1. Game Overview
Two Pacific Division rivals on divergent paths meet in a crucial divisional matchup as the Vegas Golden Knights travel to Anaheim to take on the Ducks. This contest is set for Sunday, February 1, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 9:40 PM EST at the Honda Center. The game is projected to be a tightly contested affair, with oddsmakers setting the line as a virtual coin flip.
2. Team Form and Analysis
The Vegas Golden Knights enter this contest searching for consistency. The club has been treading water recently, posting a 4-4-2 record over their last 10 games. Their last five outings have been particularly concerning, resulting in a 1-2-2 record with a -5 goal differential, prompting the coaching staff to explore new tactical approaches to right the ship. Despite the recent slump, the core of a championship-caliber roster remains, and they possess the ability to snap back into form at any moment.
Conversely, the Anaheim Ducks are playing some of their best hockey of the season. They are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games, a stretch of play defined by offensive confidence and resilience. A recent overtime loss snapped what was an impressive point streak, but the team’s ability to battle back from deficits has been a hallmark of their recent success. This is a confident group, particularly on home ice, that is looking to solidify its standing by taking down a divisional heavyweight.
3. Injury Report
Vegas Golden Knights: The blue line will be without a key piece, as Nicolas Hague (D) is not expected to return from a lower-body issue until late February.
Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are dealing with absences at the center position. Mason McTavish (C) is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body issue. The team will also be without rising star Leo Carlsson (C), who is on the mend from a thigh issue and is projected to be out until late February.
4. Standings & Trends Analysis
Vegas Golden Knights:
- Overall: 25-14
- Away: 13-7 (Excellent road performance)
- Puck Line (Overall): 17-36 (The worst in the league, consistently fails to cover)
- Puck Line (Away): 10-17 (No better on the road)
- Over/Under (Overall): 31-22 (Strong lean to the Over)
- Over/Under (Away): 14-13 (Even split on the road)
Anaheim Ducks:
- Overall: 28-23
- Home: 15-8 (Very solid at the Honda Center)
- Puck Line (Overall): 27-27 (A true .500 team against the spread)
- Puck Line (Home): 14-10 (Profitable ATS record at home)
- Over/Under (Overall): 34-20 (One of the league’s strongest Over teams)
- Over/Under (Home): 16-8 (A remarkable 66.7% of home games have gone Over the total)
5. Betting Odds Analysis
- Moneyline: Golden Knights -110 / Ducks -110
- Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 (-265) / Ducks -1.5 (+210)
- Total: 6.5 (Over -120 / Under -102)
The moneyline reflects a true pick’em, with the market unable to separate these two teams for this specific matchup. The puck line is telling; the exorbitant -265 price on Vegas to cover +1.5 indicates a very high probability of a one-goal game, regardless of the winner. The total is set high at 6.5, and the juice on the Over at -120 suggests that oddsmakers are anticipating a high-scoring affair, aligning with the teams’ statistical trends.
6. Prediction & Betting Angle
Final Score Prediction: Ducks 4 – Golden Knights 3
This matchup presents a classic clash of a struggling but talented road team against a hot and confident home team. While the Golden Knights have an impressive 13-7 road record, their recent 4-4-2 form is a significant concern. The Ducks are playing with house money, riding a 7-3-0 wave in their last 10 and boasting a strong 15-8 record at the Honda Center.
The moneyline being a pick’em at -110 for both sides presents value on Anaheim, but the most compelling angle lies with the total. The Ducks have been an Over machine at home, with the total cashing in 16 of their 24 games (66.7%). The Knights also trend towards the Over with a 31-22 record overall. The market has set the total at a high 6.5, but the -120 juice on the Over still presents value when considering the overwhelming statistical evidence. Vegas is in a slump and prone to defensive lapses, while Anaheim’s offense is clicking. This is a prime recipe for goals.
The Pick: Over 6.5 (-120)
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights hockey Head To … – AiScore
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks History
NHL On Tap: Avalanche look to keep rolling against Golden Knights
2024-25 Vegas Golden Knights Head-to-Head Results
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