Florida Panthers vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

Ducks Look to Build Momentum Against Slumping Panthers

The Anaheim Ducks visit the Florida Panthers on Saturday in Sunrise, Fla., in a clash of two teams seeking redemption. While the Ducks arrive with optimism following a valiant effort in their 4-3 shootout loss to Tampa Bay, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers are reeling after a disappointing 5-2 defeat to Detroit.

Ducks: Encouraged Despite Setbacks

The Ducks’ loss to the Lightning wasn’t without silver linings. Anaheim put 37 shots on goal, dominated in the faceoff circle with a 55.2% win rate, and showcased physicality by outhitting Tampa Bay 24-12. Ducks forward Robby Fabbri highlighted the team’s determination, saying, “We gave ourselves the best chance to win. Unfortunately, we couldn’t come up with both points.”

Head coach Greg Cronin echoed the sentiment, praising the team’s overall performance while noting room for improvement on special teams. The Ducks surrendered two power-play goals to Tampa Bay, a critical area they’ll need to shore up against Florida.

In net, Lukas Dostal has been a bright spot for Anaheim. The 24-year-old has posted career bests this season with a 2.88 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. With veteran John Gibson providing steady backup support, Anaheim’s goaltending has been a key factor in keeping games competitive.

Offensively, Troy Terry continues to lead the way for the Ducks, pacing the team with 15 goals and 19 assists. However, Anaheim must find scoring depth to complement Terry’s contributions and take advantage of opportunities against Florida’s struggling defense.

Panthers: Searching for Answers

The Florida Panthers enter Saturday’s game in the midst of a frustrating slump. Defensive lapses, particularly on the penalty kill, have plagued the team. In their loss to Detroit, Florida allowed three power-play goals, bringing their total to ten goals allowed on the penalty kill over the past seven games.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has also faced challenges, conceding four goals in each of his last three starts. Despite these struggles, head coach Paul Maurice defended his starter, attributing recent goals to unlucky deflections and emphasizing Bobrovsky’s solid positioning.

Offensively, the Panthers have hit a wall, scoring just 10 goals over their last four games. While Sam Reinhart remains the team’s top scorer with 27 goals, other key contributors like Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Bennett have seen their production stall. Tkachuk, for instance, has only one goal in his last 13 games, while Bennett is mired in a 19-game goalless streak.

With the Panthers having lost three of their last four games, the pressure is on to recapture the form that led them to last season’s championship.

Keys to the Game

For the Ducks, maintaining their recent level of effort and improving their penalty kill will be crucial. Goaltender Lukas Dostal will likely need another strong performance to hold off Florida’s star-studded but inconsistent attack. Anaheim’s ability to capitalize on Florida’s defensive vulnerabilities could be the difference-maker.

The Panthers, meanwhile, must tighten their discipline and avoid costly penalties. Offensively, they’ll need contributions from their core players, including Tkachuk and Bennett, to break out of their scoring funk. A strong showing from Bobrovsky in net could also be pivotal as Florida looks to stop the bleeding and regain confidence.

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The Stage is Set

Saturday’s matchup presents an intriguing storyline: a Ducks team gaining confidence despite setbacks versus a Panthers squad desperate to rediscover its championship form. With both teams eager to reverse their fortunes, the clash promises intensity and high stakes as they vie for much-needed points in the standings.