Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions December 31st 2024

Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils December 31st 2024

Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Devils and Ducks. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Get ready to place your bets! The Devils come into this non-conference matchup favored by -1.5 goals. The over/under line currently sits at 6 goals.

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New Jersey vs. Anaheim Key Information

• Teams: Devils at Ducks
• Where: Honda Center Anaheim
• Date: Tuesday, December 31st
• Betting Odds NJ -254 | ANA +210 O/U 6

The Devils Can Win If…

New Jersey fell to 24-12-3 after a 3-0 road loss to the Flames. The Devils entered as -1.5 goal favorites, failing to cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 3 fell well short.

All three goals came in the third period, with the Flames scoring at 14:26, 14:54, and 16:45. New Jersey’s offense struggled, managing only 22 shots and committing 19 giveaways.

New Jersey’s offense was shut out in their 3-0 loss to Calgary, despite managing 22 shots on goal. The Devils struggled with giveaways, committing 19 in the game.

New Jersey was held scoreless through all three periods, including a 0-0 tie after the second. They finished the game with no goals, assists, or power play goals.

Defensively, the Devils were solid through two periods, keeping the game scoreless heading into the third. However, they gave up three goals in the final period, including an empty-netter. Jacob Markstrom made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, while the defense added 5 takeaways and 22 hits.

• Over their last three games, the Devils have gone 2-1 straight up. Against the spread, the team is 2-1 in these same games while going 2-1 on the over/under.
• New Jersey has put together a record of 6-4 in their last ten games (regular season). Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 6-4 to go along with an over-under mark of 2-8.

The Ducks Can Win If…

The Ducks fell to 14-17-4 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 score of 6 fell just short of that mark.

Anaheim’s defense struggled early, allowing two goals in the first period. They were down 3-0 before finally getting on the board at 10:16 in the third period with a goal from Brock McGinn.

Anaheim’s offense was held scoreless until the third period in their 4-2 loss to Chicago. Brock McGinn netted his second goal of the season, while Mason McTavish followed with his second, which came on a power play with just four seconds left in the game.

The Ducks fired 39 shots on goal but were hindered by 16 giveaways. Ryan Strome picked up his fourth assist of the season, and Troy Terry added his fifth assist on McTavish’s late power-play goal.

Anaheim’s defense struggled early, giving up the first three goals, including two power-play goals, and another late in the 3rd period. Lukas Dostal made 25 saves with a save percentage of 86.2%.

• Across Anaheim’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 1-2 to go along with an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Across Anaheim’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 4-6. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 6-4 to go along with an over-under mark of 3-6-1.

The Lean

When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Ducks to defeat the Devils while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at +210, I’m placing a wager on the Ducks to win outright.

If you’re looking to get a bet down on this matchup, we foresee the Ducks winning the underdog. However, if you’re not as confident in the Ducks straight-up, we’d still recommend placing a bet on them to cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Devils Head West to Face Ducks, Eyeing Defensive Revival

The New Jersey Devils, renowned for their defensive prowess, are set to face the Anaheim Ducks in their final game of 2024. This matchup offers a chance for the Devils to reclaim their defensive dominance after a recent dip in form, while the Ducks aim to prove their resilience against another top-tier opponent.

The Devils’ Defensive Success and Recent Challenges

The Devils recently set an NHL milestone, holding opponents to 20 shots or fewer in seven consecutive games—a streak that saw them go 5-1-1. This achievement reflects a defense-first strategy that has propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a narrow one-point lead. They allow just 25.5 shots per game, ranking third in the NHL behind the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings.

Their defensive discipline culminated in a 5-0 shutout of the New York Rangers on Dec. 23, where they allowed a mere 12 shots on goal. However, their two-game set against Carolina over the weekend revealed cracks in their armor:

• Friday: A 4-2 win, but with 31 shots conceded.
• Saturday: A 5-2 loss, surrendering a season-high 41 shots and five goals.

This uncharacteristic lapse, coupled with an offense held to just 23 shots in both games, underscores the need for the Devils to sharpen their play on both ends of the ice.

Key Areas for Improvement

1. Third-Period Composure
   In Saturday’s loss, New Jersey lost control after securing an early lead. Coach Sheldon Keefe stressed the need for better game management, particularly in critical moments like the third period.
2. Discipline Under Pressure
   A game misconduct by Timo Meier for a knee-on-knee hit not only hurt their momentum but also gave Carolina a power-play goal. Maintaining discipline will be crucial against the Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks: Fighting to Prove Their Mettle

The Ducks enter this game with a mixed record, going 4-7-1 in their last 12 outings. Despite their struggles, Anaheim has shown resilience in recent weeks, particularly against high-caliber opponents.

1. Recent Highlights
   • Overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 on Sunday.
   • Secured a dramatic 5-4 win over Utah after erasing a three-goal deficit.
   • Defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-2, marking a win against another team with 20 victories.
2. Scoring Woes and Breakthroughs
   Anaheim’s offensive production remains a challenge, with just 88 goals this season, tying them for the league’s fewest. However, their recent five-goal outputs against Edmonton and Utah show potential when they capitalize on scoring opportunities.
3. Player Spotlight
   Ryan Strome ended a 12-game scoring drought with the tiebreaking goal against Edmonton. This resurgence, alongside contributions from players like Drew Helleson and Mason McTavish, could play a pivotal role against the Devils.

Head-to-Head Dynamics

The Devils hold a favorable record against Anaheim, going 6-3-0 in their last nine meetings. Their most recent clash on Oct. 27 ended in a commanding 6-2 victory, featuring a four-goal second period. Despite this history, the Ducks’ improved competitiveness this season makes them a more formidable opponent.

What’s at Stake

For the Devils

• Reclaiming Defensive Dominance: After an uncharacteristic weekend, returning to their structured, shot-limiting gameplay will be a priority.
• Maintaining Eastern Conference Lead: Every point counts as they aim to secure their top spot heading into 2025.

For the Ducks

• Proving Resilience Against Elite Teams: Continued strong showings against top-tier opponents could signal a turning point in their season.
• Building Offensive Confidence: Overcoming the Devils’ stingy defense would be a major confidence boost for Anaheim’s struggling offense.

Game Outlook

This matchup offers contrasting narratives. The Devils, known for their airtight defense, will look to rediscover their form and impose their will on the Ducks. Anaheim, buoyed by recent comebacks, will aim to exploit New Jersey’s recent defensive lapses.

Expect a tightly contested game where discipline, composure, and critical plays in the third period could determine the outcome.