Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions December 23rd 2024

Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks December 23rd 2024

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Ducks versus the Golden Knights? The puck drops at 10:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The over/under for this game is set at 6 goals, and the Golden Knights are favored by -1.5 against the Ducks in a Pacific division matchup.

Anaheim vs. Vegas Key Information

• Teams: Ducks at Golden Knights
• Where: T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas
• Date: Monday, December 23rd
• Betting Odds VEG -333 | ANA +265 O/U 6

The Ducks Can Win If…

The Ducks fell to 13-15-4 after a 4-2 loss to the Blackhawks. Anaheim was favored on the puck line, but failed to cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 6 goals fell just short of that mark.

Anaheim trailed 3-0 before finally getting on the board in the third period. Brock McGinn scored at 9:44 in the third, and Mason McTavish added another with just 4 seconds left in the game.

Anaheim fired 39 shots on goal but only found the net twice in their 4-2 loss to Chicago. Brock McGinn scored his second goal of the season at the 9:44 mark of the third period. Mason McTavish followed with his second goal, which came with just four seconds left in the game on a power play.

The Ducks were held scoreless through the first two periods, despite registering 16 offensive giveaways. Ryan Strome picked up his fourth assist of the season on McTavish’s late goal, while Troy Terry added his fifth assist.

Defensively, the Ducks struggled early, giving up two first-period goals and another late in the second. They also allowed a crucial goal at 17:43 in the third period, which put the game out of reach. Lukas Dostal made 25 saves with a save percentage of 86.2%. The Ducks’ defense recorded 6 takeaways and 15 hits.

• Anaheim has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Ducks have gone 4-6 straight up. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 6-4 to go along with an over-under mark of 4-5-1.

The Golden Knights Can Win If…

Vegas improved to 22-8-3 with a 4-3 overtime win against Utah. The Golden Knights were favored on the puck line, but failed to cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals went over the line.

The Golden Knights trailed 2-0 before rallying to score four unanswered goals. Four different players contributed to Vegas’ scoring in the game.

The Golden Knights took 35 shots on goal in their 4-3 overtime win, with 13 giveaways. Brett Howden netted his 6th goal of the season, while Pavel Dorofeyev scored his 7th. William Karlsson added his 2nd goal, and Noah Hanifin found the net for the 2nd time this season.

Hanifin also picked up two assists, bringing his total to 5 for the year. Mark Stone recorded his 15th assist on Howden’s overtime winner. After a scoreless first period, Vegas got on the board at the 4:54 mark of the second period.

Defensively, the Golden Knights will look to improve after allowing the first three goals in their last game, including one at 13:10 in the 3rd period. Adin Hill made 16 saves with an 84.2% save percentage, while the defense recorded 10 takeaways and 22 hits.

• Vegas has put together a record of 3-0 over their past three games. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Vegas has a record of 8-2. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 7-3, in addition to an over-under mark of 3-7.

The Lean

To those searching for a pure moneyline wager, the Golden Knights is the clear pick. Still, with a payout of -333, it’s worth thinking about including this bet in a parlay.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Ducks to cover. Even in the event of a Golden Knights victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Ducks should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

Ducks Look to Build on Spirited Comeback Against Golden Knights

Fresh off a thrilling rally against Utah, the Anaheim Ducks aim to carry momentum into Monday night’s showdown against the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights.

Ducks Riding High After Emotional Victory

The Anaheim Ducks (13-15-5) enter their game in Las Vegas on a high after overcoming a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Utah Hockey Club 5-4 in a shootout on Sunday night. The comeback was especially meaningful with the team’s fathers in attendance for the game.

“I told them the dads came a long way to watch you play,” Ducks coach Greg Cronin said of his third-period pep talk. “Let’s finish this off and get a win.”

Robby Fabbri led the charge with two goals, marking the 10th multi-goal game of his career, while Brett Leason tied the game late in regulation with a highlight-reel shot.

“They do so much for us growing up,” Leason said of the fathers’ trip. “It was nice to get a win for them.”

A victory against Vegas would cap the memorable trip and provide a major confidence boost for Anaheim.

Golden Knights: A Formidable Opponent

The Vegas Golden Knights (23-6-3) have dominated the Ducks historically, boasting a 26-7-1 all-time record with a commanding plus-49 goal differential. At T-Mobile Arena, Vegas holds a lopsided 14-3-0 advantage over Anaheim.

This season, Vegas has won all three meetings against the Ducks, outscoring them 10-4. In their most recent matchup on Dec. 4, defenseman Shea Theodore scored twice, and Ilya Samsonov stopped 19 shots in a 4-1 Golden Knights win.

The Golden Knights are excelling at home with a Pacific Division-best 13-3-0 record and have been dominant against Western Conference foes, going 18-3-2 this season.

Vegas is riding a three-game winning streak, including a 6-2 victory over Seattle on Saturday. Mark Stone scored a goal and added two assists, while Jack Eichel chipped in with two assists.

Key Matchup

Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy noted his team’s tendency to start slowly but praised its resilience in responding to early deficits.

“Well, we’re certainly comfortable being down 1-0,” Cassidy said. “But it’s something we’re trying to address because it’s not a good habit.”

Anaheim will need to capitalize on any sluggish start by Vegas while remaining disciplined against a Golden Knights team that thrives on composure and late-game execution.

Players to Watch

• Robby Fabbri (Ducks): Fresh off a two-goal performance, Fabbri will look to keep the momentum going against a tough Vegas defense.
• Mark Stone (Golden Knights): The Vegas captain has been a catalyst, contributing three points in the win over Seattle.
• Brett Leason (Ducks): Leason’s clutch goal against Utah highlights his potential to be a game-changer.
• Shea Theodore (Golden Knights): Theodore’s offensive contributions from the blue line make him a key player in this matchup.

Who’s taking the top spot? Dive into NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions!

Final Thoughts

The Ducks face a steep challenge against the Golden Knights, who are among the league’s best teams this season. However, Anaheim’s resilience against Utah shows they have the determination to make this a competitive game. For Vegas, continuing to address their slow starts will be critical as they aim to extend their dominance over Anaheim.