Anaheim vs. San Jose: NHL Match Prediction

Current form

After a fairly confident start to the season, Anaheim once again began to lose points from game to game. The team ended the away series with a 1:3 defeat to the clear favorite Vegas. As expected, the Ducks once again had serious problems with offensive scoring, which has remained since last season. The team made only 23 shots on goal, which, of course, was not enough. Returning to the home arena, the team fought Utah and this time was able to take advantage of the opponent lapses in defense, snatching a victory in overtime (5:4). Defenseman Mintyukov showed an excellent game, scoring twice.

As expected, the Ducks were unable to consolidate their success, although it is worth noting that they gave a worthy rebuff to Colorado, losing in overtime (3:4). They managed to cling to one point only thanks to the efforts of goalie Dostal, who reflected 45 shots. Returning to their home walls, Anaheim met with Los Angeles and this time they were unable to impose a fight, losing with a score of 1:4.

Disqualifications and injuries

Anaheim still has Shusanek, Strome and Gibson in the infirmary, and Mintyukov is also likely to miss the upcoming game due to illness, as well as Lundstrom due to injury.

Interesting trends for betting

• Anaheim averages 2.4 goals per game

So far, Anaheim offensive line leaves much to be desired, and the team earns points mainly due to the efforts of its goalies.

• The Ducks are averaging just 24 shots per game.

The club low performance is primarily due to its inactive attacking play.

Current form

San Jose approached the new season in terrible shape and still remains without a single win. The team losing streak has reached six games, and only two of them had a real chance of success, but they had to lose in overtime to St. Louis (4:5) and in a shootout to Dallas (2:3). There were also some defeats, the Sharks were unable to give a worthy rebuff to Winnipeg, losing 3:8. Both goalies Venechek and Blackwood showed a terrible game, reflecting only 77% of the shots between them. After such a weak performance away from home, Varsofsky charges returned to their home arena, where they also failed to cope with Colorado (1:4).

The main reason for such disastrous performances of the club remains very low activity and efficiency, respectively. Since last season, the team has not been able to improve its attacking game, and on average the club scores only two goals per game, which is unacceptable for the NHL. At the moment, San Jose is on the penultimate line in the Western Conference table, ahead of only Nashville, which has zero points.

Disqualifications and injuries

Another reason for San Jose poor performance is the team roster problems. Forwards Bordello, Celebrini and Couture remain in the infirmary, and defender Vlasic will definitely not take part in the upcoming match.

Interesting trends for betting

• The Sharks are averaging two goals per game.

Last season, San Jose was one of the worst performing teams in the league and has yet to correct that problem.

• The Sharks average 11 penalty minutes per game.

The team also plays undisciplined, which adds to the problems.