Welcome back to NHL Predictions with us here at Last Word On Hockey. Today we feature the Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks.
NHL Predictions and Boston Bruins vs Anaheim Ducks, Thursday Night Preview
2024-25 Season Series: Bruins went 0-1-1
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (4:00 p.m. Pacific)
How to Watch: NESN, Victory+, KCOP-13
The Boston Bruins return to TD Garden on Thursday night to take on the Anaheim Ducks. The Bruins are looking to snap a frustrating five-game losing streak. Boston is coming off a tough-luck 3–2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. That was an example of a game that slipped away in heartbreaking fashion.
The Bruins tied the score with just 1:31 remaining in regulation, only to see Carter Verhaeghe’s shot deflect off the post, then off defenceman Andrew Peeke, and into the net with 26 seconds left. The effort was there, but it was another tough break for a team searching for results.
Ducks Riding Momentum After Win in Nashville
Anaheim enters the matchup fresh off one of its best outings of the season. It was a 5–2 win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Ross Johnston led the way with a goal and two assists, helping the Ducks secure their third victory of the year.
The Ducks are powered by former New York Ranger and Boston College standout Chris Kreider. He has brought leadership, speed, and a scoring touch to a young Anaheim lineup. Kreider is tied with another former BC Eagle, Cutter Gauthier, for the team lead in goals with four. Three of Kreider’s tallies have come on the power play, and after scoring 22 goals last season with the Rangers, he’s off to a strong start in his first campaign with Anaheim.
Bruins Defensive Woes Mounting
Defensively, the Bruins’ struggles have been costly. They allowed just five goals through their first three games, but during their current five-game skid, they’ve surrendered 21 goals for an average of 4.2 per night. If that trend continues, there won’t be many wins at the Garden this season.
Joonas Korpisalo is the confirmed starter in goal for Boston. He comes in with an .865 save percentage, and he has yet to hold an opponent under three goals this year. The Bruins need a steadier effort in front of him, particularly in the slot, where coverage has been an issue.
Power Play Needs to Deliver
Offensively, David Pastrnak continues to lead the way with four goals and ten points, while Elias Lindholm has chipped in three goals, all on the power play. Boston’s power play ranks 24th in the NHL at 14.3% (4-for-28), and this matchup against Anaheim’s inconsistent penalty kill presents a prime opportunity to find some rhythm.
The Bruins will also need more secondary scoring to climb out of this slump. Casey Mittelstadt, who notched two assists against Florida, could be a difference maker. Acquired from Colorado for Charlie Coyle last March, Mittelstadt was brought in to be a younger, more offensively dynamic version of Coyle and now’s the time for him to deliver.
NHL Predictions
Bruins 4, Ducks 3
Fun and entertaining game with Bruins getting the extra tally late to get the win.
College Hockey Connection
Local college hockey fans will enjoy a mini-reunion as former Northeastern Huskies Jordan Harris and Sam Colangelo face off. Harris has appeared in five of Boston’s eight games this season, while Colangelo has earned a role in Anaheim’s bottom six.
Prop Bets:
For a couple anytime scorers, go with the stars. For Boston, we like David Pastrnak and for the Ducks, Leo Carlsson.
Main Photo Winslow Townson Imagn Images
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