Ducks vs Golden Knights Game 3 Betting Preview, Best bets
The series between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks is heating up as the teams head into Game 3 tonight at Honda Center with the matchup tied 1-1.
Current odds for Game 3 list both teams evenly matched on the moneyline at -110. The total is set at 5.5 goals, with the Over favored at -135. One of the top betting angles for Friday’s game is the Over 5.5 goals line. Although the first two games produced only eight total goals, the underlying numbers suggest more offense is on the way. Recent trends also support offense in Anaheim games, as the Ducks have hit the Over in six of their last 10 home contests.
The teams have generated over 12 expected goals combined along with 49 high-danger scoring chances, while both goaltenders have delivered unusually strong performances.
Vegas goalie Carter Hart has posted a .951 save percentage and saved well above expected, while Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal has also been excellent with a .930 save percentage. However, both clubs are currently shooting below their usual efficiency at five-on-five play, indicating scoring could rise significantly in Game 3.
Anaheim has controlled much of the even-strength play so far, holding advantages in puck possession and expected goals through the opening two games. Returning home also gives the Ducks the final line-change advantage, which could help them create better matchups against Vegas.
SAME GAME PARLAY:
- Ducks moneyline
- Over 5.5 goals
- Cutter Gauthier to record at least one point
Despite being held off the scoresheet in the series so far, Gauthier has been one of Anaheim’s most dangerous offensive players. He has generated strong underlying numbers, led the Ducks in expected goals and scoring chances, and previously recorded seven points in Round 1.
Gauthier is also a strong candidate to score a goal in Game 3. The home-ice advantage should allow head coach Joel Quenneville to place him in more favorable offensive situations, and nearly 60% of Gauthier’s regular-season goals came at home. His postseason shooting and expected-goal rates closely mirror his regular-season production, suggesting a breakthrough performance may be coming.
