Anaheim Ducks vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

Ducks Seek Momentum Against Senators

The Anaheim Ducks are aiming to turn recent improvements into tangible results as they host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. While the Ducks have just one win in their last four games, their broader form—5-3-1 in their past nine outings—has shown promise, particularly on the defensive end.

Their latest performance, a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, was a hard-fought game that highlighted their progress. Anaheim dominated stretches of play, outshooting the Kings 31-18, including a commanding 12-4 edge in the third period.

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Forward Ryan Strome found positives in the effort:

“We had the puck maybe more than we have had in the past against these guys,” Strome said. “We were kind of pushing the pace on them.”

Though unlikely playoff contenders this season, the Ducks are showing signs of growth. Under head coach Greg Cronin, Anaheim has improved defensively, now ranking 10th overall in goals allowed. Additionally, their penalty kill has been flawless across their last six games, a stark contrast to struggles in recent years.

“The last 10 or 11 games we haven’t had too many stinkers,” Cronin said. “For the most part, we’ve played really well as a group.”

Senators Look to Rebound After Stinging Loss

The Ottawa Senators, coming off a 5-2 defeat to the Kings, will aim to bounce back and end their three-game California road trip on a high note.

Despite leading 2-1 early in the second period, Ottawa allowed four unanswered goals to the Kings, snapping their modest two-game win streak. For head coach Travis Green, it’s a missed opportunity but also a chance to refocus quickly:

“When you play a game that stings a little bit, you don’t like to sit around and wait,” Green said. “It’s an opportunity to finish the road trip off right.”

Defensive lapses proved costly against Los Angeles, overshadowing some strong individual performances. Tim Stutzle extended his point streak to six games, amassing three goals and five assists during that span. Meanwhile, Adam Gaudette notched his 12th goal of the season, matching his career high with plenty of time left in the campaign.

However, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk emphasized the need for a collective shift in mindset:

“It’s the unfortunate reality that we have to get that angry with losing that things will change,” Tkachuk said. “We have to focus on the task at hand.”

Key Matchups to Watch

Ducks’ Improved Defense vs. Senators’ Scoring Threats

Anaheim’s revamped defensive structure will be tested by Ottawa’s top scorers. Stutzle and Gaudette are red-hot, but Anaheim’s strong penalty kill could neutralize their power-play opportunities.

Goaltending Battle

The Ducks have relied heavily on goaltender Lukas Dostal, whose solid performances have anchored their defense. Meanwhile, Ottawa will look for consistency between the pipes to avoid defensive breakdowns like those against the Kings.

Special Teams Showdown

The Ducks’ perfect penalty kill in recent games could be a deciding factor against a Senators team looking to capitalize on man-advantage opportunities.

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Prediction

Both teams enter Sunday’s game with something to prove. The Ducks are building momentum defensively, while the Senators are striving for consistency. Anaheim’s home-ice advantage and improved play could give them the edge in a close contest.

Final Score Prediction: Ducks 3, Senators 2