope that playing in their home rink, with the support of local fans will be enough to turn their fortunes and allow them to get a win against one of the Stanley Cup favourites.

The ‘Nucks have only been able to score three goals in their first two games combined and it’s no surprise that both Daniel and Henrik Sedin have been in on 100% of these goals. The Canucks will need more scoring depth going forward from players such as Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond. The one bright side with having scored so few goals is the fact that the Canucks have still found ways to win. The team has been able to defend as a unit and Roberto Luongo has shown everyone why he is being paid $10M ($5.67M cap hit) this season.

The Ducks have lost their first 3 games and have only scored 2 goals through these games, while giving up 13. This is the worst start possible for Anaheim and many NHL fans and writers, myself included, are beginning to give them the nod as the worst team in the Western Conference. Anaheim needs a change of personnel at the back end in order to stand a chance this year. The Ducks are a long ways from the Stanley Cup team that boasted Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger and Francois Beachemin on defense. One positive for this upcoming game is that Anaheim was (25-16) at home last season, in comparison to (14-27) on the road. Maybe playing at the Honda Center is what the Ducks need to get on the board this season.

Canucks vs Ducks Betting Odds

Vancouver Canucks -140 (Bookmaker.com)
Anaheim Ducks +120 (Bookmaker.com)

These are the best odds available of our recommended online sportsbooks.

Vancouver Canucks vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction

The Vancouver Canucks haven’t played their best hockey yet this 2010-11 season and I’m expecting a stronger perfor

mance this evening against the Ducks. If the Blues are able to outshoot the Ducks 53-14, then the Canucks, who I feel are a much better team, should have no trouble handling the Ducks. That being said, this is Anaheim’s home opener so we can expect them to bring their A-game to the rink this evening. Unfortunately for the Ducks, their A-game this season is still not on par with the Canucks. You can expect Kesler and the other secondary scorers to get going tonight as the Ducks will once again allow 4 or 5 goals against.