Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Preview
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Just after the Anaheim Ducks swept the season series with Vancouver, they look to take on the San Jose Sharks and possibly capture the Pacific Division title. If the Ducks take any kind of win over San Jose, they will seal the division title.
The Ducks are three points above the San Jose club and will try to lock them out of the top spot of the Pacific.
In the last meeting between Anaheim and San Jose, the Sharks were able to stay on top and beat the Ducks.
Season Series: 1-2-1
Last Match-Up: 2-3 (Mar 20. 2014)
This is the last meeting between the two clubs, the series has not been kind to Anaheim as the Ducks have three losses. This game will prove if Anaheim has the grit to go far in the playoffs, as this will be the measuring stick for how the postseason games will go.
Keys to the Game:
1. Speed: Anaheim will need to out-skate San Jose through the center to take dominance of the game. The Ducks need to keep the Sharks running to make them tired.
2. Stay Physical: The Ducks need to stay tough, finish checks and keep the pressure on San Jose to run them ragged. They need to accomplish the physical play without spending time in the sin bin.
1. Grind: Recently the Ducks have been wearing down when the opposing team grinds them along the boards. If the Sharks use this strategy they should wear down Anaheim and the defense will drop the bucket.
2. Shoot: Putting a lot of pressure on the Ducks’ goaltender will make them weary and San Jose should sink a few pucks in.
Who To Watch:
1. Corey Perry has been the biggest goal scorer for the Ducks and is sure to net the puck in this match-up.
2. Daniel Winnik has five points (two goals and three assists) in his last five games. He just may be heating up to contribute even more.
1. Brent Burns has two goals and five assists in five of his last six games and has been there to pass the puck when necessary.
2. Joe Pavelski has five goals and four assists in five of last six games and continues to be one of biggest goal scorers for the Sharks.
Starting Goalies:
John Gibson: 1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV% (Unconfirmed)
Antti Niemi: 38-16-7, 2.37 GAA, .913 SV% (Unconfirmed)
Team Stats:
51-20-8, 106 points (Last 10: 6-3-1)
49-21-9, 61 points (Last 10: 4-4-2)
The Ducks have a chance to stop San Jose from ruling the series between their two clubs. They can also lock the Pacific Division up and roll into the playoffs with the title.
Anaheim is having trouble with consistency recently, especially in net. Jonas Hiller has been in a slump, letting in easy goals lately. The premiere of a younger net minder, John Gibson, may be what this club needs to take some wins in the postseason.
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