{"id":479761,"date":"2025-12-11T08:04:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T13:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=479761"},"modified":"2025-12-11T07:10:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:10:17","slug":"nhl-predictions-december-11th-anaheim-ducks-vs-new-york-islanders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/11\/nhl-predictions-december-11th-anaheim-ducks-vs-new-york-islanders\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: December 11th Anaheim Ducks vs New York Islanders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at <em>Last Word On Hockey<\/em> look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. This NHL Prediction focuses on two <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/06\/a-new-calder-trophy-contender-enters-the-chat\/\" target=\"_self\">Calder Trophy favourites<\/a> facing each other, as the Anaheim Ducks visit Long Island. Do not forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025\u201326 season.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs New York Islanders<\/h2>\n<p><strong>2025\u201326 Season Series:<\/strong> First meeting this season (2024-25 Season Series: Ducks 2 &#8211; 0 Islanders)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT)<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a> <strong>US TV:<\/strong> Victory+, MSGSN, KCOP-13; ESPN+ <strong>Canada TV<\/strong>: SN+<\/h3>\n<h3>Setting the Stage<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/25\/anaheim-ducks-quarter-season-analysis-shows-a-team-ahead-of-schedule\/\" target=\"_self\">Anaheim Ducks<\/a> (19\u201310\u20131) arrive on Long Island riding a three-game winning streak and a surge of confidence after stealing a 4\u20133 win in Pittsburgh. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sennebe01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beckett Sennecke<\/a>\u2019s short-handed tying goal with 0.1 seconds left cemented his growing legend, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hussovi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ville Husso<\/a>\u2019s 44 saves steadied a group that still plays in high-event environments. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders (17\u201311\u20133) continue to grind out results under head coach\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roypa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Roy<\/a>. They staged a comeback of their own in a 5\u20134 shootout win over the Vegas Golden Knights, powered by two goals from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/horvabo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bo Horvat<\/a> and a composed performance from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sorokil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Sorokin<\/a>. Both teams enter with momentum, but their paths to that momentum differ in style and structure.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:hgs2eihs5wz2wqp647f5ox74\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3m7lzvyhbnk2f\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreifkhixtsow5isfycnpxhjh4hregigumcl4y36ju6unkveqsf43qge\">\n<p>Short-handed goal for Anaheim!Scored by Beckett Sennecke with 00:01 remaining in the 3rd period.Pittsburgh: 3Anaheim: 3#ANAvsPIT #LetsGoPens #FlyTogether<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; <a  href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:hgs2eihs5wz2wqp647f5ox74?ref_src=embed\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:hgs2eihs5wz2wqp647f5ox74\/post\/3m7lzvyhbnk2f?ref_src=embed\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2025-12-10T02:41:41.794865Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/embed.bsky.app\/static\/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Anaheim Ducks Storyline<\/h3>\n<p>Anaheim\u2019s momentum continues to grow. Sennecke\u2019s rise, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carlsle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leo Carlsson<\/a>\u2019s constant creation, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/terrytr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Troy Terry<\/a>\u2019s scoring touch give the Ducks top-end finishing that outperforms their expected goal share. Their five-on-five play remains slightly above even, and their offence ranks among the league\u2019s most productive. However, defensive lapses still appear. Their high-danger control sits below 50 percent, and their penalty kill continues to lag. Husso\u2019s performance in Pittsburgh arrived at the perfect time. Meanwhile, the Ducks have found consistency in their forward depth. Carlsson\u2019s line tilts the ice, and the Gauthier\u2013McTavish\u2013Sennecke trio brings speed that will challenge an Islanders defence that prefers to sag rather than chase. Anaheim plays faster than New York, and that stylistic contrast shapes tonight\u2019s matchup.<\/p>\n<h3>New York Islanders Storyline<\/h3>\n<p>The Islanders have settled into a rhythm where resilience defines their identity. They fell behind 2\u20130 to the Golden Knights yet pushed back through Horvat\u2019s scoring touch and Sorokin\u2019s stabilising presence. Their metrics remain mixed. They sit below water in shot and chance shares, yet their goaltending keeps them competitive. Sorokin\u2019s .910 save percentage across 21 games remains a major equaliser, and their penalty kill ranks inside the league\u2019s top group. However, their ability to control pace remains inconsistent, as they still concede long cycles and extended zone time. Their offence relies heavily on Horvat, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/barzama01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mathew Barzal<\/a>, and the quick-strike play of wingers like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/heineem01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emil Heineman<\/a>. Even so, they hold structure well at UBS Arena and force opponents into predictable shot lanes.