Freudy's NHL POD

When the Anaheim Ducks visit the Vancouver Canucks tonight, all signs point toward a potentially high-scoring game in Vancouver. With two teams struggling to find consistency defensively, questionable goaltending situations and a recent head-to-head meeting that produced 11 goals, the Over 6.5 total deserves serious consideration.

The biggest factor supporting this selection is the defensive vulnerability on both sides. The 12 guys on the backend for both these teams have been, for lack of better terms, aboslutely rat shit, and the tendies behind them haven't been any better.

Vancouver enters this matchup having surrendered 72 goals through 16 games, averaging 4.5 goals against per game.

Anaheim has allowed 53 goals through 14 games. The Ducks have demonstrated that they can score in bunches, but their defensive structure has also left plenty of opportunities for opposing teams.

The previous meeting between these teams delivered one of the most entertaining games of their respective seasons.

Vancouver completed an incredible comeback to defeat Anaheim 6-5 in overtime after trailing by three goals with less than eight minutes remaining. (Absolutely murdering the Frozen Five that night).

One of the most appealing aspects of this matchup is Anaheim's improved powerplay production.

The Ducks currently rank second in the NHL in power-play efficiency at an impressive 34%.

That becomes particularly interesting when facing a Vancouver penalty kill that has struggled significantly this season.

If Anaheim can draw penalties and create opportunities with the man advantage, the Ducks have the offensive personnel and special-teams production to punish Vancouver.

All of these leads me to the final thought of the POD today being Ducks / Canucks OVER 6.5 and possibly even laddering higher.