Anaheim Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction | NHL 21.01.26

Anaheim Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche Game Analysis | 21-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on January 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM MT in Ball Arena, Denver, pits the Anaheim Ducks (25-21-3) against the formidable Colorado Avalanche (34-5-8). The Avalanche, with their dominant record, are looking to continue their impressive run, while the Ducks aim to upset a top-tier opponent.

Anaheim Ducks Team Performance

The Anaheim Ducks have shown flashes of potential this season, holding a respectable, though inconsistent, record of 25-21-3. Their recent performance suggests a team capable of competing but often struggling to maintain consistency against stronger opposition. Offensively, they rely heavily on a few key contributors, and their depth has been tested. Defensively, they’ve shown vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by a high-octane offense like Colorado’s. Their ability to generate sustained pressure and convert on power plays will be crucial to staying competitive in this contest.

Anaheim Ducks Key Players

• Points: Cutter Gauthier (42)
• Goals: Cutter Gauthier (22)
• Assists: Jackson LaCombe (25)

Injury Report Anaheim Ducks

• Troy Terry (Injured reserve): Head coach Joel Quenneville said Monday that Terry (upper body) is day-to-day and could play on the team’s upcoming road trip, Patrick Present of The Hockey News reports.
• Leo Carlsson (Out): Carlsson (thigh) underwent a procedure Friday to address a Morel-Lavallee lesion on his left thigh and will miss 3-5 weeks.
• Frank Vatrano (Injured reserve): Vatrano (shoulder) is expected to miss the next six weeks, the team announced Wednesday.

Colorado Avalanche Team Performance

The Colorado Avalanche enter this game as one of the league’s elite teams, boasting an outstanding 34-5-8 record. Their performance has been consistently dominant, driven by a potent offense and a solid defensive structure. They excel at controlling possession, creating high-danger chances, and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. At home, they are particularly formidable, making them a challenging opponent for any team. Their depth and ability to roll four lines effectively contribute to their sustained pressure throughout games.

Colorado Avalanche Key Players

• Points: Nathan MacKinnon (85)
• Goals: Nathan MacKinnon (38)
• Assists: Nathan MacKinnon (47)

Injury Report Colorado Avalanche

• Devon Toews (Out): Toews (upper body) will not be available for the Avalanche’s next two games, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Wednesday.
• Joel Kiviranta (Injured reserve): Head coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday that he hopes Kiviranta (lower body) will be able to return for Friday’s game against the Flyers, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Prediction: Anaheim Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche

Considering the significant disparity in team records, the Avalanche’s home-ice advantage, and the Ducks’ critical injuries to key offensive players like Leo Carlsson and Frank Vatrano, the Colorado Avalanche are poised for a decisive victory. While Devon Toews’ absence is notable for the Avalanche’s defense, their offensive firepower, led by the red-hot Nathan MacKinnon, should more than compensate. The Ducks will struggle to contain Colorado’s attack and generate enough offense to keep pace. Therefore, the prediction is Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (Spread). Given the Avalanche’s offensive prowess and the Ducks’ potential defensive struggles, expect a high-scoring affair, making the Total Goals: Over 6.5 a strong play.