Anaheim Ducks (15-28-1) vs. San Jose Sharks (10-31-4)
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 1/20/24 – As the NHL regular season continues to unfold, the upcoming clash between the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, is drawing significant attention from pro hockey game picks enthusiasts. This game is not just a battle for pride but also a crucial moment for both teams to improve their standings. The game, scheduled at the SAP Center in San Jose, promises to be an intriguing match-up in the Western Conference landscape.
The Anaheim Ducks have demonstrated offensive prowess despite their less-than-ideal overall record thanks to players such as Frank Vatrano and Troy Terry. Vatrano’s 21 goals and 12 assists are evidence of his scoring prowess and leadership on the ice, while Terry has provided balance through 11 goals and 16 assists – vitally important against San Jose Sharks who have underperformed defensively all season long; significantly improving defensive strategies is imperative to contain Anaheim Ducks offensive threats.
San Jose Sharks are led by Tomas Hertl and William Eklund and possess their own arsenal of offensive weapons. Hertl has been consistent, scoring 13 goals with 17 assists over an inconsistent campaign for San Jose, but overall scoring has lagged. Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund have contributed but need to elevate their play against Anaheim’s resilient defensive capabilities; Anaheim’s not the strongest team but has shown resilience when needed and poses a considerable threat against San Jose.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 1/20/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender John Gibson vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
John Gibson has played a heavy workload this season, starting in goal for 28 of Anaheim’s 44 games. Despite facing over 800 shots and the third-most goals against in the league, he has posted a respectable .901 save percentage. Playing behind a porous Ducks defense that allows lots of shot attempts certainly hasn’t made Gibson’s job any easier. He is still capable of stealing games on any given night with his athletic 6-foot-3 frame and quick reflexes. If Gibson can channel one of his better performances on Saturday, it would give Anaheim a key edge over the offensively-challenged Sharks.
Across the ice, Mackenzie Blackwood has faced a similar barrage this year in the San Jose net while recording an underwhelming .894 save percentage over 29 starts. Like Gibson, Blackwood has little margin for error behind the Sharks’ loose defensive coverage that ranks fifth-worst in the NHL for allowing shots. Now in his second season with the Sharks after arriving via free agency, the lanky 6-foot-4 goalie will need to be sharp and make some difficult saves to keep his team in this Pacific Division rivalry matchup. San Jose’s hopes hinge on Blackwood playing up to his potential.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The current betting odds for this game remain undetermined, but given the teams’ respective records and recent performances, it’s likely that the Ducks might be slight favorites. However, bettors should consider both teams’ recent trends and individual player performances before placing their bets.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
The Ducks have been playing better recently with a 3-2 record over their last five contests. They are also 4-1 against the spread over that same sample. Anaheim has been solid against the spread away from home as well, posting a 12-9 road ATS record this season. However, the Ducks’ games have gone under just once in the last five. With nine overs in their previous 23 home games, Anaheim contests have tended to feature some goals when playing on the pond.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
Meanwhile, the Sharks have really struggled by going 1-4 straight up in their previous five games. They are also just 1-4 against the spread during that losing stretch. For the season, San Jose has been unreliable for bettors with a 9-16 mark ATS at home. The totals have gone over in four of the Sharks’ last five matchups, following a season-long trend that has seen seven overs in their 20 most recent home games.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 1/20/24 Betting Picks
In this matchup, the Ducks appear to have a slight edge, primarily due to their stronger offensive capabilities and slightly more reliable goaltending. However, the Sharks, playing at home, might harness the home advantage and put up a stronger fight than expected.
The better pick seems to be the Ducks, especially considering their recent form against the spread. Prop bets could focus on individual performances, especially from players like Vatrano and Hertl. The over/under might be tricky given both teams’ inconsistent scoring but considering the goaltenders’ stats, a higher-scoring game could be on the cards. In terms of top multi-handicapper picks, the focus should be on analyzing individual matchups and special teams’ performance.
Free Pick and Prediction: Anaheim Ducks 4, San Jose Sharks 2