Ducks vs. Sharks Prediction
The San Jose Sharks have dominated their first round series with the Anaheim Ducks thus far. Now on its home ice, can San Jose continue its stellar play and take a commanding 3-0 series lead?
Game Snapshot
33 Anaheim Ducks at 34 San Jose Sharks
Monday, April 16, 2018
SAP Center at 10:30PM ET
TV: CNBC
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Sharks are listed as a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Ducks are a +125 underdog, while the over-under sits at 5 goals. As of Monday afternoon, 65 percent of public bets are on host San Jose. Check out our NHL Public Betting PageHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Thornton remains sidelined
Veteran San Jose center Joe Thornton has been sidelined a lengthy period of time with a knee injury and is nearing a return, but it won’t be tonight. While he probably could play if needed, it’s likely the Sharks don’t want to risk anything while holding a 2-0 series lead and now being on their home ice. It is very possible Thornton returns at some point this series, especially if it is extended to Game 6 or Game 7. The 38-year-old Thornton tallied 13 goals and 23 assists in 47 regular season games, but has not played since January because of his injury. This is his 12th season with San Jose after coming over in a trade from Boston.
Jones outplaying Gibson
San Jose goalie Martin Jones has been great in the first two games, He has saved 53 of 55 shots over the two games, recording the shutout in a 3-0 Game 1 win and allowing only a pair of goals in the 3-2 triumph Saturday night. Meanwhile, Ducks goaltender John Gibson hasn’t been bad but he’s been solvable for the Sharks thus far. Gibson has surrendered six goals on 69 shots in the two games. With another low-scoring game probably in order, Gibson has to be on top of his game in order for Anaheim to get back in the series. But if Jones continues to stand on his head, it still might not be enough.
NHL Betting Trends
Anaheim
The road team is 5-0 in the last five meetings. Anaheim is 4-1 in its last five games after scoring two or less goals in its previous game. The Ducks are 0-4 in the last four meetings.
San Jose
The over is 4-0 in the last four Sharks home games. The under is 6-0-1 in the last five meetings in San Jose. The over is 3-0-1 in the last four San Jose hames after allowing two or less goals the previous game.
Prediction:
Is this going to be one of those weird series’ where the road team keeps winning? I think that at least for tonight, that will be the case. Anaheim is in desperation mode and probably still the better team here even if it lost two straight at home. The road team has had success recently and long travel certainly isn’t an issue for either team. Sign me up for the Ducks to make this a competitive series again.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: ANAHEIM DUCKS +125