Anaheim Ducks (20-35-3) vs. San Jose Sharks (15-36-5)
The Anaheim Ducks take on the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night in a battle between Pacific Division bottom feeders. According to our hockey expert picks, this figures to be a closely contested matchup between two teams looking to find some positive momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The Ducks enter having lost four of their last five games and post an ugly record of 3-12-0 over their last 15 contests. However, Anaheim has shown an ability to keep games close this season, with 17 of their 20 wins coming by just a single goal. The Ducks offense runs through a trio of players in Troy Terry, Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish. Terry leads the team with 45 points, while Vatrano’s 26 goals pace the squad. Anaheim will need this group to convert on their chances against a porous San Jose defense allowing 3.73 goals per game.
The Sharks have dropped four straight games and post an equally dreadful record of 3-11-1 over the past 15 matchups. With the trade deadline now passed, San Jose is looking towards next season and auditioning young players like Fabian Zetterlund and William Eklund. Zetterlund’s 15 goals lead the team, while veteran Mikael Granlund adds a team-high 32 points. The Sharks own the 29th ranked penalty kill unit and allow opponents to convert at a 25.7% clip. Facing an Anaheim power play clicking at nearly 20%, expect San Jose to be vulnerable with the man advantage.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Game Info
| When: | Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender John Gibson vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
John Gibson will make his 39th start of the year for the Ducks, bringing a lackluster 3.12 GAA and .899 save percentage. The 30-year old has been peppered with shots all season long playing behind a porous Anaheim defense, facing an average of 33 shots per contest. However, Gibson has held his own recently, allowing two goals or fewer in three of his last five starts. He will need to stay sharp against a San Jose offense generating 2.95 goals per game.
Mackenzie Blackwood has assumed the starter’s role for San Jose in his first year with the club. His 3.51 GAA and .898 save percentage are equally uninspiring numbers playing behind a weak Sharks blueline. Blackwood has surrendered three or more goals in eight of his last 10 starts, getting shelled for five or more tallies three times over that stretch. The 26-year old figures to be busy again facing an Anaheim offense averaging 2.89 goals per game.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup remain TBD, reflecting the unpredictable nature of this contest. Bettors will need to keep a close eye on updates as the game approaches, with both teams showing potential for an upset.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
The Ducks have really struggled down the stretch, winning just three of their last 15 contests. However, Anaheim has been competitive in most games, with 10 of those 15 matchups being decided by a single goal. The Ducks also boast an impressive 16-11 record on the road this season. Anaheim has been a profitable bet on the puckline away from home, covering in 17 of their 29 contests. The Ducks offense has skewed under recently, going below total in three of their last five.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
It’s been a dreadful stretch for the Sharks, prevailing only three times over their previous 15 games. San Jose has posted a 1-4 record over their last five home contests, while going just 3-12 at the SAP Center on the year. The Sharks have been better on the puck line of late, covering in three of their last four matchups. The San Jose defense has sprung major leaks down the stretch, allowing five or more goals three times over the past 10 games.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 2/29/24 Betting Picks
Considering the offensive capabilities of both teams and the challenges faced by their goaltenders, this game is poised to be closer than the standings might suggest. The key will lie in which team can capitalize on their power play opportunities and manage to keep their defensive lines tight.
Given the recent trends and performances, the Ducks may have a slight edge, particularly if their leading scorers can exploit the Sharks’ defensive weaknesses. However, the Sharks’ home advantage and potential for offensive breakthroughs should not be underestimated. Utilizing the best bookie software will ensure you have access to the most current odds and betting options for this NHL matchup
