Game 48: Ducks Look To Sink Sharks

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(22-16-9) continue their homestand against the San Jose Sharks(25-14-6). Ducks are 1-0-1 against the Sharks this season, winning and losing in two shootouts. The game starts at 6:00 PM PT and will be on Prime Ticket locally and AM 830.

Anaheim Outlook:

This is another big Pacific Division contest for the Ducks. Anaheim is currently three points behind second-place San Jose and two points behind third-place Calgary. The problem Anaheim is facing is they have also played more games than those division rivals. The previous two contests against the Sharks went to a shootout, the Ducks need a regulation win tonight.

Keys To The Game

The Ducks are still struggling on the power play at 16.7% efficiency, which is 23rd in the league. Anaheim needs to avoid the penalty box tonight because San Jose has the 5th best power play at 22.1%. Special teams play will be key for Anaheim tonight. The Ducks also need to limit their turnovers, which could have been costly in their last game against the Kings.

Anaheim’s Projected Lineup:

Offense
Rickard Rakell – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Adam Henrique – Ondrej Kase
Chris Wagner – Antoine Vermette – J.T. Brown

Defense
Cam Fowler  – Kevin Bieksa
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Francois Beauchemin – Brandon Montour

In Net
John Gibson, 16-13-5, GAA 2.59, SV% .923 (Confirmed)

San Jose Outlook:

The Sharks find themselves in second place with Calgary, Anaheim, and Los Angeles are right on their tail. Martin Jones is day-to-day with a minor injury, so it appears Aaron Dell will be in net tonight. San Jose beat Pittsburgh last night 2-1.

Keys To The Game

San Jose has the 5th best power play and 3rd best penalty kill. They are going to look to work the forecheck early and try to get Anaheim in penalty trouble. The Sharks played last night and don’t want to get behind early.

San Jose Projected Lineup:

Offense
Timo Meier – Joe Thornton – Joe Pavelski
Tomas Hertl – Logan Couture – Kevin Labanc
Mikkel Boedker – Chris Tierney – Joonas Donskoi
Barclay Goodrow – Joel Ward – Melker Karlsson

Defense
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Justin Braun
Joakim Ryan – Brent Burns
Brenden Dillon – Dylan Demelo

In Net
Aaron Dell, 11-3-2, GAA 2.18, SV% .928 (Probable)

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January 21th, 2018