Game 57: Ducks Look For Redemption Against Sharks

Graphic: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(27-19-10) finish their short two-game homestand against the San Jose Sharks (29-18-8). The Ducks are 1-1-1 against the Sharks this season. The game starts at 5:00 PM PT and will be on Prime Ticket locally and AM 830.

Anaheim Outlook:

The Ducks beat the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night 3-2 and have another big Pacific Division battle tonight against the San Jose Sharks. These two teams faced off last month at Honda Center with the Sharks dropping the Ducks 6-2. The Ducks are currently battling it out for a playoff spot and the Sharks are ahead of them by two points. The Ducks did send Reto Berra and Nic Kerdiles back down to San Diego.

Patrick Eaves was spotted skating at practice yesterday. Here is an update: Practice Report: Eaves Skates

Keys To The Game

The Sharks played the Edmonton Oilers last night, so the Ducks need to take advantage by jumping on them early in this contest. The Ducks also need to focus on limiting their turnovers and not taking too many penalties. They did a decent job against Edmonton, let’s see if they can do it again tonight.

Anaheim’s Projected Lineup:

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

Defense
Cam Fowler  – Kevin Bieksa
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Korbinian Holzer – Brandon Montour

In Net
John Gibson, 19-14-5, GAA 2.62, SV% .922 (Unconfirmed)

San Jose’s Outlook:

The Sharks beat the Edmonton Oilers last night in a high scoring affair, 6-4. San Jose is currently in second place in the Pacific Division with 66 points. Logan Couture leads the team with 22 goals. Tomas Hertl has 15 goals.

Keys To The Game

Special teams play has been a significant strength for the Sharks. They are 4th int eh league on at the power play at 23.9% efficiency and tied for first on the penalty at 84.6%. They have also been scoring in bunches as they at least three goals in four of their last five contests.

San Jose’s  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
Martin Jones 15-14-5, GAA 2.64, SV% .912 (Unconfirmed)

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February 10th, 2018