Buffalo Sabres vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game Preview and Analysis The Buffalo Sabres aim to extend their recent success on the road as they face the Anaheim Ducks in Game #71 of the 2024 NHL season. The matchup, set for 8:00 pm ET at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other. The Sabres, currently sitting at 44-20-6, enter the game on a positive note after a strong stretch of play since December, while the Ducks, with a 38-27-4 record, remain a formidable presence in the Pacific Division. The Ducks, ranked first in their division, have shown resilience despite their league-worst power-play efficiency. Their 16.8% success rate on the man-advantage ranks 27th, but their strong 5-on-5 play has kept them competitive. The team’s ability to maintain a high volume of shots—30.2 per game—has made them a dangerous opponent, particularly when they’re ahead. The Sabres, meanwhile, have thrived in late-game scenarios, with a 20.7% power-play success rate that ranks 16th in the league. Both teams boast similar shooting percentages when trailing, at 54.5%, which suggests the game could be tightly contested. The Sabres’ recent performance has been marked by patience and adaptability. Over their last 41 games, they’ve secured 33 victories, with a notable 11 wins in their last 12 road contests. Head coach Don Granato has emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in games where the team hasn’t established an early lead. The Sabres have relied on timely saves and a potent offense to close out games, but they’ll need to replicate that strategy against a Ducks team that has proven capable of mounting late rallies. The Ducks, despite their league-worst power-play, have shown they can overcome deficits. Their 5-on-5 play has been a key factor in their success, with a 51.#anaheim_ducks #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #honda_center #don_granato
Buffalo Sabres Aim for Sweep in Pacific Road Trip The Buffalo Sabres are set to extend their winning streak as they face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Sunday, marking the second and final matchup between the teams this season. The Sabres, riding a wave of momentum, look to secure a sweep of their four-game road trip in the Pacific Division. Their recent performance has positioned them strongly for a playoff berth, with their magic number to clinch a spot now at 14. The Sabres’ current 13-game road point streak (12-0-1) is a franchise record and ranks among the longest in NHL history, with only 15 such streaks of 14 games or more ever recorded. Their success has been fueled by a combination of strong goaltending and consistent offensive output. Alex Lyon, the team’s starting goalie, is set to make his 10th consecutive road start, tying him with Evgeni Nabokov and Devan Dubnyk for the second-longest streak in league history. If Lyon wins tonight, he would tie the record for most road wins by a goaltender. Buffalo’s offensive contributions have also been key. Sam Carrick scored the game-winning goal in their previous victory over the Los Angeles Kings, marking his fifth goal in eight games since joining the team. This performance places him among the top trade acquisitions in Sabres history, surpassing the previous record set by Steve Heinze in 2001. Zach Benson, set to play his 200th NHL game, played a pivotal role in the win, setting up Carrick’s goal and later adding an empty-net tally. Tage Thompson has also been a consistent threat, netting goals in two consecutive games. The Sabres’ defensive efforts have been equally impressive, allowing just three goals during their current four-game winning streak and only one goal in their last three victories combined.#anaheim_ducks #buffalo_sabres #john_carlson #honda_center #cutter_gauthier
Ducks vs Maple Leafs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NHL Game The Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs will face off at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, March 12, in a matchup that favors low scoring. Analyst Neil Parker of Covers.com predicts a tightly contested game, with the Ducks’ strong offensive output and the Maple Leafs’ defensive struggles shaping the outcome. The Ducks, currently in a playoff race, have been dominant in recent weeks, led by their rookie netminder Lukas Dostal. Dostal has posted a .904 save percentage and a league-high 16.23 goals saved above expected in his past 15 starts. His performance, combined with the Ducks’ balanced attack, makes them a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, struggling with a 4-12-4 record, have allowed a league-worst 4.2 goals per game and scored just 2.5 per contest during their recent slump. Parker’s top recommendation for the game is the Under 6.5 goals line, which carries +105 odds. The Maple Leafs’ defensive vulnerabilities, including a league-leading 33.8 shots per game allowed, and the Ducks’ efficient offense suggest a low-scoring affair. The Ducks’ recent trend of hitting the Under in five of their last six games supports this outlook. For same-game parlays, Parker highlights two key props. Toronto goalie Joseph Woll, who has made 28+ saves in six of his last nine starts, is expected to face a high volume of shots. A bet on Woll to exceed 27.5 saves is recommended. Additionally, Maple Leafs forward William Nylander, who has recorded three+ shots in seven of his last 11 games, is a strong candidate to surpass 2.5 shots. Odds for the game include a moneyline of Ducks -105 and Maple Leafs -115. The puck line favors the Ducks at +1.5 (-245) and the Leafs at -1.5 (+200). The Over/Under line is set at 6.#anaheim_ducks #toronto_maple_leafs #scotiabank_arena #lukas_dostal #neil_parker
