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Game Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
The Detroit Red Wings look to finish their Southern California swing on a high note when they visit the Anaheim Ducks Friday night at Honda Center. Detroit (7-3-0) sits atop the Atlantic Division after a dramatic 4-3 shootout win over the Kings on Thursday, while Anaheim (5-3-1) returns home from a strong road trip capped by a 3-2 shootout victory in Florida.
Both teams have been early surprises — the Red Wings for their scoring depth and composure, and the Ducks for their defensive resilience and improved special teams. Friday’s tilt offers another chance for both clubs to prove their legitimacy in this young season.
Check updated prices on the NHL odds board and the expert betting guide before puck drop.
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Opening Lines and Market Snapshot
- Moneyline: Red Wings +108 | Ducks -130
- Puck Line: Red Wings +1.5 (-233) | Ducks -1.5 (+184)
- Total: 6.5 (Over +109 | Under -131)
Detroit enters with momentum, but Anaheim’s home-ice advantage and rest could explain the slight market lean toward the Ducks. Compare movement and team form via the NHL picks hub.
Detroit Red Wings Outlook
Detroit’s offensive surge continues behind Dylan Larkin (16 points in 10 games) and Alex DeBrincat, who has scored in three straight. The Red Wings’ depth was on display Thursday as Marco Kasper broke an eight-game drought with two goals, helping them escape Los Angeles with a shootout win despite a late collapse.
Former Ducks goalie John Gibson is expected to start, facing his old team for the first time since being traded this offseason. Gibson and backup Cam Talbot have split duties effectively, combining for a .913 save percentage.
Detroit ranks 9th in goals scored and top-10 in expected goals at 5-on-5. If they maintain puck possession and limit penalties, their balanced offense can carry them to a sweep of the Southern California set.
Red Wings Injury Report
- Patrick Kane – Out (Upper Body)
- Shai Buium – Out (Undisclosed)
Explore Detroit’s divisional outlook in the NHL Atlantic Division odds predictions.
Anaheim Ducks Outlook
Anaheim returns home after a 3-1-1 road trip that included a signature win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Joel Quenneville’s squad has embraced a grittier identity, combining physical forechecking with improved puck control from its young core.
Troy Terry has a five-game point streak (3 goals, 4 assists), while rookie Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier have given the Ducks renewed scoring punch. Anaheim’s special teams have been a difference-maker — the power play ranks seventh in the league, and their penalty kill has improved to 82%.
Goaltender Lukas Dostal has carried the workload effectively, boasting a .921 save percentage and composure in shootouts.
Ducks Injury Report
- Mikael Granlund – Out (Lower Body)
- Ryan Strome – Out (Upper Body)
- Radko Gudas – Questionable (Lower Body)
- Chris Kreider – Questionable (Illness)
For Anaheim’s long-term projections, check the NHL Pacific Division odds predictions.
Key Matchups / Path to Victory
- DeBrincat vs Dostal: The winger’s scoring touch will test Anaheim’s goaltender early.
- Special Teams Battle: Detroit’s disciplined 20% power play meets Anaheim’s aggressive penalty kill.
- Gibson’s Return: The veteran’s emotional homecoming could spark a standout performance.
Betting Trends
- Detroit is 5-2 on the puck line as an underdog this season.
- Anaheim has hit the over in 4 of its last 5 games.
- Red Wings are 4-1 straight up in their last 5 road games.
- Ducks are 6-1 on home ice vs Eastern teams since last season.
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Prediction
The Red Wings are rolling, but the Ducks’ rest advantage and home ice could tip this one slightly their way. Expect a back-and-forth game defined by speed and goaltending.
Projected Score: Ducks 4, Red Wings 3 (OT)
Best Bet: Over 6.5 (+109)
Puck Line Lean: Red Wings +1.5 (-233)
Scores and Stats Handicappers
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