Anaheim Ducks Odds - From rebuilding to contending in one offseason

With a faltering goalie and a team full of aging veterans, the Anaheim Ducks odds were supposed to be on the decline. Then, something magical happened between February and now: the Ducks made some astute moves, infused the team with youth and watched as some of their future stars became current stars. The Ducks are back in hockey betting.

Anaheim Ducks Odds: Scoring depth, power play are major strengths

• Ducks have a rock-solid top six group of forwards
  
• Blueline is young, injury prone; Ducks will lean heavily on Niedermayer
  
• The Ducks are fine in goal if they ride the hot hand

Anaheim Ducks odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Ducks worked hard in the offseason to erase the “one-line team” label and they succeeded. We know the Ducks have one of the best first lines in the league; Ryan Getzlaf may be the NHL’s premiere power forward, Corey Perry keeps getting better and Bobby Ryan is a 40-goal man in waiting. But the key to Anaheim’s revival is signing Saku Koivu and reacquiring Joffrey Lupul. They give Anaheim a stellar secondary scoring line that also boasts Teemu Selanne, who is fading but can still score. That takes pressure off Anaheim’s outstanding first line.

Anaheim Ducks odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
If the Ducks have a weakness, it’s the blueline. Scott Niedermayer is still so good that he could probably help a team at age 50, but he’ll have to hope Anaheim’s young defenders are quick studies. Ryan Whitney has the tools to be a top-two defenseman but he’s injury prone. Luca Sbisa has major offensive potential but it’s hard to say if he’s ready for regular NHL duty yet. After that, the Ducks are pretty thin. They’ll cross their fingers, as will online betting players, and hope no one gets hurt.

Anaheim Ducks odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
Anaheim’s goalie situation is a bit murky but it’s safe to say that whoever has the starting reins is very capable, as both Jonas Hiller and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are great goalies when they’re on. Right now, Hiller seems to have the upper hand after stealing the job late last season and being the go-to guy in the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if Giguere gets traded.

Anaheim Ducks odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
The Anaheim power play is downright elite, having ranked fourth in the NHL last season. Getzlaf and Perry are great puck movers, as is Scott Niedermayer, and they love to set up natural trigger men like Ryan and Selanne. The Ducks are frightening with the man advantage. The penalty kill, however, is weak and may get worse. With Chris Pronger and defensive forward Rob Niedermayer gone, as well as Samuel Pahlsson, the Ducks lack penalty-kill specialists. In summary, penalties for either team in Ducks games result in goals.

Anaheim Ducks odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
The Ducks were supposed to be rebuilding but have accelerated the process so quickly that they’re almost ready to contend again. They’re undoubtedly a playoff team, maybe good enough to win a round as they did last year, but the West still has a handful of teams better than Anaheim right now.

For full-season Anaheim Ducks odds, visit the BetOnline.com sportsbook. For more sports betting tips from Don Melrose and all our experts, keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.

Don Melrose is BetOnline.com's hockey expert.