Red Wings vs Ducks Prediction & Odds - 2/23/2025

The Detroit Red Wings welcome the Anaheim Ducks to Little Caesars Arena for a compelling inter-conference matchup on Sunday evening, with both teams showing recent signs of improvement despite their contrasting seasonal trajectories.

The Red Wings, currently holding the final wildcard spot, have won three of their last five games under new coach Todd McLellan's guidance, while the Ducks enter the contest with an impressive 6-2-1 record in their past ten games.

Detroit's offensive firepower, led by Lucas Raymond's 61 points and Dylan Larkin's 52-point campaign, will face off against Anaheim's sturdy goaltending duo of Lukas Dostal and John Gibson, who have both maintained save percentages above .910 this season.

The previous meeting between these teams resulted in a high-scoring 6-4 Ducks victory, setting the stage for what could be another entertaining battle.

While the Red Wings have been dominant at home lately, scoring 17 goals in their last five home games, the Ducks' recent road performances and improved defensive structure make them a formidable opponent.

This matchup presents an intriguing contrast between Detroit's fourth-ranked power play unit and Anaheim's struggling penalty kill, which could prove decisive in determining the outcome of this cross-conference showdown.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks preview

The Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks are set to face off in an intriguing inter-conference matchup at Little Caesars Arena, with playoff implications hanging in the balance for the home team.

The Red Wings, currently holding onto the final wildcard spot, have shown remarkable improvement under new head coach Todd McLellan, winning six of their last eight games despite a recent overtime setback against the Wild.

Anaheim enters the contest with surprising momentum, posting a solid 6-2-1 record in their last ten games, though they remain nine points outside the playoff picture.

Detroit's offense has been clicking at home, netting 17 goals in their last five games at Little Caesars Arena, led by the dynamic Lucas Raymond who has accumulated 61 points this season and registered five points in his last five games.

The Ducks, while struggling as the league's lowest-scoring team at 2.5 goals per game, will look to replicate their earlier success against Detroit, having secured a 6-4 victory in their first meeting this season.

Key matchup factors include Detroit's fourth-ranked power play unit against Anaheim's struggling 28th-ranked penalty kill, which could prove decisive in the outcome.

Young stars will be worth watching, including Anaheim's Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick from last year's draft, who has posted three points in his last five games, and Detroit's Moritz Seider, who continues to log heavy minutes averaging 25 minutes of ice time.

The goaltending battle is expected to feature Anaheim's tandem of Dostal and Gibson against Detroit's Alex Lyon, who brings a respectable 2.68 GAA and 10-6 record into the contest.

With the Red Wings' recent tendency to win big at home - their last four home victories coming by two or more goals - and the Ducks allowing the most shots per game in the NHL, Detroit appears poised to continue their playoff push with a strong showing.