The Anaheim Ducks look to avoid being swept at the SAP Center in Game 4 of the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. GOLF, RSN1, TVA2 and NSCA will broadcast the game, which gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 18.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Odds
Anaheim (+160) is entering this one as the underdog to San Jose (-180), and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 5 goals (-135 over, +115 under).
San Jose is 48-37 straight up (SU) and has earned 3.2 units for moneyline bettors this season. That winning percentage, ranked second in the Pacific Division so far this season, is right in line with what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (46-36). Of its 85 regular season matches, 44 have gone under the total, while 38 have gone over and just three have pushed. The team’s 26-16 SU at home this year.
After sporting the 15th-ranked power-play unit in the regular season (converting 21.6 percent of all chances), the Sharks have been able to score on 35.3 percent of their power plays in the early stages of these playoffs.
The Sharks’ offense attempted 33.0 shots per game in the regular season, leading to 3.1 goals per outing (ranked 12th overall in the NHL). In the playoffs, the club is attempting an average of 35.0 shots on goal and up to 4.7 goals per game.
Sporting a .918 save percentage and 26.2 saves per game, Martin Jones (34 wins, 29 losses, and seven OT losses) has been the best goalkeeper for the Sharks this season. If the Sharks, however, decide to give him the night off, San Jose could turn to Aaron Dell (15-14-14 record, .914 save percentage, 2.64 goals against average).
The Sharks will continue looking for leadership out of Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. Pavelski (71 points) has tallied 23 goals and 48 assists and has recorded two or more points 14 times this year. Burns has 13 goals and 55 assists to his credit and has recorded at least one point in 48 games.
On the other bench, Anaheim is 44-41 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 85 regular season outings, 50 of its games have gone under the total, while 33 have gone over and just two have pushed. As the away team, the Ducks are 18-24 SU.
The Ducks have converted on just 17.6 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s ranked 23rd in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked fifth overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.1 percent of all opponent power plays.
Anaheim’s players have been whistled for penalties 4.3 times per game in total this season, and 5.6 per game over their past five outings. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays 11.4 minutes per contest over their last five road games.
John Gibson (2.51 goals against average and .924 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Anaheim. Gibson is averaging 28.8 saves per game and has 33 wins, 30 losses, and eight overtime losses to his credit.
Leading the offensive counter for the visiting Ducks will be Rickard Rakell (35 goals, 35 assists) and Ryan Getzlaf (11 goals, 52 assists).
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Sharks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The total has gone over in three of San Jose’s last five outings.
- Anaheim skaters have dished out the league’s seventh-most hits per game (24.2).
