Tip: Injury-ridden Boston faces a tough challenge in California

While many, myself included, thought Anaheim might surprise in a positive way, the Ducks have actually exceeded expectations and been one of the league’s most entertaining teams. The Bruins have also had a strong start, but here I sense that the underlying reality is different, and that a slide down the standings may be hard to avoid.

Leo Carlsson impresses

Leo Carlsson has been outstanding to start the season. With 26 points in 19 games, Sweden’s center situation ahead of the Olympic Games in February suddenly feels far less concerning. Yes, Carlsson has gone pointless in three straight games, but in the bigger picture that’s insignificant. The young Swede drives play in Anaheim and plays with a confidence that shows both on the ice and on the scoresheet. That confidence flows through the entire organization, which – after several key summer additions – has become a far quicker and more dangerous offensive team under Joel Quenneville.

Anaheim recently got Ryan Strome back, providing a nice boost to the third line and adding depth to the scoring. It also looks like the offensively gifted Mikael Granlund is nearing a return, although I’m not fully counting on that just yet. But even without him, the Ducks have no trouble icing a potent offense capable of giving a depleted Boston group a very difficult night.

Injuries piling up

The Boston Bruins have impressed many – myself included – by staying near the top of the Eastern Conference through the first 20 games. Much of that is thanks to the stellar goaltending of Jeremy Swayman, who has been one of the league’s very best goalies so far, and thanks to David Pastrnak, who once again carries the offense. Morgan Geekie has also looked surprisingly capable of handling a first-line role.

But despite the strong start, it’s a heavily weakened Bruins lineup visiting Anaheim tonight. The team is missing Charlie McAvoy, Viktor Arvidsson, Casey Mittelstadt, and Elias Lindholm – their top defenseman and three of their top-six forwards this season. For a roster that was already ranked near the bottom heading into the season and has run far above its underlying numbers, the risk is obvious that the momentum may begin to fade.

Conclusion and betting pick

The Anaheim Ducks, with an almost fully healthy lineup, are a fast and energetic team that has shown they are a legitimate playoff contender this season. With Lukas Dostal emerging as one of the league’s better goaltenders, this is a tough team to beat – even for stronger teams than an injury-hit Boston Bruins. If the home team plays at a decent level and Swayman doesn’t absolutely stand on his head, the Bruins will likely struggle to take anything from this matchup.

Betting pick: Anaheim Ducks FT @ -105 at FanDuel