Anaheim Ducks seek to prolong Toronto Maple Leafs' losing streak The Anaheim Ducks are set to continue their pursuit of extending the Toronto Maple Leafs' current losing streak as they prepare for a crucial matchup on Thursday night. The Ducks, who have established themselves as the top team in the Pacific Division, aim to start their four-game road trip on a strong note by securing a second consecutive victory. Their upcoming game against the struggling Maple Leafs will be a significant test for the Ducks, who have shown resilience in recent weeks. The Ducks began their road trip with a decisive 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, fueled by a remarkable 1:44 span in the second period where they scored three consecutive goals. This performance propelled them to an impressive 8-2-0 record in their past 10 games, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Forward Alex Killorn, who contributed a goal and an assist in the Jets game, reflected on the team's progress. "A month ago, it was a different situation," he said. "Then we go on a run, and now we're first in the Pacific. You try not to think about it too much, but it's just one of those things that it's so tight, every game is so important." Coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the team's balanced approach, noting their ability to score goals while also maintaining defensive discipline. "We've got a good mix, we've got good balance," Quenneville said. "We know we can score goals, and (Tuesday) is a good thing to bounce back to, about knowing that we can check, too." The Ducks' victory followed a 4-0 home loss to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, which highlighted the challenges they face in maintaining consistency. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, have been struggling to find their footing since the Olympic break.#anaheim_ducks #toronto_maple_leafs #alex_killorn #joel_quenneville #auston_matthews
Anaheim Ducks vs Toronto Maple Leafs Game Prediction for March 12, 2026 The Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Ducks, ranked 13th in the NHL with 207 goals scored and 222 conceded this season, enter the matchup with a strong offensive record. They have compiled 75 points and a .586 points percentage, sitting at 36-25-3. Their power play has been effective, converting 17.86% of 196 opportunities into 35 goals, while their penalty kill has allowed 176 goals at even strength. The Ducks’ shooting percentage of 10.7% and a save percentage of .880 against opponents highlight their balanced attack and defense. In their most recent game, the Ducks defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1, showcasing their offensive prowess. They managed 35 shots on goal, scoring on four of them, though they missed two chances with extra men. Goalie Lukas Dostal, who has a .900 save percentage over 6,519 minutes, will be key for the Ducks. Dostal has a career record of 68-72-15, with 81 quality starts and a .540 quality start percentage. His performance against the Jets’ 4,917 shots and 4,425 saves will be critical in maintaining their lead. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, have struggled to convert opportunities, scoring 173 goals at even strength and 29 on the power play. Their 172 goals scored against 176 allowed at even strength reflect a tight defensive game. However, their penalty kill rate of 83.03% has been a strength, and their save percentage of .891 suggests a solid netminder. Joseph Woll, the Leafs’ goalie, has a .908 save percentage over 3,202 shots, with 2,909 stops and a 61-38-6 career record. His ability to limit high-quality chances will be vital for Toronto.#anaheim_ducks #toronto_maple_leafs #scotiabank_arena #lukas_dostal #joseph_woll
NHL Game Preview: Ducks Face Off Against Maple Leafs on March 12, 2026 The Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs will meet in a National Hockey League matchup on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Ducks, currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference with 75 points, will face the Maple Leafs, who are 15th in the Eastern Conference with 65 points. The Ducks enter the game with a record of 36-25-3, while the Maple Leafs have a record of 27-27-11. The Ducks’ offense has averaged 3.23 goals per game, ranking 12th in the league, but they have allowed 3.47 goals per game, placing them 29th. The team has taken an average of 30.2 shots per game, the third-highest in the league, while allowing 28.9 shots, ranked 21st. Their power play has converted 17.86% of opportunities, placing them 24th, while their penalty kill has stopped 77.45% of attempts, ranking 26th. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, have scored 3.11 goals per game, ranking 17th, but have allowed 3.48 goals per game, the worst in the league. They have averaged 27.3 shots per game, ranked 21st, and have allowed 31.9 shots, the highest in the league. Their power play has converted 19.08% of opportunities, placing them 21st, while their penalty kill has stopped 83.03% of attempts, the best in the league. Key players for the Ducks include goaltender Lukas Dostal, who has recorded 26 wins and 14 losses with a .905 save percentage, and forward Cutter Gauthier, who has 57 points in 63 games. Other contributors include Leo Carlsson with 51 points, Beckett Sennecke with 51 points, and Joseph Woll, who has a 13-11-4 record with a 3.1 goals-against average.#espn #anaheim_ducks #toronto_maple_leafs #scotiabank_arena #lukas_dostal
