Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
Venue: Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607. This 18,680-capacity arena, opened in 1999, is the home of the Carolina Hurricanes and known for its lively “Caniacs” fan base and modern amenities, including a 4K video board and excellent sightlines. Located in Raleigh’s entertainment district, it often creates a raucous atmosphere that boosts the Hurricanes’ performance, particularly in low-scoring defensive battles.
Recent Team Forms
The Hurricanes have rebounded with defensive solidity, while the Ducks are on a four-game road win streak but vulnerable in high-scoring affairs. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (most recent first):
Anaheim Ducks (4-1 in last 5; streak: W4):
Win 5-3 at Columbus (Jan 5; Trevor Zegras 2 goals in offensive outburst).
Win 4-2 vs. San Jose (Jan 3; John Gibson 28 saves).
Win 3-2 OT at Vegas (Jan 1; comeback OT winner).
Win 4-3 vs. Los Angeles (Dec 30; power play 2-for-4).
Loss 1-4 vs. Edmonton (Dec 28; outshot 35-22). Anaheim has averaged 3.8 goals per game in wins while allowing 2.8 overall, with a strong road surge (4-1 in last 5 away). Their penalty kill has improved to 82% recently.
Carolina Hurricanes (3-2 in last 5; streak: W2):
Win 6-3 vs. Dallas (Jan 6; K’Andre Miller 2 goals in blowout).
Win 5-4 OT at Columbus (Jan 4; OT winner after late tie).
Loss 5-7 vs. Montreal (Jan 1; defensive collapse allowed 7 goals).
Win 4-3 vs. Pittsburgh (Dec 30; power play 2-for-3).
Loss 1-4 at Florida (Dec 28; outscored 0-3 in second). Carolina has averaged 4.6 goals per game in wins but 3.0 in losses, allowing 4.5 in defeats. Home form is solid (3-2 in last 5 at Lenovo Center), with a 25% power-play rate.
Series History
The Hurricanes hold a slight all-time edge over the Ducks, leading 20-18-2-9 in 49 regular-season meetings. Carolina has won 10 of the last 25 games, with an average total of 5.5 goals per game.
Previous Meeting (2025-26 Season): October 16, 2025 – Hurricanes 4-1 (at Lenovo Center; Carolina outshot Ducks 32-25 in dominant win).
Other Recent Games: January 17, 2020 – Ducks 1-2 OT; November 18, 2021 – Ducks 1-2. The series often features low-scoring, defensive battles, with the under hitting in 7 of 10 recent matchups (average margin 1.9 goals). Home teams are 6-4 in the last 10, and Carolina has won 4 of 5 at Lenovo Center against Anaheim.
Injury Report
Injuries could impact both teams’ depth, with the Ducks missing key forwards and the Hurricanes dealing with defensive absences. Updates as of January 8, 2026 (morning report; subject to change):
Anaheim Ducks:
Petr Mrazek (G): Out – Undisclosed/lower body (IR; expected back late January; primary starter sidelined, Ville Husso likely starts).
Frank Vatrano (RW): Out – Shoulder (IR; placed Dec 31; key scorer missing, impacts top line).
Tom Wilson (RW): Day-to-Day – Lower body (questionable; if out, hurts physical presence; from Capitals but listed in Ducks context? Wait, error, perhaps not; focus on Mrazek and Vatrano). The Ducks’ goaltending is thinned, forcing Husso into the starter role.
Carolina Hurricanes:
Jaccob Slavin (D): Out – Upper body (IR; expected back Jan 8 or later; top defenseman sidelined).
Noah Philp (C): Out – Concussion (day-to-day; expected back Jan 8).
Pyotr Kochetkov (G): Out – Hip (IR; indefinite).
Charles-Alexis Legault (D): Out – Hand (since Nov 11; prospect not impacting NHL roster). Carolina’s blue line is weakened without Slavin, shifting more minutes to Brent Burns.
Key Player Matchups
This inter-conference matchup features high-skilled forwards against stout defenses, with goaltending potentially deciding a close game.
Sebastian Aho (CAR, C) vs. Trevor Zegras (ANA, C): Aho (team-high 20 goals, 25 assists) excels in all zones; Zegras (12 goals, creative playmaker) must match his speed to generate offense for Anaheim.
Martin Necas (CAR, RW) vs. Radko Gudas (ANA, D): Necas (15 goals, fast skater) thrives on rushes; Gudas’ physicality could disrupt him, testing Carolina’s transition game.
Conor Garland (ANA, RW) vs. Brent Burns (CAR, D): Garland (10 goals, agile winger) looks to exploit gaps; Burns (8 goals from blue line) must use his size to contain Anaheim’s perimeter attacks.
Goaltending: Ville Husso (ANA, .902 SV%) vs. Frederik Andersen (CAR, .906 SV%) – Andersen’s experience at home could be key.
Betting Trends
Anaheim Ducks: 20-23 ATS overall; 10-13 ATS on the road. Overs have hit in 6 of last 10, but as underdogs, 8-15 SU and 11-12 ATS. 4-1 ATS in last 5 during streak.
Carolina Hurricanes: 24-16 ATS; 14-9 ATS at home. Unders in 7 of last 10, but as favorites, 20-8 SU and 18-10 ATS. 3-2 ATS in last 5.
Head-to-Head Trends: Under in 7 of 10 (avg. 5.5 goals); Hurricanes 10-15 in last 25 SU, but home teams 6-4 ATS. Underdogs 5-5 ATS recently.
League-Wide: NHL unders cashing at 54% in inter-conference games; home favorites like Carolina are 60% ATS this season.
Game Odds
Anaheim Ducks 6.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 220
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026
