Anaheim Ducks vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions April 9th 2025

Flames Out to Sweep Ducks, Move Closer to Wild-Card Spot

The Calgary Flames have entered the final stretch of the regular season clinging to their playoff lives — and every game now carries do-or-die intensity. When they face the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, the stakes couldn’t be clearer: win to survive.

Currently sitting at 37-27-13 (87 points), the Flames are just four points shy of overtaking the Minnesota Wild for the Western Conference’s final wild-card spot. They also hold a game in hand — a crucial advantage with only five games left in their campaign.

It’s not quite “must-win,” but it’s definitely “must-not-lose.”

Flames Riding a Wave of Grit and Momentum

Monday’s 3-2 comeback win over the San Jose Sharks was far from pretty — but it was exactly what Calgary needed. The Sharks jumped out early, testing Dustin Wolf, who made 29 saves including 17 in the opening frame. But the Flames rallied with a dominant third period, notching three unanswered goals to secure the win.

“We’re fighting for our life every day right now. We can’t really lose any hockey games going forward,” said Wolf.

The Flames have now won two straight and are building momentum at the perfect time. Their road trip ends in Anaheim, where they’ll aim to complete a season sweep of the Ducks. Calgary has already defeated Anaheim three times this season, and they’re riding a nine-game winning streak in Honda Center dating back several seasons.

If you’re following the playoff chase, check the live movement on the NHL odds page.

Zayne Parekh Joins the Mix

Adding intrigue to this road trip, the Flames called up Zayne Parekh, the 2024 ninth overall draft pick. Parekh recently posted a mind-blowing 107-point season as a defenseman in the OHL — a rarity for a blue-liner. Whether or not he plays Wednesday, his presence reflects the team’s trust in youth and belief in the future.

“Whether I play or not, I’m going to be the No. 1 supporter of this team,” Parekh said. “I’m hoping the team makes the playoffs.”

Parekh’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Calgary’s blue line has dealt with inconsistency and minor injuries, and the team could benefit from a spark of creativity — something Parekh offers in spades.

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Ducks Finding Wins Amid Chaos

The Ducks (34-35-8, 76 points) won’t make the playoffs, but they’re still shaping the season’s narrative. Their 3-2 victory over the Oilers on Monday was a frustrating game to watch — but it still ended in two points.

Coach Greg Cronin was vocal about his team’s breakdowns, calling out sloppy shifts, unstructured breakouts, and too many penalties. Anaheim handed Edmonton six power-play opportunities but was bailed out repeatedly by goaltender Lukas Dostal, who posted 45 saves.

That defensive fragility is a glaring issue heading into Wednesday. Anaheim will need another hero performance from Dostal if they hope to stop a Calgary team playing for its postseason life.

Mason McTavish, who reached the 20-goal milestone for the first time in his career, has been a steady offensive force. Cutter Gauthier, a bright spot for Anaheim, netted two goals last game, continuing to showcase his elite release and natural instincts.

Explore more Ducks insights and stats on their NHL Team Page.

Calgary’s Mission: Four More Wins

If Calgary can pull off a win in Anaheim, they’ll not only sweep the season series but also tighten the gap in the wild-card race heading into a critical final homestand.

The Flames will still face playoff-contending teams down the stretch, including the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators, so grabbing points now is vital.

Their best players — Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar — need to continue producing in high-leverage moments. And with Wolf locked in between the pipes, there’s reason to believe this team could still make a push.

Ready to track every Flames shift, bet, and streak? Get the sharpest predictions via the NHL Pick Page and prep for the Stanley Cup stretch run with full projections on the Stanley Cup Futures Guide.