NHL Game Preview: Anaheim Ducks (25-21-3) vs. Colorado Avalanche (34-5-8)

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Colorado Avalanche logo

The Anaheim Ducks (25-21-3) face the Colorado Avalanche (34-5-8) in a Western Conference matchup at Ball Arena. The Ducks are riding a four-game winning streak after snapping a nine-game skid, showing improved defense and timely scoring. The Avalanche, atop the Central Division, bounced back from two losses with a strong win, led by Nathan MacKinnon’s milestone performance. Colorado’s high-powered offense (league-leading 4.02 GPG) could overwhelm Anaheim’s injury-hit lineup, but the Ducks’ recent grit might keep it closer than expected in a potential high-scoring affair.

Venue Location

Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.

Colorado leads the West, while Anaheim is in playoff contention despite inconsistencies.

Recent Team Forms

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are 4-6 in their last 10 but have won four straight, focusing on low-scoring, defensive games (allowing 2.0 GPG in wins). They’ve averaged 3.25 GPG during the streak.

Key recent results:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 19, 2026vs. New York RangersW5-3
Jan 17, 2026vs. Los Angeles KingsW (OT)2-1
Jan 16, 2026@ Los Angeles KingsW3-2
Jan 13, 2026vs. Dallas StarsW3-1
Jan 11, 2026vs. Edmonton OilersL2-4
Jan 9, 2026@ Vancouver CanucksL1-3
Jan 7, 2026vs. Seattle KrakenL3-5

Anaheim’s turnaround emphasizes goaltending and opportunistic offense amid injuries.

Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche are 6-3-1 in their last 10, with elite scoring (4.2 GPG) but occasional defensive lapses. They’ve won four of their last six at home.

Recent results:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 19, 2026vs. Washington CapitalsW5-2
Jan 16, 2026vs. Nashville PredatorsL3-7
Jan 12, 2026vs. Toronto Maple LeafsL (OT)3-4
Jan 10, 2026@ Montreal CanadiensW4-0
Jan 8, 2026vs. Ottawa SenatorsW8-2
Jan 6, 2026@ Tampa Bay LightningL2-4
Jan 4, 2026vs. Florida PanthersL1-2

Colorado’s form highlights offensive dominance but vulnerability in high-scoring losses.

Injury Report

Anaheim Ducks:

Leo Carlsson (C): Out (Thigh – 3-5 weeks post-procedure)

Troy Terry (RW): Day-to-Day/IR (Upper Body)

Petr Mrazek (G): IR (Lower Body)

Frank Vatrano (RW): Out (Shoulder – 6 weeks)

The Ducks’ offense is depleted without Carlsson and Vatrano, relying on depth forwards.

Colorado Avalanche:

Gabriel Landeskog (LW): Out (Upper Body – some weeks; Olympics unclear)

Joel Kiviranta (LW): IR (Lower Body)

Devon Toews (D): Out (Upper Body – week-to-week)

Valeri Nichushkin (RW): Day-to-Day (Upper Body)

Logan O’Connor (RW): Out (Hip)

Colorado’s depth is tested, especially on defense without Toews, but their stars remain available.

Key

Player Matchups

This game pits Anaheim’s resilient depth against Colorado’s star-driven attack, with injuries shifting dynamics:

Nathan MacKinnon (COL) vs. Cam Fowler (ANA): MacKinnon (recently hit 1,100 points; 2G in last game) is a scoring threat with speed and vision. Fowler’s defensive poise (top-pair D) will aim to contain him, but MacKinnon’s explosiveness could exploit gaps.

Cutter Gauthier (ANA) vs. Cale Makar (COL): Gauthier (2G on birthday vs. NYR) brings youth and scoring. Makar (elite offensive D; multi-point games common) could neutralize with puck control and transitions.

Mikael Granlund (ANA) vs. Martin Necas (COL): Granlund (OT winner vs. LAK) provides playmaking. Necas (2A vs. WSH) adds speed; this center matchup could control pace.

Alex Killorn (ANA) vs. Artturi Lehkonen (COL): Killorn (GWG vs. NYR) offers veteran grit. Lehkonen (scoring depth) thrives in physical play.

Lukas Dostal (ANA, G) vs. Scott Wedgewood (COL, G): Dostal (solid in wins) faces Colorado’s high shots. Wedgewood (22 saves vs. WSH) has home edge.

Colorado’s offense gives them edges, but Anaheim’s streak could spark upsets.

Series History

Colorado leads the all-time regular-season series 59-47-7-2 against Anaheim. The Avalanche have dominated recently, winning the last five meetings, including a 4-1 home win on Nov. 11, 2025, and 4-2 road wins in April and December 2024. Over the last 10 head-to-heads, Colorado is 8-1-1, with seven games exceeding 5.5 goals.

Betting Trends

Spread: Colorado 4-1 ATS in last 5; Ducks 4-1 ATS in last 5 as underdogs.

Over/Under: Over in 22 of Colorado’s 47 games; Under in 6 of Ducks’ last 10.

Other Trends: Avalanche 6-3-1 last 10; Ducks 4-0 SU in last 4. Over has hit in 4 of last 5 head-to-heads.

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

Colorado Avalanche       – 305

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026