Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at Last Word on Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we will look at the Anaheim Ducks taking on the Philadelphia Flyers.
NHL Predictions Anaheim Ducks vs Philadelphia Flyers
2025-26 Season Series: First matchup this season (Flyers 2-0 in 2024-25)
How to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Victory+, KCOP-13, ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ducks’ Storylines
The Ducks got off to a hot start that still has them in a playoff spot as the calendar turns to 2026. But it’s been a struggle for them lately, with losses in six straight games and 10 of the last 12. The Ducks were 19-10-1 before that stretch and led the Pacific Division by two points. Now, they are 21-18-3 and just two points above the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for Cutter Gauthier, the 2022 fifth overall pick by the Flyers. His first visit to Philadelphia was certainly memorable a season ago, and this figures to be no different. The only difference is in Gauthier’s numbers. Gauthier is already one goal away from matching his total as a rookie, sitting at 19 goals this season. He’s at 39 points, just five away from his total of 44 from last season.
Leo Carlsson has also cooled down since his hot start to the season. He continues to lead the Ducks with 42 points this season but has just six points in the last 15 games. Rookie Beckett Sennecke continued his strong season with his 14th goal on Monday night in Washington. He’s at 32 points in 42 games this season.
🚨 Sennecke🚨
It’s a one-goal game!!#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/OrQ1JBrKlw
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) January 6, 2026
Flyers’ Storylines
One of the Flyers’ worst losses of the season on New Year’s Eve was followed up by arguably their best win on Saturday in Edmonton. Now they return home for the start of a four-game homestand, where the Flyers are 11-5-4 this season.
It will be a big night for Trevor Zegras, who faces his former team for the first time. Zegras remains in the team lead in points with 39 but has been held without a point in three of the last four games.
Monday was a big day for Christian Dvorak, who signed a five-year contract extension with the Flyers. The pair of Dvorak and Zegras have been together on a line essentially all season and look to continue that chemistry. The line of Denver Barkey, Sean Couturier, and Owen Tippett was at its best on Saturday. Now that Barkey has his first NHL goal under his belt, we’ll see how quickly more follow.
Denver Barkey is a Philadelphia Flyer. #PHIvsEDM | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/7MIGtZvsTu
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 3, 2026
Predictions and Best Bets
Score Prediction: Flyers 5, Ducks 2
The home crowd should be especially juiced for this game, welcoming back Gauthier in the typical Philly villain way. That energy was present from start to finish a year ago, when the Flyers rolled to a 6-0 win on home ice against the Ducks. This season, it won’t be that lopsided, but the Flyers are playing well, and the Ducks have hit a rough patch after a surprise start. Expect the Flyers to take this one.
For best bets on the Ducks, Gauthier was held off the board last season against his draft team. This season, he finally breaks through. He has just one goal in the last nine games, so he’s due.
For the Flyers, go with the former Duck in Zegras, who is on pace for a career year and should have a chip on his shoulder in this one. Zegras has gone six straight games without a goal.
Main photo by: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.