NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Ducks vs. Canucks (Thursday)
We have a loaded 13-game slate of hockey on Thursday with some great matchups as we enter the second month of the season. Here are my three best bets for Thursday’s NHL slate. And let’s take a closer look at Ducks vs. Canucks.
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Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
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NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Ducks vs. Canucks
Anaheim Ducks (+140) @ Vancouver Canucks (-165) | O/U 6 (-115/-105)
We have a Pacific Division tilt as the Vancouver Canucks host the Anaheim Ducks. There are two bad defenses backed by two struggling goaltenders and a total that is set at a half-goal too low in this contest.
Both of these clubs enter this game ranking in the bottom third of the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5v5. Goaltender John Gibson, who has gotten off to a bad start this year, is projected to take the crease for Anaheim.
Through eight outings, Gibson is 2-5-1 with a .888 SV% and 4.23 GAA. Across the ice, Thatcher Demko is slated to get the start for Vancouver.
Across his eight starts this season, Demko is 1-6-1 with a .876 SV% and 4.06 GAA. In his career against the Ducks, the Cancuks’ netminder is 1-2 with a .831 SV% and 4.56 GAA.
This total is set at six instead of 6.5 because both goaltenders are traditionally strong and will positively regress at some point. However, until they do, both are fade-worthy.
Best Bet: Over 6 (-115)
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Tony Sartori is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Tony, check out his archive and follow him @tony_sartori.