Anaheim Ducks Acquire John Carlson in Trade with Capitals The Anaheim Ducks have finalized a trade with the Washington Capitals, acquiring defenceman John Carlson, the team announced on Friday. The deal sees the Capitals receive a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, along with a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, in exchange for Carlson. Carlson, 36, has contributed 10 goals and 46 points in 55 games with the Capitals this season, while averaging 22:52 of ice time per game. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defenceman is entering the final season of an eight-year, $64 million contract that carries a cap hit of $8 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the current season. Drafted 27th overall by the Capitals in 2008, Carlson has spent his entire 17-season career with Washington. Over his tenure, he has accumulated 166 goals and 771 points in 1,143 career games. A key figure in the Capitals’ first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history in 2018, Carlson recorded five goals and 20 points in 24 playoff games during that run. The Natick, Mass. native has also represented the United States internationally, finishing fourth at the 2014 Winter Olympics and seventh at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. His contributions on the global stage highlight his status as a versatile and experienced player. The trade marks a significant move for the Ducks, adding a veteran defenseman with a proven track record of production and leadership. Carlson’s ability to impact games both offensively and defensively is expected to bolster the Ducks’ defense as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.#nhl_draft #anaheim_ducks #washington_capitals #john_carlson #natick_mass
Ducks Acquire Carlson from Washington The Anaheim Ducks have acquired defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals in a trade that includes a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft and a 2027 third-round selection. The move marks a significant addition for the Ducks, as Carlson brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and offensive production to their roster. Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek praised the acquisition, stating that Carlson’s “leadership, character, high hockey IQ, and presence” will complement the team’s efforts as they aim to make a strong push in the latter part of the season. Carlson, 36, has been a consistent performer throughout his career, with a reputation for contributing both offensively and defensively. This season, he has recorded 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points, along with a +11 rating in 55 games with the Capitals. His ability to generate offense has made him a key player for Washington, as he leads all Capitals skaters in assists and ranks second in points and goals. At the time of the trade, he was 11th among NHL defensemen in points and assists, highlighting his value as a top-tier blueliner. Selected by the Capitals in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Carlson has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensemen. Over 17 seasons with Washington, he has accumulated 166 goals, 605 assists, and 771 career points, placing him 24th among all-time NHL defensemen and fifth among active blueliners. His 771 points also rank as the highest total for a Capitals defenseman in franchise history, with his contributions spanning goals, assists, power play points, and games played. Carlson’s impact on the Capitals’ success is evident, particularly during their 2018 Stanley Cup championship run.#nhl_draft #anaheim_ducks #washington_capitals #john_carlson #pat_verbeek
Minnesota Wild Acquire Stanley Cup Champion Before NHL Trade Deadline The Minnesota Wild made a move on Monday by claiming Robby Fabbri off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, adding a player with playoff experience to their roster. Fabbri, a 30-year-old center, is a 2019 Stanley Cup champion from his first stint with the Blues. The trade came after the Blues waived Fabbri on Sunday to clear him off their NHL roster, and he did not pass through waivers, allowing the Wild to claim him directly. Fabbri has appeared in just 15 games this season for the Blues, recording one goal and three assists. His NHL career includes 457 games with 107 goals and 113 assists, totaling 220 points. The Blues originally selected him in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft, with the 21st overall pick. After playing for the Blues through the 2019-20 season, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he remained until the end of the 2023-24 season. He then joined the Anaheim Ducks in 2024-25 before returning to the Blues for the current campaign. The Blues, now out of playoff contention, waived Fabbri to make room for other players. The Wild see value in adding him as a depth piece, particularly with the team aiming for a deep postseason run. Fabbri’s ability to contribute in key moments, combined with his experience in high-stakes games, makes him a useful addition. The move also aligns with the NHL trade deadline strategy, where teams often prioritize acquiring players who can provide immediate impact. Fabbri’s role as a center further strengthens the Wild’s depth, as the mantra this time of year is that having too many centers is rarely a disadvantage. The trade highlights the competitive nature of the NHL trade market, where teams are actively seeking players who can elevate their chances in the postseason.#minnesota_wild #st_louis_blues #detroit_red_wings #anaheim_ducks #robby_fabbri
