Ducks Face Blue Jackets in First Meeting of the Season
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The Anaheim Ducks (20-12-1) travel to Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST to face the Columbus Blue Jackets (13-13-6) in their first matchup of the 2024-2025 NHL season. The Ducks, currently in the Pacific Division, are favored at +120, while the Blue Jackets, of the Metropolitan Division, are listed at -143, with an over/under of 6.5 goals.
Ducks Riding High After Rangers Victory
Anaheim enters the contest following a decisive 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers, fueled by a two-goal performance from Cutter Gauthier. This win underscores the Ducks’ recent form, as they boast a 6-4-0 record over their last ten games. The team’s offensive prowess is further highlighted by Gauthier’s impressive season totals of 18 goals and 18 assists, alongside contributions from Beckett Sennecke, who has tallied three goals and seven assists in his last ten appearances.
Blue Jackets Seek Consistency at Home
Columbus, meanwhile, holds a 13-13-6 overall record and a 6-5-3 mark within the confines of Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets demonstrate a clear pattern of success when their offense clicks, holding a 12-2-4 record in games where they score at least three goals. Leading the charge for Columbus is Dmitri Voronkov, with 12 goals and 10 assists on the season, supported by Sean Monahan, who has recorded three goals and four assists over the past ten games.
Recent Performance and Key Trends
A closer look at recent performance reveals contrasting trends. The Blue Jackets have struggled somewhat, posting a 2-5-3 record in their last ten games, averaging 2.7 goals per game while conceding 3.8. They average 4.8 assists and accumulate 9.4 penalty minutes per game, drawing four penalties. In contrast, the Ducks have been more consistent, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.1 assists, and 6.6 penalty minutes while drawing 3.3 penalties. They have allowed an average of 3.2 goals against.
The Ducks also exhibit a strategic advantage when it comes to discipline, holding a 9-4-1 record in games where they commit fewer penalty minutes than their opponents. This suggests a focus on smart play and avoiding unnecessary infractions.
Injury Report
Notably, both teams currently have no injuries listed, indicating a full roster availability for Tuesday’s contest.
This matchup promises a compelling clash of styles and strengths as the Ducks aim to continue their winning momentum against a Blue Jackets team eager to find consistency on home ice.
