The Anaheim Ducks host the Vegas Golden Knights in a late-night Pacific Division matchup on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
With the Knights atop the table, our expert betting analysis identifies a prime opportunity to back the Ducks’ electric rookie Cutter Gauthier against a struggling Vegas defense.
Match preview and expert betting analysis
This game’s narrative features contrasting strengths. The Vegas Golden Knights (Pacific Division leaders) come with one significant flaw: They rank a dismal 28th in the NHL in team save percentage. Goalkeeper Adin Hill has come under fire since his return, scoring 21 goals in just five starts. In the last 20 games, Vegas has conceded around 3.4 goals per game.
This presents a perfect storm for Anaheim Ducks rookie cutter Gauthier, who leads his team in goals and points. Our proprietary matchup data shows Gauthier has scored at least one point in 11 of his last 14 games against bottom 10 defensive teams. He blasted the same Golden Knights for two points and six shots in a meeting in November. With top center Leo Carlsson out, Gauthier’s role at the top becomes even more important.
The best NHL betting picks tonight
After reviewing the metrics, our top pick for tonight’s action is clear:
- Best bet: Cutter Gauthier over 0.5 points (-150)
This is a matchup-driven selection. Vegas’ goaltending is clearly in the doldrums and Gauthier is the dynamic offensive force that Anaheim will lean on. The combination of his proven performance against weak defenses and Vegas’ current form makes this the most valuable play on the board.
Improve your game night experience
Follow the action with world-class equipment and resources:
1.
Fanatics NHL jersey: Rep your favorite team in style with officially licensed gear.
2.
Bose QuietComfort headphones: Immerse yourself in the sound of the game with crystal clear, noise-cancelling audio.
3.
The Athletic subscription: Get in-depth analysis, insider reports and expert reporting from the best in sports journalism.
Golden Knights vs. Ducks: odds, trends and information
- Money line: VGK-125 | ANA +105
- Puck line: VGK -1.5 (+205) | ANA +1.5 (-250)
- Over/Under: O6.5 (-120) | U6.5 (+100)
- Main trend: Cutter Gauthier has scored points in 5 of his last 6 games.
- How to watch: Sunday, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Official statistics and injury source:
All team statistics, save percentages and official injury reports are sourced from the National Hockey League’s official database at NHL.com/stats. This ensures that betting analysis is based on verified league-reported data.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to products. Qualifying purchases through these links may earn us a commission, which helps support our team of analysts and the creation of this free betting content. This does not affect the price you pay or our editorial independence.
Also read: Pacers beat Hawks 129-124, overcoming Jalen Johnson’s triple-double
Read also: New triple-drug treatment eliminates pancreatic tumors in mice, study finds
