NHL Betting Trends: Ducks vs. Avalanche Face-Off

The highly anticipated matchup between the Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche is generating significant interest among bettors, particularly with the Ducks currently riding a seven-game winning streak. According to Sports Betting Dime, both teams are among the top in the NHL, with Anaheim leading the Pacific Division at 11-3-1 and Colorado topping the Central Division at 10-1-5. This clash is set for Tuesday night at Ball Arena, with puck drop at 9:30 PM ET. The betting lines reflect the competitive nature of this encounter, with Colorado opening as a -260 favorite on the moneyline, while Anaheim is available at +220 for an upset. The spread sits at 1.5 goals for the Avalanche at +100 odds, illustrating the confidence in Colorado’s performance.

Despite Anaheim's impressive streak, advanced metrics suggest that their success may not be sustainable. Colorado holds a distinct advantage in possession stats, boasting a 55.54% Corsi for percentage compared to Anaheim's 48.92%. Their expected goals and shot share also significantly favor the Avalanche, indicating they create more high-quality chances. Anaheim's current success stems partly from a high shooting percentage of 13.75%, which ranks second in the league, and a PDO of 1.080, numbers that generally trend downwards over time.

The Ducks face challenges with key players absent, including Mikael Granlund, Radko Gudas, and Ryan Strome. In contrast, Colorado is missing Samuel Girard, Joel Kiviranta, and Logan O'Connor. These injuries could impact both teams' lineups and strategies, shifting the odds further as game day approaches.

In terms of special teams, the Ducks have a strong power play at 23.7%, ranking ninth in the NHL, while the Avalanche's power play struggles at 17.5%, placing them 24th. However, Colorado excels defensively with an 88.5% penalty kill rate, the best in the league, compared to Anaheim’s 76.5%. This defensive prowess may prove crucial in deciding the game's outcome.

Nathan MacKinnon is a notable player to watch, leading the league in scoring with 29 points, while Leo Carlsson of Anaheim is also performing well, tied for second in NHL scoring with 25 points. Both teams have shown offensive capability, with the total set at 6.5 or 7 goals depending on the sportsbook. The over has hit in nine of Anaheim's last ten games after allowing two or fewer goals, suggesting a high-scoring affair could be on the horizon. With these factors in play, betting strategies may focus on the Avalanche covering the puck line, given their recent home dominance over the Ducks, winning seven of their last eight matchups at Ball Arena.

In conclusion, while Anaheim's winning streak is commendable, the advanced metrics and injury reports favor Colorado as the stronger team on paper, making them the preferred choice for bettors looking for value in this pivotal matchup. The Ducks' reliance on shooting luck may be tested against Colorado's superior overall play and defensive structure.