This rivalry between the Ducks and Sharks may not be one of the most advertised, but it is one of the most heated in the NHL – and I’m not talking about the weather. Their meeting tonight will be their third of the year and the first in Anaheim. These games have typically been low-scoring and haven’t had a total go OVER since a 6-3 San Jose win back in January of 2015.
San Jose has been one of the most disciplined teams all season and is one of just three to have allowed fewer than 60 goals. Until the Ducks’ six-goal outburst in their last game against the Hurricanes, they had significant issues putting pucks in the net and they’ve scored just four in their two meetings with the Sharks this year.
Assuming the Oilers don’t win tonight, one of the Ducks or Sharks – who are tied at 31 points apiece – will move into first place in the Pacific with two points. Neither team has had a sniff of the top since the first few games of the season but it looks like the water is starting to find its level.
This is an excellent matchup on the NHL schedule tonight. If you have the means, I recommend you tune in.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Anaheim Ducks as -120 favorites earlier today. The over under opened at 5 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 2.7-2.5 win for the Sharks on Friday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
13-9-5 Anaheim battles the Sharks, currently with a 15-10-1 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 8-10-9 for the Ducks and 3-17-6 for the Sharks. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Anaheim vs San Jose injuries news.
This game puts the Anaheim Ducks, most recently No. 4 in the Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings, up against the San Jose Sharks, who rate a No. 2 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Anaheim's No. 13-ranked offense, averaging 2.7 goals per game, against a Sharks defense that ranks No. 1 at 2.12 goals allowed. The Ducks power play is averaging 21.11% while the Sharks defense kills off 83.33% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Sharks were a 4-2 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Senators. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Ottawa at +170 on the moneyline, while the total score (6) was good news for OVER bettors.
Anaheim won its last outing, a 6-5 result against the Hurricanes on December 07. Bettors who backed the Ducks at -158 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (11) sent OVER bettors to the payout window.
Next Betting Matchups
San Jose home to Carolina, Saturday, December 10th
Anaheim home to Ottawa, Sunday, December 11th