Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in key head-to-head matchups. Today, we preview the Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks. Check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024–25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks
Head to Head: Flames 3 – 0 Ducks
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SNW; Victory+; KCOP-13; ESPN+
The Calgary Flames (37-27-13) continue their California road trip, visiting the Anaheim Ducks (33-35-8) at Honda Center on April 9th. This marks the fourth and final meeting between these Pacific Division rivals this season, with Calgary having won all three previous encounters. The Flames are fighting for their playoff lives, while the Ducks are looking to send their fans into the offseason with some positive memories.
Calgary Flames Playoff Push Intensifies
The Flames are coming off a resilient 3–2 comeback victory against the San Jose Sharks on April 7th. After trailing 2–0 in the third period, Calgary rallied with goals from Adam Klapka, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Matthew Coronato to secure the win. Goaltender Dustin Wolf was instrumental, making 29 saves to keep the Flames within striking distance. As Calgary is desperate for points, expect their number one to get the start in his homecoming game.
This win brings Calgary within four points of the Minnesota Wild for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, with a game in hand. The Flames’ recent form, going 3-1-1 in their past five games, reflects their determination to secure a playoff berth. Key players like Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri are stepping up offensively, while Wolf’s performances in net provide stability.
In roster news, the Flames have recalled defenseman Zayne Parekh from the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Parekh, Calgary’s first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, had an impressive junior season with 107 points in 61 games.
Anaheim Ducks Playing Spoiler
The Ducks are coming off a hard-fought 3–2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on April 7th. In that game, rookie Cutter Gauthier showcased his offensive prowess by scoring two goals, marking his third multi-goal game of the season. Goaltender Lukas Dostal was instrumental in the win, tying his season high with 45 saves and fending off a late surge from the Oilers.
This victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Anaheim and demonstrated the team’s potential, particularly among its younger players. Building on the win, the Ducks should be motivated to for revenge against the Flames, who handed them a 4–1 defeat six days ago. In that game, Anaheim struggled to contain Calgary’s offense and failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
IN this one, tightening up zone coverage and minimizing turnovers will be crucial to support whichever goalie gets the start. After Lukas Dostal played against Edmonton, expect Ville Husso to play in this one. John Gibson is still out injured. The Ducks’ penalty kill unit, which successfully neutralized all six of Edmonton’s power plays in the last game, will need to maintain its discipline and effectiveness against Calgary’s special teams.
Facing a Flames team that is in the thick of the playoff hunt, the Ducks have an opportunity to play spoiler and disrupt Calgary’s postseason aspirations. Securing a win would not only serve as payback for the recent loss but also bolster the confidence and development of Anaheim’s emerging talents as they close out the season.
NHL Predictions
Calgary enters this matchup with momentum and a clear objective: closing the gap in the playoff race. Anaheim, while out of contention, has the potential to disrupt the Flames’ plans, especially with their young core eager to make an impact. However, considering the Flames’ recent form and urgency, they are likely to dictate the pace and capitalize on their opportunities.
Prediction: Flames win 4–2
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our NHL Predictions for the Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Look at Calgary puckline (+180). Also, consider Flames over 3.5 TTG (+115). Season record: (20-34).
Main Photo- Sergei Belski- Imagn Images
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