The Anaheim Ducks enter their March 20, 2025, matchup against the Nashville Predators riding a wave of improved play, as they look to capitalize on the Predators’ struggles at home. With a record that keeps them in the mix for a playoff push, the Ducks have managed to find their rhythm offensively while still facing challenges on the defensive end. Anaheim has covered the spread in 60% of their last ten games, showing that they have been competitive and capable of surpassing betting expectations. With Nashville covering in just 30% of their last ten home games, the Ducks appear to have a favorable betting edge heading into this contest. Historically, the road team has covered the spread in four of the last five matchups between these two teams, a trend that could continue if Anaheim maintains its recent form. Offensively, the Ducks have seen significant contributions from their young core, with Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, and Troy Terry emerging as key playmakers. McTavish has led the charge with 11 points in his last ten games, showing an ability to both set up plays and finish around the net. Gauthier, one of the league’s most promising young forwards, has proven to be an excellent complementary scorer, adding ten points over the same stretch. Terry, a more experienced presence in the lineup, continues to be an integral part of Anaheim’s offense, leading by example with his consistent play. Despite the lack of a true superstar presence, Anaheim has been effective at generating offense through a balanced attack, averaging 3.5 goals per game in their recent stretch. Their power play, while not elite, has been opportunistic, operating at 13.5% and finding ways to contribute at key moments. Defensively, however, the Ducks have had their fair share of struggles. They are allowing an average of 3.6 goals per game, which has put additional pressure on their goaltenders to bail them out in close games. While Anaheim has shown improvement in neutral zone play and limiting odd-man rushes, they still surrender too many high-danger chances in their own end. Their penalty kill has been a middling 78.6%, and against a Nashville team with a capable power play (20.6%), staying disciplined will be crucial.

The defensive pairing of Cam Fowler and Jamie Drysdale has played heavy minutes, but the team as a whole needs to tighten its coverage in front of the net to limit quality scoring opportunities for Nashville’s top forwards. Goaltending remains a major factor for the Ducks, and Lukas Dostal has emerged as their go-to option between the pipes. With a goals-against average of 3.14 and a save percentage of .905, Dostal has had moments of brilliance but has also been prone to inconsistency. Given the Ducks’ defensive struggles, he has frequently faced a high volume of shots, and his ability to handle pressure situations will be critical in this game. The Ducks will need him to step up against a Nashville team that, despite its offensive inconsistencies, has dangerous weapons in Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos. One of Anaheim’s biggest advantages coming into this game is their ability to play well on the road. They have been resilient in tough environments, and their ability to adjust to different game situations has allowed them to cover the spread in a majority of their recent matchups. Additionally, with Nashville struggling to maintain a consistent identity, the Ducks will look to take advantage of any defensive lapses and convert them into quality scoring chances. Anaheim’s speed and transition play could be a major factor, as the Predators have struggled defensively when forced to defend quick rush attacks. This game represents an opportunity for the Ducks to continue their push toward a playoff spot. If their young core continues to produce offensively, their defense can hold up against Nashville’s top line, and Dostal delivers a strong performance in net, Anaheim has a legitimate chance to walk away with two points. However, if their defensive lapses continue and they fail to contain Nashville’s power play, the Ducks could find themselves in a high-scoring battle that does not work in their favor. Either way, this is a key game for Anaheim as they look to prove that they are more than just a developing team—they are a legitimate playoff contender.