The Anaheim Ducks (21-18-3) visit the Philadelphia Flyers (21-12-7) in an interconference clash as the Ducks look to snap a lengthy winless streak against a Flyers team returning home after a successful road trip. Anaheim is struggling with defensive issues and injuries, while Philadelphia boasts strong special teams and depth scoring. This matchup could hinge on goaltending and the Ducks’ ability to avoid early deficits.
Venue Location
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This iconic arena, with a capacity of over 19,500, has been the Flyers’ home since 1996 and is known for its passionate fanbase in Atlantic Division games.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and available for streaming on regional networks.
Recent Team Forms
The Ducks are mired in a six-game winless streak (0-5-1), allowing the first goal in seven of their last eight contests and struggling with defensive breakdowns. Philadelphia, conversely, finished a five-game road trip at 3-2-0, showing resilience and balanced scoring.
Anaheim Ducks: 1-7-2 in their last 10, with heavy losses highlighting goaltending and penalty kill issues. They’ve been outscored 28-15 in the skid, but young forwards like Leo Carlsson provide flashes of offense.
Recent Games (Last 5):
Jan 5: L 4-7 @ WSH (trailed 5-1 early, late push fell short)
Jan 2: L 2-5 vs. MIN (allowed first goal, outshot 32-24)
Jan 1: L 3-4 OT vs. TB (competitive but overtime loss)
Dec 30: L 1-4 @ LA (defensive lapses)
Dec 28: L 3-5 vs. VGK (power play struggles)
Philadelphia Flyers: 6-3-1 in their last 10, with strong road wins fueled by goaltender Dan Vladar and contributions from depth players. They’ve won four of six overall, emphasizing physical play.
Recent Games (Last 5):
Jan 3: W 5-2 @ EDM (multi-goal scorers, Vladar 23 saves)
Dec 31: L 1-5 @ CGY (outshot, penalty kill failed)
Dec 29: W 4-3 OT @ VAN (comeback win)
Dec 27: L 2-4 @ SEA (close but defensive errors)
Dec 23: W 3-1 vs. PIT (strong home stand closer)
The Ducks’ road fatigue and back-to-back (played Jan 5) contrast with the Flyers’ rest day on Jan 5.
Injury Report
Injuries impact both sides, with the Ducks missing key scoring and the Flyers dealing with potential absences in their forward group.
Anaheim Ducks:
Frank Vatrano (RW): Out (shoulder/upper body; on IR, multi-game absence).
Vasily Podkolzin (LW): Day-to-day (illness; questionable after missing practice).
Tristan Jarry (G): Out (lower body; on IR, backup Connor Ingram available).
Kasperi Kapanen (RW): Out (undisclosed; on IR).
The Ducks’ forward depth is tested, forcing reliance on young talents like Cutter Gauthier.
Philadelphia Flyers:
Tyson Foerster (RW): Out (arm surgery; likely season-ending, five-month recovery).
Matvei Michkov (RW): Day-to-day (lower body; puck to foot in last game, further evaluation pending; if out, Nikita Grebenkin slots in).
Philadelphia’s lineup remains mostly intact, but Michkov’s status could affect their power play.
Player Matchups
This game features offensive fireworks potential, with the Flyers’ balanced attack against the Ducks’ high-upside forwards amid defensive vulnerabilities.
Offense vs. Defense: Anaheim’s top line of Chris Kreider (14G, 9A) – Leo Carlsson (17G, 25A) – Troy Terry will challenge Philadelphia’s shutdown pair of Cam York and Travis Sanheim. Carlsson’s playmaking could exploit gaps, but Flyers captain Sean Couturier (defensive specialist) aims to neutralize him.
Goaltending Duel: Lukas Dostal (ANA, ~.905 SV% recently shaky) vs. Dan Vladar (PHI, 15 wins, .912 SV%; strong in last outing with 23 saves). Vladar’s consistency gives Philly an edge if Anaheim’s fatigue shows.
Key Special Teams Matchup: Ducks’ power play (top-15, led by Cutter Gauthier at 19G) vs. Flyers’ penalty kill (top-10). Philadelphia’s PP, featuring Owen Tippett (13G) and Travis Konecny (13G), could capitalize on Anaheim’s recent discipline issues.
Depth Battle: Flyers’ second line of Denver Barkey – Sean Couturier – Owen Tippett (combined 39 points) vs. Ducks’ Mason McTavish – Cutter Gauthier – Beckett Sennecke. If Michkov plays, his speed (9G, 14A) matches up against Anaheim’s Jacob Trouba on defense.
Projected lineups emphasize youth: Ducks leaning on Carlsson and Gauthier; Flyers on Tippett and potentially Michkov.
Series History
The Flyers hold a historical edge, with a 20-21-5-5 record against the Ducks all-time (147 GF – 136 GA). Anaheim is 3-6-1 in the last 10 meetings, including a 0-6 loss on January 11, 2025. Games average ~5.8 goals, with Philadelphia winning four of the last five at home. The Ducks have struggled on the East Coast, going 2-4 in recent trips vs. Metropolitan teams.
Betting Trends
Flyers are 7-3 in last 10 home games and 5-1 vs. Pacific teams this season. Ducks are 1-9 in last 10 as underdogs and 0-6 on no rest (back-to-back). The Over has hit in 6 of the last 8 head-to-heads. Sharp money leans Flyers ML (60% of bets), but public on Over.
Game Odds
Anaheim Ducks 6.5
Philadelphia Flyers – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 5, 2026
