San Jose and Anaheim meet up for the fourth time this season in a battle over Western Conference playoff position. The Ducks are currently 2-0-1 this season against the Sharks. The team had a strong start to the season, but has struggled recently. They are coming off of back-to-back losses on home ice against the Detroit Red Wings. Meeting up against the Sharks who are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games could help the Ducks get back on track.
San Jose ends a five-game road trip on Monday. They went 1-3-0 during the first four games, coming off a 2-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The Sharks took 33 shots in that game and were unable to get any into the back of the net. The Ducks are 7-2-0 in their last nine matchups at home against San Jose. The Sharks two leading scorers, Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture, have struggled in Anaheim, each only recording one goal in the arena in their careers. San Jose is currently sitting outside the playoff picture and looking in. They are at risk of not making into the post season if they cannot regain footing back in the Pacific Division.
The Ducks sit comfortably on top of the Pacific Division with the post season in their grasps. Plenty of Ducks' players are finding their late season groove. Captain Ryan Getzlaf has two goals and three assists in the past four games while Corey Perry is 2-2-4 in the past five games. The small hinge in their game is the ability to capitalize on the power play. They are currently 1 for 16 on the power play in the last seven games, the lone goal coming from Getzlaf. Perry missed last Monday's matchup of the two teams due to suspension but will be back for this game.
San Jose will be without goalie Thomas Greiss who is out with a neck injury. The Ducks will be without Nick Bonino who is day-to-day with a lower body injury.
