Minnesota Wild Favored to Extend Dominance Over Anaheim Ducks in Friday’s NHL Matchup

The Minnesota Wild, with a strong 9-2-2 record, are set to face the Anaheim Ducks, who are struggling at 4-6-2, in an NHL matchup on Friday, November 8, at 10:00 PM ET at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and available for live streaming through various platforms, including Fubo[2][4].

The Wild have been in impressive form, ranking second in the Western Conference with 20 points, while the Ducks are 14th with 10 points. Minnesota’s offense has been robust, averaging 3.62 goals per game, which ranks them 8th in the NHL. Defensively, they have been solid, allowing just 2.62 goals per game, placing them fifth in the league[2][4][6].

In contrast, the Ducks have the lowest scoring offense in the NHL, averaging only 2.08 goals per game. They have lost three consecutive games, including recent defeats to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vancouver Canucks. The Ducks’ defensive performance has been better, but their overall struggles continue to hinder their progress[5][6].

Predictions and betting odds favor the Wild. Advanced simulation models predict the Wild to win with a 61% probability, while the Ducks have a 39% chance. The moneyline odds are -188 for the Wild and +160 for the Ducks. The total goals line is set at 6.5, with the under predicted to be the more likely outcome[3][5][6].

Key players to watch include Kirill Kaprizov for the Wild, who has 24 points through seven goals and 17 assists, and Troy Terry for the Ducks, who leads his team with 10 points from five goals and five assists. Goalie performances will also be crucial, with Marc-Andre Fleury expected to start for the Wild and Lukas Dostal potentially guarding the net for the Ducks[4][5][6].

The historical head-to-head record also favors the Wild, who have won 15 of their last 16 encounters against the Ducks. This dominance, combined with current form and statistical advantages, makes the Wild the clear favorites for this matchup[5][6].