(Christine Cotter / Associated Press)
The Anaheim Ducks(7-1-0) face the struggling San Jose Sharks (4-4-1) at the Honda Center at 5:00 pm.
The Ducks are coming off their seventh win in row against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Ducks had four different players score (Corey Perry, Sami Vatanen, Devante Smith-Pelly, and Ryan Getzlaf) as the Ducks went on to win 4-1. The Ducks look to remain the best team in the NHL in their finale of the opening home stand against the Sharks.
Keys to the game:
Ducks:
1. Balanced Attack: The Ducks have been getting scoring from many different players. Perry has been on fire, but if the Ducks continue to get scoring from other lines as well they should put themselves in a good position to win every night.
2. 60 Minutes: The key to the Ducks success this season has been playing a complete 60 minute game. If the Ducks can continue to play well in all three periods, then I like their chances in this game and any game going forward.
Sharks:
1. Score First: The Sharks are in the midst of a four game losing streak. It would be beneficial for them to score first and try to build some confidence early in this game.
2. Limit Chances: The Sharks have given up 16 goals in their last four losses. The Sharks need to create turn overs and block shots to limit the Ducks scoring changes.
Players to Watch:
Ducks:
1. Corey Perry: He had a goal in the last game and has had 9 goals in eight games this season. He leads the NHL in goals scored with two hat tricks already on the young hockey season.
2. Ryan Getzlaf: He had a goal and an assist in the win against he Blue Jackets. He is currently tied for the league lead in assists. The top line of Getzlaf, Perry, and DSP was on fire last game scoring three goals in the last game.
Sharks
1. Patrick Marleau: He leads the Sharks in total points with four goals and six assists. He is a well rounded player with a good shot, fast skating ability, and quality defensive game.
2. Logan Couture: He has three goals in the last three games and is tied for the team lead in goals. He has good play making ability and sound positional awareness on the ice.
Ducks Projected Starting Line-up:
Offense
Devante Smith-Pelly – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Matt Beleskey – William Karlsson – Rickard Rakell
Emerson Etem – Nate Thompson – Tim Jackman
Defense
Cam Fowler – Ben Lovejoy
Francois Beauchemin – Hampus Lindholm
Sharks Projected Starting Line-up
Offense
Tomas Hertl – Joe Thornton – Joe Pavelski
Patrick Marleau – Logan Couture – James Sheppard
Matthew Nieto – Chris Tierney – Tommy Wingels
Andrew Desjardins – Adam Burish – John Scott
Defense
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Justin Braun
Starting Goalies:
Ducks: Frederik Andersen (6-0-0) GAA 1.32 SV .951% (Likely)
Shark: Antti Niemi (3-2-0) GAA 3.16 SV .903% (Likely)
The game is today at 5:00 pm PST on Prime Sports.
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