Anaheim Ducks (3-2-1 Preseason) vs. San Jose Sharks (0-0-1)
As we start the regular season of the NHL, the Anaheim Ducks are traveling to SAP Center to take on the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks, coming off a preseason that could be classified as successful enough, are currently at 3-2-1. However, the players are very much searching for their form. On the other hand, with a sad 0-0-1, the Sharks are in search of their first win. Fans can watch the face-off live on the ESPN+ service and bet according to the most recent hockey free picks available online.
The Ducks’ offense flaunts its talents led by right wing Frank Vatrano, the best goal scorer from last season with 37 goals. The combination of Vatrano and Troy Terry and Mason McTavish is likely to cause problems in the Sharks’ defense. Vatrano is a hardcore goal scorer, especially with the man advantage while Terry loves to finish and balances the attack. It is important to emphasize that the Ducks will have an opportunity to exploit the fact that the Sharks have been struggling in their own building, being 1-9 SU in their last 10 games at home.
On the contrary, the San Jose Sharks manage a few flashes of offense in spite of the ongoing painful struggles. Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli, each on the scoresheet in the opener, will have to dish out some of their mean shooting against the Ducks, who have hardly defended away from home. The Sharks’ offensive set, however, will have to contend with John Gibson between the pipes, who did not have the best save percentages last season but has done well versus the Sharks in his career.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Game Info
| When: | Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender John Gibson vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
Ducks goaltender John Gibson, however, will be a key player in this matchup, even after establishing last season’s disappointing statistics of just a .888 save percentage. His experience and calm head when coping with pressure will undoubtedly come in handy when facing the Sharks’ attack. How well Gibson performs will greatly influence the stability of the Ducks’ defense and their response to San Jose’s attack.
At the same time, Mackenzie Blackwood, a Sharks’ goalie, who had to struggle with a save percentage of 0.875 in his season opener, will have to work on his skillets to protect his net from the opponents in Anaheim. The fact that Blackwood can build from such an inauspicious first showing and help the Sharks overcome his foes in the necessary saves could turn the balance in favor of San Jose particularly considering that games at the SAP Center between these two teams have historically been high scoring.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Anaheim Ducks -115, Total Odds: 6
The betting odds lean slightly in favor of the Ducks with a moneyline of -115 and an intriguing total of 6, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair. Given the trends, bettors might find value in the over, especially considering both teams’ recent performances where goals haven’t been scarce in their matchups.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
The Ducks have shown they can score against the Sharks, especially in San Jose. However, their road game struggles and overall recent SU record could worry some bettors. The trend towards UNDER in their last 6 games might shift given their historical OVER when playing in San Jose.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks face significant challenges, not just against the Ducks but overall. Their alarming 3-17 SU record against Western Conference opponents paints a picture of a team struggling to find its defensive footing. Bettors will need to consider if San Jose’s high scoring games against Anaheim are a reliable trend to follow this season.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 10/12/24 Betting Picks
This is a rather complicated situation for bettors. Historically, the Ducks have been strong, especially in San Jose, but both teams have displayed inconsistency that could go either way. The over on total points looks like a reasonable choice based on the two teams’ recent scoring activity, but Anaheim may have the win because of how they’ve performed against San Jose.
Compared to the other, one can say that the pick wavers slightly in inclination entertained by the odds, and the Ducks’ scoring prospects seem good enough. It will be wise for bettors to consider also the puck lines depending on the estimated goals and past results. Regarding prop bets, one could center them on grilling Vatrano or Terry on which one score next, providing even more entertainment value to the match. Such insights can be catered to through various betting options which the best online casino and sportsbooks will cover.
