Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks Picks and Prediction for Thursday, October 16, 2025

Get ready for a nonconference NHL showdown as the Carolina Hurricanes, standing in first place of the Metropolitan Division with a 3-0-0 record, clash with the Pacific Division’s fourth-place Anaheim Ducks, who bring a 2-1-0 record into the fray. Set in the heart of the Honda Center on October 16th at 10:00 PM ET, fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. This will be the first of two games against one another as they will play again in early January. Blue line to crease — NHL picks for Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks without the fluff.

Hurricanes Looking to Remain Undefeated

The Carolina Hurricanes, positioned in first place in the Metropolitan Division with a perfect 3-0-0 record, head into this game looking like an early Stanley Cup Champion contender. The latest game against the San Jose Sharks on the road, a 5-1 win, should give them confidence as they scored three goals in the second period to gain momentum.

Offensively, Carolina has been doing an amazing job at finding the back of the net, averaging 5.00 goals per game, which is best in the sport. Their offensive attack has shown up lately, though as they have scored at least four goals in each game thus far. The Hurricanes’ power play has been at a subpar level, converting at a 9.1% clip, meaning there is room for this offense to improve. Their defensive game shows they do not have many weaknesses, ranking tied for sixth with 2.33 goals allowed per game.

On the goaltending front, goaltender Frederik Anderson is going to need to step up in the net for this game and is 2-0-0 with a .867 save percentage and 2.89 goals per game given up. As Carolina is getting ready for this game, they will be in a great position to continue recording points.

Injury Report for Carolina

• Defenseman Jaccob Slavin: Lower Body (OUT)
• Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov: Lower Body (OUT)

Ducks Looking Strong Early On

The Anaheim Ducks, playing at a strong level up to this point as they are in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 2-1-0 record, face a team that is looking incredibly well. Their recent game at home against the Penguins, a 4-3 win, reflects a team that can control things on the offensive side of the ice, as they scored at least one goal in each period. Left winger Chris Kreider is leading the franchise with five points (four goals, one assist). The Ducks are entering this game with a pair of players on the injury report as they are out for this game.

Anaheim’s offensive output has been incredible thus far, with the team sitting tied for fourth place in the league for goals scored, averaging 4.00 goals per game. The Ducks’ power play, operating at a 36.4% success rate, and their penalty kill at 71.4%, highlight areas of the game that are clicking right now.

Goaltending is one of the team’s biggest positions of strength, with Lukas Dostal doing a good job this year as he is 1-1-0 with a .893 save percentage and 3.08 goals allowed per game.

Injury Report for Anaheim

• Center Ryan Strome: Upper Body (OUT)
• Center Jansen Harkins: Upper Body (OUT)

Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks Pick

Spread Pick for Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks

• Carolina Hurricanes -175 (5 units)

If we are talking about the puck line, I’d say Anaheim +1.5, but the moneyline is a good enough bet to make in terms of the betting odds. Carolina has looked unbelievable to begin the season and have won all three games, two by at least three goals. Frederik Anderson in the net is looking outstanding, so they should be in a great spot. Looking at the opponents, these teams both have played in San Jose already this season and the Hurricanes won 5-1, while the Ducks won in overtime 7-6. Carolina looks like the better, well-rounded team, so go with them to win this game and improve to 4-0-0.

Over/Under Pick for Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks

•  Under 6.5 (5 units)

Two great offenses are playing in this game, but expecting seven-plus goals is just too tall of an ask. Frederik Anderson and Lukas Dostal have looked well between the pipes thus far and should be able to get stops. These teams have done an excellent job of keeping the puck out of the crease, as the Hurricanes are best in the NHL with only 20.7 opposing shot attempts per game while the Ducks are tied with a few teams for ninth place with 26.3 shot attempts per game against. All in all, go with under 6.5 total goals to be hit here.