
Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. This edition features an enormous Pacific Division matchup with Stanley Cup Playoff implications, as the Seattle Kraken take on the Anaheim Ducks. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season.
2025–26 Season Series: Seattle leads 2–1
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 7:00 p.m. PST
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim
Anaheim heads into their last game before the Olympic break after a disciplined win that reinforced its newfound defensive identity. Meanwhile, Seattle arrives on a four-game win streak, having stabilized its structure and limited mistakes early. Importantly, this is the fourth and final meeting of the season, with the Kraken holding a narrow series edge. Additionally, both teams sit in the Western Conference middle tier, where these divisional matchups with Stanley Cup Playoff Western Conference Wild Card implications matter even more. Anaheim has leaned into special teams and net front finishing. Seattle has leaned into depth and territorial play. As a result, this game shapes up as a battle for early control rather than pure pace.
Seattle enters at 26-19-9 and trending upward. Recently, their five-on-five shot share and expected goal rates have climbed, reflecting better neutral zone management. Jared McCann continues to drive offence, while Eeli Tolvanen and Kaapo Kakko have converted efficiently. However, the power play remains inconsistent, relying more on momentum than sound systems. Joey Daccord is the likely starter and has been steady on initial looks, even if rebound control creates occasional chaos. Still, Seattle’s depth allows sustained pressure late. If they manage Anaheim’s forecheck, the ice can tilt gradually.
Seattle goal!Scored by Kaapo Kakko with 16:42 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Adam Larsson.Vegas: 2Seattle: 3#SEAvsVGK #VegasBorn #SeaKraken
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-02-01T05:08:02.833299Z
Anaheim sits at 29-2323 and continues to outperform underlying metrics through execution. Recently, their finishing has spiked, particularly from the net front. Chris Kreider’s presence has reshaped their offensive profile, while Troy Terry’s return has improved puck movement. Additionally, the Ducks power play remains a clear advantage, converting without needing long zone time. Defensively, Anaheim allows volume, but Lukas Dostal has provided stability. Importantly, the penalty kill has limited second chances. If Anaheim maintains structure and clears efficiently, they can keep this within reach.
Power play goal for Anaheim!Scored by Cutter Gauthier with 15:28 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Jackson LaCombe and Beckett Sennecke.Anaheim: 3Vegas: 0#VGKvsANA #FlyTogether #VegasBorn
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-02-02T03:53:00.653943Z
The blended model simulates this matchup 10,000 times using four evenly weighted inputs: five on five expected goal differential, special teams impact, goaltending performance, and rest adjusted game state. The in house model gives Anaheim a 53 percent win probability, reflecting home ice, projected goaltending, and the Ducks’ ability to manage low event games. MoneyPuck aligns closely at 53.3 percent, while HockeyStats is slightly higher at 56 percent due to Anaheim’s defensive suppression and finishing edge. After blending all sources and removing market vig, Anaheim lands between 54 and 55 percent, implying fair odds in the −120 to −125 range.
This profiles as a disciplined game. Anaheim will look to keep the score tight and rely on structure rather than pace, particularly at five-on-five. Seattle can control stretches territorially, but the Ducks have shown they can absorb volume and limit second chances at home. With goaltending and special teams tilting slightly toward Anaheim, the balance favours the Ducks late.
Prediction: Ducks win 3–2 (Model Probability: 54–55 percent)
2025–26 Season Prediction Record: 12–12
This matchup points toward volume driven player usage rather than team totals. First, Jared McCann over 2.5 shots fits his role as Seattle’s primary trigger, especially with Anaheim allowing shot volume from the circles. Additionally, McCann’s recent stretch shows consistent shot generation regardless of score state. Meanwhile, Lukas Dostal over 27.5 saves aligns with Seattle’s tendency to generate quantity over pure slot quality. The Kraken have leaned into sustained pressure rather than rush offence, which inflates save counts even in tight games. Together, these props mirror the expected game script: steady Kraken shot volume, controlled pace, and a one goal margin.
2025–26 Season Betting Record: 28–23 (+8.21 units)
Projected lineups and starting goaltenders are based on available information at the time of writing. Please check official team sources prior to placing any wagers.
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