Colorado Avalanche vs. Anaheim Ducks: Key Preview and Predictions
The Colorado Avalanche (19-15-0) travel to Anaheim to face the Anaheim Ducks (12-14-4) at the Honda Center in what promises to be a compelling Western Conference showdown. With both teams looking to build on recent successes, this matchup carries significant weight, especially for the Avalanche as they aim to solidify their playoff position.
Here’s a deep dive into tonight’s game, key players, and what fans can expect when the puck drops.
Game Details
- Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
- Date: Friday, December 20
- Time: 10:00 PM EST
- TV: ESPN+, KTVD, KCOP-13
- Radio:
- Colorado: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM / 950 AM
- Anaheim: KLAA 830 AM
Betting Lines and Odds
- Spread: Colorado Avalanche -1.5
- Moneyline: Colorado (-225), Anaheim (+185)
- Over/Under: 6.5
With the Avalanche listed as favorites, Anaheim enters as the underdog, but their recent performances suggest they shouldn’t be overlooked.
Team Form and Recent Performance
Colorado Avalanche: Finding Momentum
The Avalanche enter this game fresh off a 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, reclaiming the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Colorado has gone 6-4-0 in their last ten games, showing resilience as they navigate injuries and lineup adjustments.
Led by superstar Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche continue to demonstrate why they are playoff contenders. Their ability to dominate in key moments, coupled with a solid defensive core anchored by Cale Makar, makes them a formidable opponent.
Anaheim Ducks: Building Confidence
Anaheim comes into this matchup riding a two-game winning streak, including an upset victory over the Winnipeg Jets (3-2) on Wednesday. Goals from Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano powered the Ducks, while Lukas Dostal impressed in net, stopping 21 of 23 shots.
Despite their position near the bottom of the standings, the Ducks have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly from their young core. Anaheim will look to carry this momentum against a strong Colorado team.
Projected Lineups
Colorado Avalanche
- Forwards:
- Lehkonen – MacKinnon – Nichushkin
- Rantanen – Mittelstadt – Colton
- Kiviranta – Kelly – O’Connor
- Smith – Ivan – Wagner
- Defensemen:
- Toews – Makar
- Girard – Malinski
- Middleton – De Haan
- Goaltenders:
- Starter: Wedgewood
- Backup: Blackwood
Anaheim Ducks
- Forwards:
- Vatrano – Strome – Terry
- McGinn – Carlsson – Killorn
- Gauthier – McTavish – Fabbri
- Harkins – Lundestrom – Harkins
- Defensemen:
- Lacombe – Gudas
- Zellweger – Dumoulin
- Mintyukov – Trouba
- Goaltenders:
- Starter: Gibson
- Backup: Dostal
Key Players to Watch
Colorado Avalanche
- Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon continues to be the driving force behind Colorado’s success. With 52 points (13 goals, 39 assists) this season, he’s a constant threat on the ice. In 33 career games against Anaheim, MacKinnon has tallied 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists), including a two-point performance earlier this season. - Cale Makar
The dynamic defenseman is a game-changer on both ends of the ice. His ability to control the tempo and contribute offensively will be crucial for the Avalanche.
Anaheim Ducks
- Troy Terry
Terry has been a bright spot for Anaheim, recording 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) this season. Against Colorado, he’s proven effective with 11 career points (5 goals, 6 assists). The Ducks will lean on him to generate offense. - Lukas Dostal
The young goaltender has shown promise in recent outings, and his performance against Winnipeg was pivotal. A strong showing tonight could give Anaheim the edge they need.
Injury Report
Colorado Avalanche
- F Gabriel Landeskog: IR
- F Jonathan Drouin: Out
- D Tucker Poolman: IR
- D Josh Manson: IR
Anaheim Ducks
- LW Trevor Zegras: IR (week-to-week)
Game Outlook and Predictions
Colorado’s Keys to Victory
- Capitalize on Offensive Depth: With players like MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen leading the charge, the Avalanche need to exploit Anaheim’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Stay Disciplined: Avoid unnecessary penalties and maintain control of the game’s tempo.
- Solid Goaltending: Wedgewood will need to remain sharp against Anaheim’s opportunistic forwards.
Anaheim’s Keys to Victory
- Ride the Momentum: With two consecutive wins, Anaheim must play with confidence and aggression.
- Defensive Cohesion: The Ducks’ defensive pairings will need to limit scoring opportunities for Colorado’s potent offense.
- Strong Special Teams: Taking advantage of power-play opportunities could be the difference-maker.
Predictions
While Anaheim has shown improvement, Colorado’s depth and star power give them the edge in this matchup. Expect a competitive game, but the Avalanche’s ability to capitalize in key moments should secure them the win.
- Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 4, Anaheim Ducks 2
- Best Bets:
- Take Colorado on the Moneyline (-225).
- Bet on the Over (6.5), as both teams have the potential to generate offense.
Looking Ahead
Next Games
- Colorado Avalanche: December 22 vs. Seattle Kraken
- Anaheim Ducks: December 22 @ Utah Hockey Club
The Avalanche will look to continue their playoff push against a tough Seattle team, while the Ducks aim to build momentum on the road.
Conclusion
Tonight’s matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks offers an exciting clash of talent and determination. For Colorado, this game represents an opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning and maintain their winning ways. For Anaheim, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with the league’s best and continue building confidence.
With stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Troy Terry leading the charge, fans can expect a thrilling game at the Honda Center. Whether you’re tuning in to see the Avalanche’s playoff drive or the Ducks’ resurgence, this is one game you won’t want to miss.