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:hgs2eihs5wz2wqp647f5ox74\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3m7lze4fqcp2u\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidrbbvngxjnss53xhr2mafiwtyg3iofrwygtyblyosvkolhfe73ea\">\n<p>Power play goal for New York!Scored by Bo Horvat with 09:45 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Mathew Barzal and Max Shabanov.New York: 4Vegas: 3#VGKvsNYI #Isles #VegasBorn<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; <a  href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:hgs2eihs5wz2wqp647f5ox74?ref_src=embed\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:hgs2eihs5wz2wqp647f5ox74\/post\/3m7lze4fqcp2u?ref_src=embed\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2025-12-10T02:31:41.970207Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/embed.bsky.app\/static\/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>The Model<\/h3>\n<p>The blended model simulates this matchup 10,000 times using four inputs. The in-house projection incorporates share metrics, recent form, and Anaheim\u2019s improved finishing talent. <a  href=\"https:\/\/moneypuck.com\/preview.htm?id=2025020482\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MoneyPuck<\/a> lists the Islanders at 58.2 percent. <a  href=\"https:\/\/hockeystats.com\/projections\/games\/2025020482\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Advanced Hockey Stats<\/a> gives New York 54 percent at home. The market also leans toward the Islanders with the latest line settling near \u2212133. Anaheim receives a modest bump from its rush creation and scoring efficiency, but its high-danger deficit narrows the gap. Across all simulations, New York lands at 54.3 percent with fair odds near \u2212119. Anaheim sits at 45.7 percent with fair odds near +119.<\/p>\n<h3>NHL Prediction<\/h3>\n<p>New York enters with the stronger model profile thanks to steadier defensive layers and Sorokin\u2019s ability to erase breakdowns. Anaheim still brings the more dynamic rush game, and its top-six finishing keeps the margins tight in fast-paced environments. However, the Islanders thrive in matchups where they can slow play below the hashmarks and funnel attempts to the outside. Anaheim\u2019s path comes through controlled entries and quick-strike sequences, especially if Carlsson and Sennecke can force New York\u2019s defenders into early pivots. The model leans toward the Islanders, yet Anaheim\u2019s recent momentum and creativity give them a credible edge in a matchup that should stay inside one goal. The Ducks hold a slight finishing advantage, and that remains the swing factor if this turns into a high-event game.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prediction:<\/strong> Ducks win 3\u20132 (45.7% win probability)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/05\/nhl-predictions-december-5th-washington-capitals-vs-anaheim-ducks\/\" target=\"_self\"><strong>2025\u201326 Season Prediction Record<\/strong><\/a>: 5\u20136<\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>Tonight\u2019s prop card targets situations that hold up regardless of game script. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mctavma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-10_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mason McTavish<\/a> over 2.5 shots (+145) is a steady option, as he continues to drive individual attempts even in lower-event stretches. His usage on the powerplay also boosts his volume against an Islanders penalty kill that concedes clean looks from the flanks. Meanwhile, consider Mathew Barzal over 0.5 points (-160). His playmaking remains the engine of New York\u2019s controlled entries, and Anaheim\u2019s defensive rotations can struggle when forced into extended east\u2013west coverage. Both plays align with expected usage patterns and the pacing each team typically generates.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2025\u201326 Season Betting Record:<\/strong> 13\u201312 (+3.55 units)<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Main Photo: <\/strong>Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<div class=\"actions\"><span class=\"image-actions\" data-image-type=\"lightbox\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. This NHL Prediction focuses on two Calder Trophy favourites [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5399,"featured_media":479799,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20,4547,17,4548,4524],"tags":[6013,6084],"class_list":["post-479761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ducks","category-hockey","category-islanders","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","tag-anaheim-ducks-predictions","tag-new-york-islanders-predictions"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5399"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=479761"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479761\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479807,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479761\/revisions\/479807"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/479799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=479761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=479761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=479761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}