NHL Betting Preview (Oct. 31): Ducks vs. Penguins odds

The Penguins, who have lost six consecutive games and eight of their first 11 overall, will aim to bounce back as -185 moneyline favorites when they host the Anaheim Ducks (+150) on Thursday.

Ducks vs Penguins Odds

• Anaheim Ducks Moneyline: +150
• Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline: -185
• Puck Line: Ducks +1.5 (-155), Penguins -1.5 (+130)
• Game Total: 6.5 (Over +100, Under -120)

All odds via Sports Interaction.

Matchup

Anaheim is 4-5 straight-up heading into Thursday’s game against the Penguins, who are 3-8 straight-up themselves. However, two out of the Ducks’ four wins have come against the lowly San Jose Sharks. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is coming off its fifth straight loss to a Western Conference team, and has only managed to beat non-playoff teams like the Canadiens, Red Wings, and Sabres so far.

From a betting perspective, the Penguins are 4-7 against the puck line year-to-date, and seven out of their 11 games have gone over the total. The Ducks are 6-3 against the puck line, but only three out of their nine games have gone over the total. Pittsburgh is 7-3 straight-up versus Anaheim in the past 10 meetings, including 5-1 over the last three seasons, but it’s tough to put much stock into that given how poorly the Penguins have played this season.

The Ducks have yet to name a starting goaltender, but Alex Nedeljkovic has been confirmed as the starter for the Penguins. The winless Nedeljkovic has posted an .874 save percentage and a 3.94 goals against average in three starts, while the Penguins have allowed four or more goals in seven consecutive games, and nine of 11 overall.

Best Bets for Ducks vs. Penguins

As Nick Martin points out when picking his favorite props for Thursday’s slate, this game could be one of the highest scoring of the night. It’s also a matchup between the two clubs who have allowed the most shots, and therefore, it’s a good matchup to look at individual player props.

• Cutter Gauthier Over 2.5 Shots On Goal (+130) at Sports Interaction

Former 2022 No. 5 pick Cutter Gauthier is still looking for his first NHL goal, but it’s likely on the way. The 20-year-old currently ranks 10th in five-on-five shot attempts per 60 minutes among skaters with at least 15 minutes of ice time. Gauthier has a reputation as a volume shooter and now he’s taken three or more shots in four of his last six games, while the Penguins have allowed more shots this season than any other team. While it doesn’t factor into my analysis, Gauthier grew up a Penguins fan idolizing Sidney Crosby, which might just add some extra motivation.

• Kris Letang Over 2.5 Shots On Goal (+105) at Sports Interaction

Pittsburgh might be the worst team at suppressing shots right now, but Anaheim is right behind them in 31st place, and Kris Letang sticks out as a player that should be able to take advantage of that. Letang started off by registering two or fewer shots on goal in his first six games, but he’s been on a tear as of late. The 37-year-old has registered three-plus shots on goal in each of his last five games for 19 in total, and Anaheim has been surrendering more than 36 shots per game in road games on average.

• Troy Terry Anytime Goal (+250) at Sports Interaction

Gauthier is an intriguing bet to score at +350, as is Leo Carlsson at +320, but it’s hard not to gravitate toward veteran Frank Vatrano and leading goal-scorer Troy Terry. Vatrano leads the Ducks in shots on goal this season, and according to Evolving Hockey, he’s generated the most expected goals. However, Vatrano generated 1.9 of his 3.5 expected goals in the first two games. Terry isn’t as hit or miss, and that’s why he’s leading the team with five goals in nine games.

Follow Andy’s bets on the Action App here.