By: Kim Smith Published 01/29/2026, 07:20 AM ET 
The Anaheim Ducks travel north of the border to take on the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night at Rogers Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 10:00 PM ET and the game airing on ESPN+. Anaheim enters this matchup as a road favorite at -142 on the moneyline, while Vancouver is listed at +120 on home ice. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the over priced at -125 and the under at even money, and the puck line shows the Ducks at -1.5 (+170) against the Canucks at +1.5 (-205). This Pacific Division matchup features two teams headed in opposite directions, as Anaheim looks to continue its strong stretch while Vancouver tries to stop a downward slide. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert analysis.
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Terms & Conditions Anaheim Ducks Finding Success Away From Home
The Anaheim Ducks come into this contest with a 28-22-3 overall record and have been competitive on the road, posting a 13-14-2 mark away from home. Anaheim has played some of its best hockey in recent weeks, particularly against quality competition. Over their last five games, the Ducks have recently beaten the Rangers at home, picked up road wins in Calgary and Seattle, earned a shootout win in Colorado, and suffered a loss at Edmonton. That stretch highlights a team playing with confidence and belief, even in difficult environments.
From a statistical standpoint, Anaheim is built around offense. The Ducks are averaging 3.23 goals per game, but they are also allowing 3.55, leading to frequent high-scoring contests. Shot volume has been a strength, with Anaheim generating 30.2 shots per game while allowing 28.9. That positive differential suggests the Ducks are often dictating play, even if defensive lapses occasionally undo that advantage.
Special teams have been an area of inconsistency. Anaheim’s power play sits at 18.1 percent, which is below league average, but they have found timely goals when it matters. Their penalty kill is at 77.5 percent, a number that leaves room for improvement, yet they have not allowed a shorthanded goal this season. When the Ducks stay disciplined and avoid extended penalty trouble, their offensive depth gives them a chance to overwhelm opponents.
Vancouver Canucks Struggling to Hold Home Ice
The Vancouver Canucks enter Thursday night with a 17-31-5 overall record and have endured a difficult season, particularly at Rogers Arena, where they are just 5-17-3. Vancouver has struggled to sustain momentum and has often found itself chasing games early. In their last five contests, the Canucks have recently lost to San Jose, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and the Islanders, with their lone win coming at home against Washington. That run underscores the challenges Vancouver has faced defensively and structurally.
Offensively, Vancouver has been inconsistent, averaging 2.58 goals per game while allowing 3.68. The Canucks generate 27.0 shots per game but allow nearly 30, which frequently puts their goaltending under heavy pressure. While there have been flashes of offensive creativity, sustained scoring has been hard to come by, especially against teams that push pace.
Defensively, Vancouver’s issues are magnified on special teams. The Canucks’ penalty kill sits at just 70.1 percent, one of the weaker units in the league, and they have allowed 49 power-play goals. While their power play has been respectable at 19.0 percent, defensive breakdowns and missed assignments have consistently undermined their efforts. At home, those problems have been even more pronounced, contributing to their poor record at Rogers Arena.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks PickAnaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks Pick Anaheim Ducks -142 (Moneyline)
Anaheim’s current form and offensive firepower make them the more reliable side in this matchup. Vancouver’s struggles at home and defensive inefficiency are difficult to overlook, especially against a Ducks team that generates high shot volume and plays confidently on the road. While Anaheim is not without flaws defensively, their ability to control possession and capitalize on mistakes gives them a clear edge to come away with the win.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks Total Pick
I’m backing the over here because both teams have consistently played in high-event games. Anaheim’s offensive mindset and Vancouver’s defensive issues create the conditions for goals at both ends. Even if the Canucks struggle to sustain pressure, their defensive breakdowns should allow Anaheim to generate enough scoring chances to push this total past 6.5 goals.
Final Score Prediction: Anaheim Ducks 5, Vancouver Canucks 3This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Sunday.
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