Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks January 3rd 2025

Betting on today’s Ducks and Oilers game? Catch the action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, as the Oilers hosts this showdown at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. This Pacific division matchup has an over/under of 6.5 goals, and the Oilers are favored by -1.5 at home vs. the Ducks.

Anaheim vs. Edmonton Key Information

• Teams: Ducks at Oilers
• Where: Rogers Place Edmonton
• Date: Friday, January 3rd
• Betting Odds EDM -435 | ANA +337 O/U 6.5

The Ducks Can Win If…

A 4-2 loss to the Blackhawks dropped the Ducks to 16-17-4 this season. Anaheim entered the game as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total was set at 6.5 goals. The combined 6 goals fell just short of that number.

The Ducks fell behind early, giving up two goals in the first period. They didn’t score until the third period, when they were already down 3-0. Brock McGinn put Anaheim on the board at 10:16 in the third, and Mason McTavish added another goal with just 4 seconds left in the game.

Anaheim’s offense struggled in their 4-2 loss to Chicago, despite putting 39 shots on goal. Brock McGinn netted his second goal of the season, while Mason McTavish added another, also his second, on a power play with just four seconds remaining in the game.

Ryan Strome picked up his fourth assist, and Troy Terry added his fifth on McTavish’s late goal. The Ducks had 16 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Ducks will aim to bounce back after allowing four goals to Chicago. Lukas Dostal made 25 saves with a save percentage of 86.2%. Anaheim’s defense also recorded 6 takeaways and 15 hits. The Ducks will look to improve their starts, as they gave up the first three goals, including two power-play goals, and another at 17:43 in the 3rd period.

• Through their last three games, the Ducks have a record of 3-0. This also includes going 3-0 puck line and an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Across Anaheim’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 7-3, in addition to an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Oilers Can Win If…

With a 4-2 win over the Flames, the Oilers improved to 22-12-3. Edmonton covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 6 fell just short.

Edmonton had four different players score in the game. The Oilers jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but Calgary tied it up before Edmonton added two more, including an empty-netter, to seal the win.

Edmonton’s offense took 31 shots on goal and scored four times in their 4-2 win over Calgary. Leon Draisaitl netted his 9th goal of the season, while Zach Hyman added his 3rd. Mattias Janmark sealed the game with an empty-netter, his 2nd goal of the year.

After two first-period goals, the Oilers were held scoreless in the second before Hyman’s power-play goal in the third. Draisaitl also picked up two assists, bringing his total to 8 for the season. The Oilers had 10 giveaways in the game.

On defense, the Oilers will look to build off their previous performance, where they allowed just 2 goals to the Flames. Stuart Skinner made 29 saves and posted a 93.5% save percentage. The Oilers’ defense also contributed 25 blocks and 2 takeaways. Both goals they allowed came in the 2nd and 3rd periods, with the first coming on the power play and the second at the 4:28 mark of the 3rd period.

• Across Edmonton’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 1-2, in addition to an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Edmonton has put together a record of 7-3 in their last ten games (regular season). The team’s record vs the puck line was just 4-6, in addition to an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lean

For those seeking a straight moneyline bet, the Oilers are the top choice. Nonetheless, with a payout of -435, you might want to use this bet as a part of a parlay to get better odds.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Ducks to cover. Even if the Oilers secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Ducks should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Oilers Look to Stay Hot in Clash vs. Ducks

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the dynamic duo of the Edmonton Oilers, will aim to extend their point streaks to 13 games on Friday night as the Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks. Both players have been instrumental in Edmonton’s recent surge, positioning the team as a strong contender in the Pacific Division.

Oilers Riding High Behind McDavid and Draisaitl

McDavid has been the engine behind Edmonton’s offense, registering an impressive three goals and 20 assists during his 12-game point streak. Meanwhile, Draisaitl has been equally effective, tallying 10 goals and 14 assists over the same span.

The Oilers are 9-2-1 since the streaks began, keeping pace with division leaders Vegas and Los Angeles.

Key Contributions Beyond the Stars

While McDavid and Draisaitl often steal the spotlight, Edmonton has benefited from additional standout performances:

• Connor Brown: With 17 points in his past 24 games, Brown has provided consistent support and has recently earned time on a line with McDavid.
• Zach Hyman: Despite having his eight-game point streak snapped against Utah, Hyman continues to play a pivotal role in Edmonton’s attack.
• Mattias Ekholm: The defenseman chipped in with a multi-point performance in the Oilers’ recent win, showcasing the team’s depth.

Coach Kris Knoblauch has employed a calculated approach to line adjustments, which has kept the team unpredictable and effective.

Anaheim Ducks Riding Momentum

The Ducks are coming off a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, marking their third consecutive victory, tying a season-high streak.

Dostal Leading the Way

Goaltender Lukas Dostal has been a key factor in Anaheim’s recent success:

• Sunday vs. Oilers: Dostal made 20 saves in a 5-3 victory over Edmonton.
• Tuesday vs. Devils: He stopped 32 shots in a 3-2 win, showcasing his ability to come up big in crucial moments.

Ducks coach Greg Cronin has praised Dostal for his maturity and high standards, noting the young goalie’s ability to handle pressure and correct mistakes in real-time.

Key Players to Watch

• Trevor Zegras: The playmaker continues to ignite Anaheim’s offense.
• Troy Terry: A consistent scoring threat, Terry has been pivotal in the Ducks’ top line production.
• Mason McTavish: The rookie is making a name for himself with timely goals and high-energy play.

Keys to Victory

For the Oilers

1. Sustain Offensive Pressure: With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, Edmonton needs to dominate puck possession and create scoring chances.
2. Capitalize on Power Plays: The Oilers’ elite power play is a game-changer when executed effectively.
3. Limit Dostal’s Confidence: Testing the young goaltender early and often could prevent him from settling into a groove.

For the Ducks

1. Defensive Discipline: Avoiding penalties will be critical to containing Edmonton’s potent power play.
2. Strong Goaltending: Dostal must replicate his recent performances and make timely saves.
3. Balanced Scoring: Secondary scorers need to step up to alleviate pressure on the top line.

Check out the latest insights in NHL Conference Odds & Predictions!

Prediction

The Oilers’ firepower and depth make them the favorites in this matchup, but the Ducks’ recent form, buoyed by Dostal’s stellar play, could make this a closer contest than expected.

Prediction: Oilers 4, Ducks 2