Vancouver scored six to beat Anaheim the first time they met. The Canucks have scored exactly two in eight of their last 10 games, which puts that result in perspective. Anaheim arrives for Tuesday’s rematch with at least five goals in four straight, and Vancouver may need to find some of the offense it had in that first game to keep up.
Anaheim’s shot edge gives Vancouver a problem
DraftKings had the Ducks at −155 in its 9:32 a.m. ET snapshot. We grade Anaheim’s attack higher and project about 30 shots for the Ducks to 25 for the Canucks. In the first meeting, Anaheim got five past Leevi Merilainen on just 23 shots. Anaheim’s current scoring run has also featured several players getting involved. Cutter Gauthier had a hat trick and Leo Carlsson set up three goals in Sunday’s 6–3 comeback win over Ottawa. AP recap of Anaheim’s win over Ottawa.
Vancouver came close to tying Toronto on Saturday even with just two goals. Brock Boeser scored, and Max Sasson cut the deficit to one early in the third. Toronto’s fourth went into an empty net. If Merilainen starts and keeps the game that tight, Vancouver can stay within reach while its forwards find chances. AP recap of Vancouver’s loss to Toronto.
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What Vancouver needs to add at 6.5
Anaheim’s last four games all reached nine combined goals. Vancouver’s two games since the 6–5 meeting finished with five and six. That leaves an important question at DraftKings’ 6.5 total. Can Vancouver score enough to take some of the burden off Anaheim? Lukas Dostal allowed six on 33 shots in the first meeting and at least three in each of his last five starts this season. Both goalies were unconfirmed for Tuesday. Vancouver has already shown it can make him work, even if that game stands out from its other recent results.
Watch what Vancouver gets from its first few shifts in the offensive zone. If the Canucks make Anaheim’s goalie work early, the game has a better chance to resemble the first meeting. If Vancouver scores two again, Anaheim would need five to clear 6.5. The Ducks scored four power-play goals on five opportunities against Ottawa. With about three power plays projected for Anaheim here, what it creates at even strength matters too. AP recap of Anaheim’s power-play performance.
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