Anaheim Ducks vs. Utah Hockey Club: Pick, Predictions and Odds

Read the latest betting pick, predictions and odds for the Anaheim Ducks (28-29-7) vs. Utah Hockey Club (28-25-11) in the NHL, courtesy of our friends at Daily Faceoff.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Utah Hockey Club betting pick and predictions

Anaheim’s playoff push has lost a lot of steam since the NHL returned following the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Ducks had won seven of eight games between Jan. 23 and Feb. 22, but they have since lost six of their last nine. Anaheim is now seven points back of the Calgary Flames for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Utah had won six of eight games going back to Feb. 4 but has dropped three of the last four. Fortunately, they picked up points in overtime and shootout losses, but these next few games will play a big role in determining whether they qualify for the postseason. Utah sits just three points back of the Flames in the wild-card race.

There are only four points separating Utah and Anaheim in the standings; however, there’s a big skill gap between these two clubs. Since Jan. 1, Utah ranks ninth in expected goals and sixth in shot attempt percentage at five-on-five, according to Evolving Hockey. Anaheim, meanwhile, ranks 31st in both expected goals and shot attempts. The Ducks do have better goaltending in Lukas Dostal and John Gibson, and that tandem is the main reason they’ve been able to climb out of the basement.

Of course, Anaheim has defeated Utah in both previous matchups this season, winning 5-4 in extra time each time. However, bettors should expect Utah to control play and dominate the shot clock on Wednesday, with forward Dylan Guenther leading the way. Guenther has led the team in shots on goal since Feb. 1 and has registered five or more shots in six of 12 games during that stretch.

Pick: Dylan Guenther 5+ Shots on Goal (+240)

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Utah Hockey Club odds

ANA Ducks	+230 ML
UTA Hockey Club	-280 ML
Puck Line	UTA -1.5 (-110)
Total Goals	O/U 6

Read the latest NHL news on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Better Collective. Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.