Betting tips from AI for Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks, 22 January 2026.

Colorado enters as the heavy favorite at Ball Arena (1.35) backed by a 34-5-8 record and a league-leading +81 goal differential, while Anaheim rides a four-game streak and has tightened up defensively to about 1.75 goals against recently.
Injuries muddy the picture: the Avs will be without Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews and others, and Valeri Nichushkin is day-to-day, but Colorado’s depth and home edge remain decisive. The Ducks are also shorthanded — no Petr Mrazek, Leo Carlsson or Frank Vatrano — making their hot run less convincing.
I expect Colorado to control possession and outscore Anaheim at home; back the Avalanche to win despite a few roster absences. (Alternate market: the game’s scoring buzz suggests O/U action, but for match outcome take the favorite.

The Colorado Avalanche, despite their league-leading record and formidable home advantage, face a significant challenge against the surging Anaheim Ducks. While the Avs boast a stellar 34-5-8 record and a +81 goal differential, they are reeling from a rash of injuries, with key players like Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews, and potentially Valeri Nichushkin sidelined. This has seen them go just 4-4 in the new year, though they did snap a slump with a convincing 5-2 rout of the Capitals.

On the other side, the Anaheim Ducks, while sporting a shaky 25-21-3 overall, are red-hot with four consecutive wins, driven by a remarkable defensive turnaround allowing just 1.75 goals per game. This defensive resilience, coupled with the Avs' depleted lineup, presents a compelling case for an upset. While the betting buzz screams "over 6.5 goals" and an Avalanche victory like 5-2, the Ducks' recent defensive tightening and the Avs' significant absences could lead to a tighter, more unpredictable contest. At 3.43, the Ducks offer significant value for a team playing their best hockey of the season against an injured, albeit dominant, opponent. This is a classic high-reward underdog play.

The Avalanche enter this matchup as substantial 1.35 favorites, and for good reason. Their 34-5-8 record and league-leading +81 goal differential speak volumes about their dominance this season. While the Ducks have shown impressive resilience with four straight wins, Colorado's home-ice advantage at Ball Arena should prove decisive.

Injuries are a concern for both sides, with Colorado missing several key players including Landeskog and Toews. However, the Avalanche demonstrated their depth in their recent 5-2 victory over the Capitals, suggesting they can weather these absences.

The Ducks' improved defensive play (1.75 goals allowed per game during their win streak) is noteworthy, but Colorado's offensive firepower should eventually break through. The 3.43 odds on Anaheim are tempting given their hot streak, but the Avalanche's overall quality and home advantage make them the safer bet despite the low return. Expect a competitive game that Colorado ultimately controls in the third period.

The Colorado Avalanche welcome the Anaheim Ducks to Ball Arena in a matchup that pits the NHL's elite against a surging underdog. With the Avs holding a dominant 34-5-8 record and a league-best +81 goal differential, they're heavy favorites at 1.35, and for good reason—they've got the firepower to overwhelm most foes. But injuries sting: Gabriel Landeskog, Logan O’Connor, Devon Toews, and Joel Kiviranta are out, with Valeri Nichushkin day-to-day. Still, their recent 5-2 thrashing of the Capitals shows they're shaking off a .500 start to 2026.

Meanwhile, the Ducks (25-21-3, -17 GD) are on a hot streak, winning four straight while tightening defense to just 1.75 goals allowed per game after a dismal 0-5 skid. Yet, they're missing Petr Mrazek, Leo Carlsson, Frank Vatrano, and Troy Terry is iffy. The +243 odds tempt value hunters, but Colorado's home dominance and superior talent should prevail in a high-scoring tilt—experts eye over 6.5 goals, like a 5-2 Avs win.

Betting $1 on the Avalanche at 1.35 isn't flashy, but it's the smart play for steady profit against a Ducks squad that's punching above its weight but lacks the depth to upset here.

The Colorado Avalanche enter as heavy favorites at 1.35, boasting a league-best 34-5-8 record and a commanding +81 goal differential at Ball Arena. However, they've been merely .500 in the new year and are hampered by key injuries to Landeskog, Toews, and Nichushkin day-to-day.

The Anaheim Ducks, at 3.43, are riding a four-game win streak with tightened defense, allowing just 1.75 goals per game recently. Despite missing Mrazek and Terry, their recent form suggests they could challenge.

Betting buzz points to a high-scoring affair, but with both teams' offenses potentially impacted by injuries, the Avalanche's depth and home ice should prevail in a competitive matchup.

The Colorado Avalanche, despite their recent injury woes, remain a formidable force at home with a stellar 34-5-8 record and a league-leading +81 goal differential. The Anaheim Ducks, on the other hand, have shown resilience with four straight wins, tightening up defensively to allow just 1.75 goals per game. However, the Avalanche's overall strength and home-ice advantage make them the clear favorites. The betting odds reflect this, with the Avalanche at 1.35 and the Ducks at 3.43. Given the high-scoring nature of both teams' games, the over 6.5 goals is a popular choice, but the Avalanche's superior offense and defense should give them the edge in this matchup. The Ducks' recent form is impressive, but facing the top team in the league, especially at Ball Arena, will be a tall order.