Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in key head-to-head matchups. Today, we preview the San Jose Sharks versus the Anaheim Ducks. Check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks
Head to Head: Sharks 0 – 2 Ducks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBCSCA+; Victory+; KCOP-13; ESPN+
The Anaheim Ducks (32-33-8) host their NorCal rival San Jose Sharks (20-44-9) at the Honda Center on April 1st. But don’t be fooled, the Sharks aren’t to be taken lightly. This marks the third and final meeting between these Pacific Division rivals this season, with Anaheim having claimed both previous matchups. The results were 2–0 on October 12th and 3–1 on October 22nd. The Ducks look to complete the season sweep, while the Sharks aim to salvage some pride and halt their current losing streak.
San Jose Sharks Searching for Answers
As we bring you this edition of NHL Predictions, it’s been a brutal campaign in the Bay Area. The Sharks come into this one losers of two straight, including an 8–1 thrashing at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings. The team has struggled mightily at both ends of the ice, sitting near the bottom of the league in goals scored and goals allowed. San Jose is averaging just 2.58 goals per game, while surrendering a league-worst 3.75. Their power play has been ineffective, and their penalty kill has failed to bail them out. The Sharks’ younger players have gained valuable experience this year, but few bright spots have emerged to energise the fanbase. One bright spot has been Macklin Celebrini. The rookie has 21 goals and 53 points in 61 games this season.
Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev is projected to start. He’s endured a rough year statistically, posting a 15-24-1 record, a 3.66 goals against average, and an .874 save percentage. He’ll need to be at the top of his game to give San Jose any shot at upsetting Anaheim.
Anaheim Ducks Striving for Consistency Down the Stretch
The Ducks have hovered around the .500 mark all season, showing flashes of growth, but struggling to string together consistent performances. In their most recent outing, they dropped a narrow 3–2 decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This game included battling back from a two-goal deficit, but ultimately falling short.
Leo Carlsson remains a bright spot, scoring again against Toronto and continuing to solidify his place as a centrepiece of Anaheim’s rebuild. His chemistry with Mason McTavish and Trevor Zegras has been a promising development. Defensively, the Ducks have cleaned up their game since midseason, allowing fewer high-danger chances against.
Lukas Dostal started the Ducks’ last game against Toronto, so John Gibson is expected to start between the pipes. He enters the matchup with an 11-10-2 record, a 2.72 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage. Gibson has had strong outings in his previous two and will look to continue that momentum.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim enters this game with confidence after handling the Sharks twice already this season. Expect them to control the pace early and take advantage of San Jose’s defensive lapses. Zegras opens the scoring on a set-up from Carlsson, and Gibson does enough to weather a late Sharks push. Anaheim rounds out the season sweep with a comfortable win.
Prediction: Ducks win 4 – 1
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our NHL Predictions for the San Jose Sharks versus Anaheim Ducks with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Look at Trevor Zegras anytime goal at +240, given his recent form. Also, consider Ducks puckline at (+132), expecting the better team to win easily. Season record: (16-30)
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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