Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks Series Preview

By Ciara Durant

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Anaheim Ducks goalie Ryan Miller (30) anticipates a shot with San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) looking on during the third period of the regular season game between the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks held November 4, 2017 at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. Final score: Sharks 2, Ducks- 1 after a shootout. (Photo by Allan Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Anaheim Ducks goalie Ryan Miller (30) anticipates a shot with San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) looking on during the third period of the regular season game between the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks held November 4, 2017 at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. Final score: Sharks 2, Ducks- 1 after a shootout. (Photo by Allan Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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While Duck’s Nation is busy spreading the “Paint It Orange” spirit across Anaheim, the Ducks are preparing for their sixth consecutive quarter-final appearance.

For the first time since 2009, the Anaheim Ducks are matched-up against San Jose for the quarter-finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last time these two teams met up, the Ducks won the series 4-2. However, nine years later, these are two drastically different teams.

This series is, no doubt, going to leave us on the edge of our seats. Both teams have such a similar playing style, I believe that it is going to be a very close series. If I had to make a prediction, I would have reason to believe that this series is going to be won in game seven. Entering into game one, both teams have advantages and disadvantages that could potentially make or break the first round for them.

San Jose Sharks Disadvantage

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Joe Thornton has been skating with the team during practice’s, however, the date of his return is currently unknown. There is a possibility that he will return during the first round.

However, the question remains, is playing Jumbo Joe after having a major knee surgery a smart move for the team? How is he going to perform after being out for so long? There are any lingering questions, it’s arguable that playing him isn’t worth the risk.

Anaheim Ducks Disadvantage

Cam Fowler is still out with a shoulder injury, and there had been no word yet on when he will return. This could pose an issue for the Anaheim Ducks, especially since Fowler was one of the teams best defenseman this season. A secondary effect of Fowler’s absence is the pairing of Brandon Montour and Francios Beauchemin in the top four. The Montour/Beauchemin pairing has not been gelling together quite as smoothly as when Montour played with Fowler.

San Jose Sharks Advantages

  • Evander Kane. Since his acquisition in February, he has gone on to score nine goals in San Jose’s last seventeen games.
  • Brent Burns. The hulking 6’5″ defenseman surpassed the 60 point mark for the fourth straight season with 27 on the power play. His 100 mph slap shot is a weapon from the point.
  • The Sharks also have a bit of a psychological edge as they won three of the four head to head meetings during the regular season.

Anaheim Ducks Advantages

  • John Gibson is back. This season he has been a brick wall. He has a .926 save% in 60 games this year. This puts him among the top ten goalies in the league.
  • Ryan Kesler. Although he isn’t 100% yet, he is getting back to the RK17 of old. His ability to shut down the opposition’s top offensive forward is a big plus for the Anaheim Ducks.
  • The Lindholm/Manson pairing has been a huge advantage to the team this year. The team’s blue line has suffered when they have been paired with other defenders. Together, the pair has been responsible for 48 assists this season and 20 goals.

Toss Up Randy Carlyle

Another thing to consider for the Ducks success or failure in this first round is their coach. Randy Carlyle earns my respect, seeing as how he has contributed to the Ducks making it to the playoffs for several years. The only reason I peg him as a disadvantage to the Ducks lies solely on what coaching decisions he makes.

There have been a few decisions he has made this season that have been great for the team. However, there are also some decisions he has made, some by no fault of his own, that have hurt the team. For example, with Fowler out and Bieksa back, he needs to be very wise with his D-pairings.

Next: Ducks Prospect Spotlight - Max Jones

I believe this is going to be a long first-round series. We’re going to be in for a long, yet exhilarating ride. Let’s hope a repeat of the 2009 series is obtainable for the Ducks this year. I believe the Ducks advantages in this series out way the advantages for the Sharks, but it’s up to the Ducks to prove just how much they want to move forward. Their dedication, determination, and teamwork are what will make them a power-house in round one.

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