Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks 3/8/2023 Free Picks, Odds and Previews
In NHL action at Rogers Arena, BC, CAN, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET, the Anaheim Ducks are set to face off against the Vancouver Canucks. The Ducks’ offense, which has struggled this season with an average of only 2.51 goals per game, will need to find their scoring touch if they hope to come out on top. While the overall offense has underperformed, Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, and Mason McTavish have been bright spots for the team, combining for an impressive 51 goals and 86 assists.
Unfortunately for the Ducks, their offense has been relatively toothless, as only six active skaters have managed to net 10 or more goals. This lack of scoring depth has made it easy for opponents to shut down the Anaheim attack. Adding to their woes, the Ducks’ defense has also struggled this season, allowing an average of 4.03 goals per game. While Cam Fowler and Kevin Shattenkirk have contributed defensively with a combined 3.9 defensive point shares, the rest of the team has faltered. Opponents have found plenty of open shots on goal, making life difficult for goaltender Lukas Dostal, who has struggled with a.897 save percentage, a 4.00 goals-against average on 368 shots, and a disappointing -3.1 goals saved above average.
- The totals hung OVER in 4 of Anaheim’s previous 5 meetings.
- Under is 4-0-1 in the Ducks’ last 5 overall.
- The ducks are 1-9 in their last 10 games playing on 0 days’ rest.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks 3/8/2023 Free Picks, Odds and Previews
Despite a recent uptick in offensive production, scoring an impressive 3.32 goals per game and notching eight goals in their last two matches, the Vancouver Canucks are still struggling to find their footing this season. The team’s top two lines, led by Elias Pettersson, Andrei Kuzmenko, and J.T. Miller, have been impressive with a combined 111 assists and 80 goals. However, the rest of the offense has also contributed significantly, with defenseman Quinn Hughes racking up five goals and 55 assists from the point and Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, and Dakota Joshua collaborating for 33 goals and 57 assists.
Despite the impressive offensive output, the Canucks’ defense has been a weak point, giving up an average of 3.87 goals per game. While Hughes and Tyler Myers have combined for 4.4 defensive point shares, the rest of the team has struggled, allowing opponents to get open shots on the net with ease. Goaltender Thatcher Demko has also had a tough time, posting a 3.66 goals-against average on 590 shots and a disappointing .893 save percentage, resulting in a disappointing -7.0 goals saved above average.
- The Vancouver Canucks are 0-4 in their last 4 games played on a Wednesday.
- The Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 day’s rest.
- The totals hung OVER in 4 of Vancouver’s last 5 matches.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks. The NHL pick for this game is the Anaheim Ducks. Expect the Vancouver Canucks to dominate this game over the Ducks. The Canucks, who average 3.32 goals per game, should score a ton of goals with Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and the rest of the forward group pushing the attack into the offensive zone and creating open shots with rapid passes. The Canucks’ defensive core, including Quinn Hughes and Tyler Myers, will be key in limiting the struggling Ducks’ offense, which has only managed an average of 2.51 goals per game this season. The final score is predicted to be 6-3 in favor of the Vancouver Canucks.
NHL Starting Time: 10:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Rogers Arena, BC, CAN
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023
TV: TNT
NHL Odds: Vancouver Canucks -200
NHL Totals: 6.5
