The Anaheim Ducks (7-17-3) and their suffocating penalty killing defense welcome the San Jose Sharks (8-16-5), one of the NHL’s weakest power play offenses, at Honda Center on Friday. San Jose is coming off a high-scoring 6-5 overtime loss against the Canucks on Wednesday, their fourth defeat in a row.
The Sharks committed four penalties in the game, conceding two power play goals. Five players found the net for the Sharks. Logan Couture scored and provided an assist to share the scoring lead with Tomas Hertl, who had two assists.
Kaapo Kahkonen only had 15 saves on 19 shots against (.789%) after starting in the loss. Anaheim beat the Hurricanes 4-3 (OT) on Tuesday. Four players found the net for the Ducks. John Gibson saved 34 of 37 shots.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Ducks have won both games between the teams this season, including a 5-4 (SO) victory in their most recent meeting in November, their third straight win against San Jose. Mason McTavish (1G 1A), Brett Leason (1G 1A), and Trevor Zegras (0G 2A) each had two points to lead Anaheim. Hertl and Timo Meier each had three points (1G 2A) to lead San Jose. Anthony Stolarz got the win, saving 48 of 52 shots (.923%).
FACING OFF
San Jose is averaging 2.97 goals per game for the season, 23rd in the NHL, and they are taking on a Ducks team that is allowing 4.15 goals a game (31st). Meanwhile, Anaheim has found the net 2.48 times a game on average, 30th in the league, and the Sharks are allowing opponents to score 3.66 goals per game (27th).
Look for multiple power play opportunities for the Sharks, as the Ducks have been penalized 4.81 times a game, fourth-most in the NHL, for an average of 12.41 minutes (third-highest). The visitors are averaging 3.38 penalties (3rd-fewest in the league) and 8.03 penalty minutes a game (7th-fewest).
The Ducks’ 31st-ranked power play offense (15.58%) will be put to the test against the Sharks, who are the league’s second-best penalty killing team (84.34%). San Jose, meanwhile, has scored on 21.62% of their power play opportunities (19th), which the visitors will be seeking to add to against Anaheim’s 31st-ranked 66.32% penalty killing rate.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 35 points this season, ninth-most in the NHL, Erik Karlsson is the top skater for the Sharks. He is among the league leaders with 24 assists (8th) and has added 11 goals of his own. In the net, James Reimer (5-8-2) is San Jose’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.00 GAA and a .903% save percentage.
Troy Terry leads the Ducks in scoring with 27 points. He has 11 goals and 16 assists in 27 games. Gibson (5-12-3) has the best goals against average for Anaheim at 3.92. He has a save percentage of .897%.
HOME AND AWAY
San Jose is looking to reverse a three-game road losing streak this season. Anaheim is 5-6-0 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Anaheim Ducks (+100)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
