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 edition features the Anaheim Ducks taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. Do not forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season. The battle of the top of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, featuring the top-two picks, Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson.
NHL Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks
2025–26 Season Series: Chicago leads 1–0 (2–1 OT win on Oct. 19)
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT)
How to watch
US TV: Victory+, KCOP 13, ESPN+
Canada TV: SN, CHSN
Setting the Stage
The Anaheim Ducks (15–8–1) begin a road swing after another dramatic comeback at home, this time erasing a late deficit against the Los Angeles Kings before winning in a shootout. Anaheim has now rallied from two goals down, five times this season and continues to sit atop the NHL’s Pacific Division standings with a growing sense of maturity. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks (10–9–5) are in need of a course correction. They have dropped five straight and their defensive structure has softened in every important area. However, Connor Bedard remains a game breaking threat and their goaltending continues to outperform their process. Anaheim aims to maintain its resilience. Chicago aims to stop the slide.
Anaheim Ducks Storyline
Anaheim’s comeback against Los Angeles reflected both their flaws and their strengths. They again fell behind early but controlled key moments late. Leo Carlsson finished with three points and remains the focal point of Anaheim’s attack. Cutter Gauthier continues to produce in all situations and Troy Terry has points in six straight. However, Anaheim’s numbers reveal a split profile. They hold a 51 percent Corsi-for share and a 50 percent Fenwick share, yet sit below 48 percent in expected goals. Their finishers have driven a near-10 percent shooting rate and the goaltending remains strong with a 91 percent save rate. Ville Husso was sharp in his debut, though Lukas Dostal remains out two to three weeks. Anaheim still pushes play more effectively than Chicago at five-on-five and their top six continues to be the difference.
Anaheim goal!Scored by Leo Carlsson with 01:31 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Jackson LaCombe and Mason McTavish.Anaheim: 4Los Angeles: 4#LAKvsANA #FlyTogether #GoKingsGo
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-11-28T23:42:20.166784Z
Chicago Blackhawks Storyline
Chicago enters tonight with a strong goal share but weak territorial control. Their five-on-five profile sits under 47 percent Corsi for, Fenwick and shot share. Their expected goal share is just above 45 percent. However, they finish well and their goaltending has held a 91 percent save rate. That gap between finishing and process shrunk during their five-game losing streak which has exposed their defensive concerns. Connor Bedard still drives the offence with 33 points in 24 games. Tyler Bertuzzi provides steady volume and Teuvo Teravainen remains a reliable finisher. However, Chicago’s defensive structure has allowed too many high-danger chances. They control only 44 percent of those sequences, and sit near the bottom of the league in suppressing slot pressure. Until those leaks tighten, their margin for error remains thin.
Chicago goal!Scored by Ryan Donato with 00:50 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Sam Rinzel.Chicago: 1Nashville: 0#NSHvsCHI #Blackhawks #Smashville
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-11-29T01:51:37.078783Z
The Model
The blended model simulates this matchup 10,000 times using four inputs. The in-house projection incorporates share metrics, recent form and finishing talent. MoneyPuck lists Anaheim at 52.7%. Advanced Hockey Stats gives Chicago 51% at home. The market leans slightly toward Chicago but remains near even after vig removal. The model pulls Anaheim upward based on their territorial edge, deeper forward group and Chicago’s declining defensive stability. However, it also recognises Anaheim’s expected goal concerns which keeps the projection tight. Across all simulations Anaheim lands at 52% with fair odds near −108. Chicago sits at 48% with fair odds near +108.
NHL Prediction
Anaheim carries the cleaner 5-on-5 profile and possesses more reliable scoring depth. Chicago continues to rely on strong finishing and above average goaltending to offset its possession weaknesses. However, their recent slide reflects structural issues rather than bad luck. Anaheim’s top line and improved late game execution give them a slight edge even in a coin flip environment.
Prediction: Ducks win 3–2 (52% win probability)
2025–26 Season Prediction Record: 5–4
Prop Bets of the Night
The prop card focuses on repeatable matchups rather than streak chasing. Leo Carlsson over 0.5 points (-110) fits the environment given his 7 points in his last 5 games and his control of Anaheim’s most dangerous sequences. Chicago’s defensive coverage continues to leave space in the slot and Carlsson’s usage ensures steady involvement. Tyler Bertuzzi over 2.5 shots (-120) also grades well. He leads Chicago in attempts over the recent stretch and continues to fire from the interior where Anaheim still concedes volume. Both props align cleanly with the projected pace and expected territorial flow.
2025–26 Season Betting Record: 11–10 (+3.54 units)
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: November 30 Anaheim Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.