San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks 1/31/24 NHL Game Previews, Picks and Predictions
San Jose Sharks (13-32-4) vs. Anaheim Ducks (17-30-2)
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks 1/31/24 – As the NHL regular season heats up, the matchup between the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, promises to be a riveting clash. The Sharks, struggling with a 13-32-4 standing, face the Ducks, who have fared slightly better at 17-30-2. This game, set at the Honda Center and broadcast on ESPN+, is not just a battle for victory but a crucial pivot for both teams seeking redemption. Fans and bettors alike, looking for premium expert selections, will find this game an intriguing evaluation of skill, strategy, and resilience.
The Sharks have had a disjointed offensive performance this season. Center Tomas Hertl’s performance, with 15 goals and 19 assists from 48 games, stands out despite overall team difficulties; his -26 plus/minus rating illustrates this point. Left wings William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund have contributed significantly, both amassing 21 points each from 48-49 games played; however their effectiveness may be threatened by Anaheim Ducks’ relatively stronger defensive capabilities at home games.
Conversely, Anaheim Ducks boast a more robust offensive setup. Right winger Troy Terry leads his team with 35 points across 14 goals and 21 assists from 46 games; his plus/minus rating of 4 indicates an even more balanced offensive and defensive contribution compared with any of Sharks top scorers. Frank Vatrano shares the same total 35 points, boasting 21 goals more. Center Adam Henrique adds depth with 32 points; these figures will present significant challenges to Sharks defense that has struggled this year.
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks 1/31/24 Game Info
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Goaltender John Gibson
Mackenzie Blackwood has endured his fair share of struggles in the crease for the Sharks this season. In 31 games played, Blackwood has managed just 7 wins compared to 17 losses and 3 overtime losses. His peripherals are equally discouraging – Blackwood sports a bloated 3.63 goals against average along with a subpar .896 save percentage. He’s faced a heavy workload too, as evidenced by his 1,701:43 time on ice. All told, Blackwood has allowed 103 goals on 986 shots faced. His shootout numbers are also lackluster at just 12 saves on 17 shootout shots for a .706 shootout save rate.
Opposing Blackwood in net will be John Gibson, Anaheim’s franchise goaltender. Now in his 10th NHL season, all with Anaheim, Gibson continues to serve as a stabilizing force for the Ducks. Across 31 starts this year, Gibson has gone 9-19-1 but his peripheral stats indicate he’s performed admirably despite the team’s struggles. The 29-year old boasts a .900 save percentage and slightly higher 3.09 GAA through 1,729:35 minutes of ice time. Gibson has also stopped 92.8% of shootout attempts sent his way.
NHL Odds/Point Spread:TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but they will likely reflect the Ducks as slight favorites given their better record and home advantage. The total odds will also be an interesting aspect to watch, especially considering the offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks have been in a serious slump lately, going just 1-4 straight up and 1-4 against the spread over their previous five contests. This continued a season-long trend of futility for San Jose, as they rank 30th overall with a 13-32-4 record and 26 points. Digging deeper, we see the Sharks have been a bit more competitive on the road where they are 10-16 against the spread away from home. This includes covering in four of their last 10 road matchups. The totals have also been kind to San Jose bettors, going over in four of five along with nine of their last 23 road games.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
The Ducks have scuffled recently with a 2-3 straight up and 3-2 against the spread record over their past five contests. Anaheim has been a mixed bag against the number at home as well, covering the line in only 12 of their 25 games at Honda Center. However, totals bettors have seen success frequently backing the over for Ducks home games. Specifically, 10 of their previous 25 home contests have exceeded the posted total.
San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks 1/31/24 Betting Picks
Considering the performance trends and team strengths, this matchup leans slightly in favor of the Ducks. The Sharks’ struggles, especially in defense and goaltending, might be the critical factor that tilts the game towards Anaheim. However, the Sharks’ occasional offensive outbursts cannot be entirely discounted.
In terms of betting picks, the Ducks seem to be the safer bet, especially with their home advantage and slightly more consistent performance. The over/under bet will be intriguing, given the high-scoring nature of the Sharks’ recent games. For those looking for hockey game reviews and picks, this game presents a unique opportunity to analyze two teams with evident flaws but also the potential for unexpected turns.
