-
Jeremy Perry
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game 2 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
Kane and the Sharks will look to keep the pressure on the Ducks with a chance to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 on Saturday night.
Sharks vs Ducks Betting Analysis
San Jose continued its dominance of the Ducks after taking three of four from their Pacific division rival in the regular season. The Sharks have scored a combined 12 goals in their last three games versus Anaheim dating back to the regular season. San Jose went 20-14-7 on the road this season and will look to stay hot with a chance to put a stranglehold on the series before heading home. Meanwhile, the Ducks went 26-10-5 on home ice.
Anaheim is just 8-9 after scoring one goal or less in their previous game and 11-10 after a loss by two or more. As for the Sharks, they are 17-11 after winning their previous game by two or more.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks will look to build on their strong performance after taking Game 1 in Anaheim. San Jose outshot the Ducks 34-25 in the series opener with all three of its goals coming in the second period. Kane had two goals while Joe Pavelski registered two assists. Brent Burns added the insurance marker for the Sharks with just under five minutes to go in the middle frame. San Jose’s depth up front was on display in Game 1 and will remain a key moving forward in this series. More importantly, they showed momentum at the end of the season – with the Sharks struggling and the Ducks rolling – didn’t matter.
Meanwhile, Martin Jones turned aside all 25 shots he faced for the shutout in the opener including nine saves while the Sharks were shorthanded. Jones will have a tough time shutting down the Ducks for the second game in a row but they’ve already achieved their goal: stealing home-ice advantage. That means the Sharks will need an even stronger effort as the Ducks are going to throw their best punch here to avoid an 0-2 hole.
Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim will need to find its offense in order to avoid falling in to an 0-2 hole. Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell were held to a combined three shots on goal in Game 1 and couldn’t get anything going. That talented trio will need to get more pucks on net in Game 2 in order for the Ducks to bounce back. Anaheim will need to generate more pressure in the offensive. The Ducks had just three powerplays in Game 1 and couldn’t convert on any of them. If there is a silver lining to carry over it is that Anaheim was the more physical team in the opener, outhitting San Jose 41-22. The Ducks will need to maintain a physical edge with the hope that they can wear down the Sharks as the series rolls on.
Meanwhile, John Gibson allowed three goals on 34 shots he faced in Game 1. Gibson was excellent down the final stretch of the regular season but wasn’t his best in the opener. The same can be said for the rest of the team. Look for them to bring their best effort on Saturday night.
