The Anaheim Ducks have not won a game in nearly two weeks, and after four straight losses they still sit atop the Pacific Division with 32 points. Anaheim, in fact, has the most points in the entire NHL and is still a perfect 8-0 at home. The team, however, will be looking to end their slump when they return to the Honda Center for a two-game homestand starting on Wednesday night against the surging New Jersey Devils. The Ducks have only managed to score two goals in regulation once during their last four losses and have given up a total of 14 goals in that span.

The New Jersey Devils are still closer to the bottom of the Metropolitan Division than they are to the top, but the team has played their best hockey of the season over the last six games. The Devils have won three of their last four games, and they are coming off of a blowout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. New Jersey’s improved play over the last six games has started with their solid defense and excellent goaltending by Martin Brodeur. Let’s take an in-depth look at the Devils versus Ducks matchup and figure out which side of the game has the most value to wager on.

Devils at Ducks Betting Story Lines

The Ducks ended a disastrous six-day road trip with a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night. Anaheim entered the third period of that matchup in a 0-0 tie and looking to steal a victory over a very good team, but instead managed to let the Penguins score three goals in 20 minutes time. Anaheim did show signs of their former selves during the first period of action, where they dominated Pittsburgh on the ice and did not allow the team to take their first shot until 18 minutes into the game. The Ducks could not keep up their defensive intensity, however, as fatigue set in, and the team eventually gave up their fourth loss in a row.

Anaheim is hoping that returning to the Honda Center will be enough to help them turn things around and continue dominating the Pacific Division. The Ducks have outscored their opponents 36-12 when playing at home and have been deadly efficient inside the Honda Center. Anaheim’s slump was probably caused by their brutal road schedule over the last month where the team played 12 of 15 games on the road and had an eight- and four-game road trip in that span.

The Devils have won four of their last six games and are playing their best stretch of hockey all season. They are even coming off of an impressive three-goal victory over the Penguins. Goaltender Martin Brodeur has saved 97 of his 100 shots and has been as stingy at the net as any other goaltender in the league. New Jersey allows only 2.3 goals per game, which is ranked seventh in the NHL. The team, however, does not play well on the road and currently has a 3-6-3 record.

The Devils currently have an 11-9 puckline record but have lost gamblers $75 this season. The team has performed even worse on the moneyline and has lost bettors $540 on the season. However, over the last six games, the Devils have a 5-1 puckline record and have won bettors $300 to $400 (depending on the exact odds).

Devils at Ducks NHL Betting Odds and Key Trends

Anaheim opened as a -200 moneyline favorite over the +181 underdog Devils, according to BetOnline. The total opened at 5.5 goals, with the “under” being favored at -139. New Jersey has a 5-2 record over their last seven Wednesday games, but they have had trouble winning consecutive games as they have a 2-6 record over their past eight matchups following a win. The team is 5-23 on the road over their last 28 games and 1-8 against the Western Conference this season.

Anaheim has played well against below-.400 teams and is coming into this game with a 22-8 record over their last 30 games against those teams. The Ducks are 11-4 during their last 15 Wednesday games, and they are 5-2 when playing on one day of rest this season. However, Anaheim has not won a game against the Eastern Conference in their last four matchups, and they are carrying a 0-4 record over their last four overall games. Head-to-head, the “over” is 4-1 during the last five games in Anaheim, but the “under” is 4-1 during their last five overall games between the two teams. The Devils have won one game in seven tries when playing in Anaheim.

Free NHL Picks: Devils at Ducks Predictions

The Ducks have been struggling, but a trip back home should be enough to turn the team around. Anaheim plays excellent inside the Honda Center, and even though they are still sitting comfortably in the standings, they will be feeling the pressure to end their four-game losing streak. The Devils have been playing well, but Anaheim is simply the better-and-more-talented team. Expect New Jersey’s defense and goaltending to still be excellent in the matchup, but Anaheim should be able be dominant enough to win a close game at home. Take the Ducks on the moneyline.

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Read more articles by George Monroy