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NHL Predictions: April 13th Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks

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Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in key head-to-head matchups. Today, we preview the Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks. Check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024–25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks

Head to Head: Avalanche 2 – 0 Ducks

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: SN360; ESPN+

The Anaheim Ducks (35-36-8) host the Colorado Avalanche (48-29-4) at Honda Center on April 13th. This marks the third and final meeting between these teams this season, with Colorado having won both previous encounters. The Avalanche, currently third in the Central Division, aim to solidify their playoff positioning, while the Ducks look to play spoiler and build momentum for next season. 

Colorado Avalanche Playoff-Bound and Getting Healthy

This will be the second game of a Southern California back-to-back for the Avalanche. The Avalanche are coming off a 5 – 4 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on April 12th, but their spot in the postseason is locked in. Colorado will finish third in the Central Division and is set to face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs — a rematch that promises high speed and high stakes.

Despite the loss, there’s good news in Denver. Captain Gabriel Landeskog made his long-awaited return to pro hockey over the weekend, playing his first game in 1,020 days with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. While he’s not expected to suit up against the Ducks, the Avalanche are hopeful he’ll be available for Game 1 against Dallas.

With their position set, the Avs are expected to rest several of their top players against Anaheim. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews are all unlikely to suit up, as Colorado prioritizes health and recovery ahead of the postseason. That opens the door for younger or depth players to take on expanded roles in this final tune-up game. In net, Mackenzie Blackwood has taken over starting duties with veteran Scott Wedgewood backing him up. Expect Blackwood to start against Anaheim as the Avs look to sharpen his game ahead of the postseason.

Anaheim Ducks Looking to the Future

The Ducks are coming off a 6–1 loss to their “rival” Los Angeles Kings on April 10th. Rookie Cutter Gauthier scored Anaheim’s lone goal, marking his 20th of the season, while Lukas Dostal made 23 saves in the losing effort. It was a tough outing coming off the emotional high of a 4–3 overtime win over the Calgary Flames the night before.

Despite recent results, the Ducks continue to evaluate their young talent and take steps toward shaping next year’s roster. On Saturday, the team signed defenceman Ian Moore, a third-round pick from the 2020 NHL Draft. Moore practiced with the Ducks that morning and skated on a pairing with veteran Jacob Trouba. That could signal that he’s set to make his NHL debut against the Avalanche.

Offensively, Mason McTavish and Frank Vatrano lead the Ducks with 21 goals, while Troy Terry holds the team lead in assists with 33. Dostal is expected to start again. With another playoff-calibre opponent on the docket, Anaheim will look to measure their ability against a top-tier opponent with eyes towards being in that cohort next season.

NHL Predictions

The Avalanche have the advantage in nearly every department. However, Anaheim has shown they can rise to the occasion, especially at home and with young players looking to make their mark. Expect a competitive start, but with Colorado resting most of their key players, Anaheim gets the edge here. Anaheim gives its fans something to cheer for on Fan Appreciation Night.

Prediction: Ducks win 4–2

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out our NHL Predictions for the Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Look at Ducks 60 minute line moneyline (+150). Also, consider Ducks team total goals (+150).  Season record: (21-35).

Main Photo: Kirby Lee- Imagn Images

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