Once again it’s been an awful season in Anaheim. The home team has a chance to turn things around when the Jets arrive to play their third game in four days.
Ducks preparing for trade deadline
The season hasn’t offered anything new or miraculous in Anaheim. With the halfway point of the regular season looming, it’s already clear that the Ducks won’t be fighting for a playoff spot this season either. Eyes are already on the trade deadline, during which Anaheim will likely look to bolster the future with draft picks.
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Within a few years, the Ducks may already be something of a dark horse in the West. Mason McTavish showed his potential in the fall. His injury interrupted the hot streak and McTavish hasn’t found the same touch since returning to the lineup. Trevor Zegras has also had his share of injury woes. The 22-year-old stickhandling wizard has only five points to his name so far.
Although those two have already returned to the rink, there are many others missing. Radko Gudas’s injury leaves a hole in defense, while Troy Terry and possibly Ryan Strome are missing from offense. The Ducks are weakened by these injuries. Having said that, the single most prominent player is out from the visiting side.
Still winning without Connor
The Winnipeg Jets’ year-end form has been one of the best in the NHL. A sample of the last ten games shows seven wins and 15 points. What’s more, the Jets are on this streak without their best forward, Kyle Connor. The winger, who scores goals in several different ways, is a bit like a younger version of Joe Pavelski. While Connor is still recovering from his knee injury, the Jets are getting offense from guys like Nikolaj Ehlers and Gabe Vilardi, among others.
Prior to this game, the Jets will play a game against the Sharks, the events of which are unknown at the time of writing. Goalie choices are also shrouded in obscurity. Connor Hellebuyck occasionally plays on consecutive days, which is a realistic scenario in this game as well. What is certain, however, is that playing the third game in four days will eat away at Winnipeg’s performance.
Ducks high enough for a small bet
Backing Anaheim is usually not attractive with the team’s current level of performance. However, the odds determine our game plan, and this time the betting market simply likes Winnipeg a bit too much.
Unibet has Anaheim’s win in regulation at +255 which is a tad high. My estimate is 29 percent when Hellebuyck gets the start, so the breakeven odds in that scenario would be around +245. By investing early, we get a freeroll in case Laurent Brossoit gets the start for Winnipeg. Stick to a reasonably cautious bet, as just a few units will yield a nice return if Anaheim delivers the goods in regulation.
Tip: Anaheim Ducks in regulation @ +255
Units: 2/10
The match will start on 1/5/2024 at 10:00 PM EST.
The odds are from the time of publication of the article and are subject to change.
Esa Kostet
X: @konekostet
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