Canucks: Betting Odds and Predictions vs. Ducks (December 29)

After a long 13 days without a regular season game, the Vancouver Canucks will resume their season on Wednesday when they venture into the Honda Center to take on the Anaheim Ducks.

With the rapid-spreading Omicron variant running rampant throughout the world, and particularly through the NHL, schedules are changing by the minute. As things stand Vancouver’s game in Anaheim is expected to go ahead as scheduled, barring any additional COVID-related issues.

Vancouver recently placed Alex Chiasson in COVID protocols after a positive test. However, they did welcome back everyone to practice who were in the protocols last week. Fingers crossed the Canucks can keep the virus away from the team as much as possible, and as of right now they seem to be in a good situation compared to the rest of the league.

In contrast with Vancouver’s good COVID-19 situation, the same cannot be said about the Anaheim Ducks. On Tuesday morning, the Ducks placed young star Trevor Zegras into the league’s COVID protocols, joining Max Comtois and Sam Steel who are also self-isolating. All three players are asymptomatic according to the team, and their status is regarded as ‘doubtful’ for the game on Wednesday night.

Getting back to on-ice related hockey topics, the Canucks record stands at 14-15-2, placing them 7th in the Pacific Division, remaining six points out of a playoff spot. They currently hold a six game winning streak under new head coach Bruce Boudreau who they are yet to lose under, and courtesy of the league’s delay, haven’t lost a hockey game since December 4th.

Anaheim have been one of the league’s surprising teams this year, as they appear to be ahead of schedule in their rebuild. The Ducks sit second in the Pacific Division with a record of 17-9-6. Led by young studs Zegras and Troy Terry, Anaheim boasts a top-12 offensive and defensive output, and are the only team in the league to hold a top-5 power play and penalty kill.

It’s a near given that both Vancouver and Anaheim will roll with their starting goaltenders tomorrow night given the long break, so expect to see Thatcher Demko and John Gibson.

These teams have met twice before this season, with Anaheim taking the first game in Vancouver 3-2 (OT), and winning the second game at home 5-1.

The odds for Wednesday’s game between Vancouver and Anaheim are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of FanSided.

Canucks vs. Ducks Odds and Predictions:

Moneyline:

Canucks +105

Ducks -125

Total:

5.5 goals (over -105 // under -115)

Puckline:

Canucks +1.5 at -220

Ducks -1.5 at +175

Canucks vs. Ducks Prediction:

It’s impossible to know what both of these teams will look like coming out of a long break. This game will have a similar feel to the first few games of the preseason where both teams are looking to find their legs again while regaining sharpness on the ice. The Ducks likely being without Zegras will have a massive impact on this game, and that is why I’m backing the Canucks to win outright on Wednesday night. The hot start under Bruce Boudreau may well be helped with the extra time the Canucks have had off the ice, with them being able to study game film and get sorted into Boudreau’s system. I expect rustiness from both teams to start, but give me the Canucks to pull through in a scrappy contest.

Pick: Canucks Moneyline at +105

What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Canucks and Ducks? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!