Ducks vs Bruins Picks and Prediction – 2/23/2025

Anaheim is riding a three-game win streak after a 2-1 shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings. The Ducks sit at 24-24-6 and are still fighting for positioning in the Pacific Division. Boston, at 27-24-6, has lost two straight, including a 4-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Bruins will try to bounce back at TD Garden, where they hold an 18-9-3 home record. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Anaheim’s offense has struggled all season, averaging just 2.48 goals per game, with Troy Terry leading the team with 16 goals and 39 points. Mason McTavish and Isac Lundestrom are both day-to-day, potentially leaving the Ducks without key playmakers. The power play has been ineffective, converting just 12.1% of its chances. Goaltending has been a bright spot, with Lukas Dostal posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average.

Defensively, Anaheim allows 3.02 goals per game, and the penalty kill sits at 74.8%, which is below the league average. Radko Gudas remains day-to-day, and his absence could be a major factor against a Bruins team that gets a lot of shots on net. The Ducks are getting outshot on most nights, averaging 28.0 shots per game while allowing 32.2. 

Boston’s offense has been slightly better than Anaheim’s, averaging 2.75 goals per game, with David Pastrnak leading the charge at 28 goals and 68 points. The Bruins' power play has been more effective, converting 14.5% of their opportunities. However, injuries to key defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm could limit their ability to generate offense from the blue line.

Defensively, Boston has struggled lately, allowing 3.18 goals per game. Jeremy Swayman has been inconsistent, posting a .898 save percentage, while Joonas Korpisalo hasn’t been much better at .892. The Bruins’ penalty kill is slightly stronger than Anaheim’s at 75.4%, but they have given up 44 power-play goals this season. With Anaheim’s offensive struggles, Boston’s defense could get some much-needed relief.

Anaheim has been playing well, but injuries to key players, including John Gibson, could put them at a disadvantage. The Bruins have struggled defensively, but Anaheim’s weak power play and inability to generate consistent offense make this a favorable matchup for Boston. David Pastrnak has a clear edge as the best offensive player on the ice, and with the Ducks allowing 32.2 shots per game, he should have plenty of scoring opportunities. Final Score Prediction: Boston Bruins win 4-2.