The NHL is set for an exciting matchup as the Carolina Hurricanes face off against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the game live on ESPN+. This game marks another important moment for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season, with distinct aspirations at play.
The Carolina Hurricanes, boasting a record of 42-23-4, are currently positioned second in the Metropolitan Division. Their last outing, however, ended in disappointment as they fell to the Los Angeles Kings in a lopsided 7-2 defeat on March 22. Despite this setback, the Hurricanes remain focused on securing their place in the playoffs, aiming to build momentum in the weeks ahead.
In contrast, the Anaheim Ducks, with a record of 30-31-8, are trying to capitalize on their recent success. They come into the game having won their last match against the Nashville Predators with a score of 4-1. This victory was particularly notable for Trevor Zegras, who not only scored a goal but also set up another on his 24th birthday, showcasing his talent and potential. Mason McTavish, who assisted in that game, reflected on Zegras’s playmaking ability: "Z is super creative, you’ve always got to be ready to shoot when you’re on the ice with him.” These performances offer a glimpse into the offensive capabilities that the Ducks hope to leverage against the Hurricanes.
As fans prepare for the matchup, it is also crucial to consider the injury reports for both teams. The Hurricanes have a couple of key players sidelined, including William Carrier, who is out due to a lower body injury after playing 39 games this season with stats including 4 goals and 5 assists. Jesper Fast is out for the season with a neck injury. Meanwhile, Andrei Svechnikov is day-to-day due to an upper body injury; he has contributed significantly with 18 goals and 25 assists in 63 games.
On the Ducks' side, they have four players on the injury list. Ross Johnston is day-to-day with an upper body injury, while Nikita Nesterenko is also day-to-day with an undisclosed condition. Additionally, Sam Colangelo is in a similar situation, with an upper body injury. The Ducks will also be missing Brock McGinn, who is out due to an ACL injury. Robby Fabbri's absence will be felt on the ice as he recovers from an upper body injury. These injuries will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the match's dynamics.
When it comes to statistics, the Hurricanes dominate in several categories. They rank eighth overall in goals scored with an average of 3.22 per game, compared to the Ducks’ 2.65, which positions them at 28th in the league. Defensively, the Hurricanes also outperform the Ducks, allowing only 2.67 goals per game (6th) while the Ducks average 3.1 goals allowed per game (21st). The Hurricanes are adept at generating shots, placing second with 31.6 shots per game, whereas the Ducks rank lower at 27.3 shots per game (23rd). Special teams also reveal disparities; the Hurricanes’ penalty kill is formidable at 84.42% (2nd), while the Ducks struggle at 72.59% (28th).
Betting odds illustrate the confidence behind the Hurricanes heading into this match. With a moneyline pick paying -220, they are favored to win against the Ducks, who wield odds of +185 as the underdog. The total for the game has been set at 6, indicating expectations for a competitive showdown.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the significance in terms of postseason implications cannot be understated. The Hurricanes are determined to maintain their playoff standing, while the Ducks are looking to enhance their home-game performance and possibly turn the tide for the remainder of the season. That being said, fans should tune in for what promises to be an electrifying game filled with skill, strategy, and intensity.
Overall, as the final West Coast swing of the regular season concludes, this battle between the Carolina Hurricanes and Anaheim Ducks holds weight not only in standings but also in the narratives of the players on the ice. Expectations are high, and each team will be aiming to secure crucial points in this thrilling matchup in Anaheim.
