Anaheim Ducks (20-35-3) vs. San Jose Sharks (15-36-5)
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 2/29/24 – As the NHL season advances, bettors and fans alike are excitedly anticipating Thursday’s Pacific Division match between Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks that promises an intriguing matchup despite both teams’ low standings. Furthermore, for those searching for NHL free picks daily this game offers a great opportunity to examine two underperforming squads looking to salvage pride and status in their league.
The Ducks have shown flashes of offensive potential throughout the season, led by right-winger Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano. Terry, with 17 goals and 28 assists for Anaheim; Vatrano leading with 26 goals as team-leading scorer demonstrates Anaheim has enough firepower to challenge San Jose’s defense; however, their offensive efforts must also contend with Mackenzie Blackwood providing respectable performances against San Jose’s shot barrage this season.
Conversely, an analysis of the Sharks’ offensive play reveals a team struggling to generate consistent scoring. Fabian Zetterlund leads them with 15 goals and Mikael Granlund has contributed 25 assists; though these figures do not match up with those of Anaheim’s top scorers, their potential victory may lie in exploiting Anaheim goaltender John Gibson’s ongoing difficulties during this matchup.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 2/29/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender John Gibson vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
Anaheim leans heavily on veteran netminder John Gibson, who has started in 38 of the team’s 58 games this season. Despite facing the third-most shots in the league (1083), Gibson has managed a mediocre .899 save percentage along with a 3.12 goals against average. He has been under siege often, resulting in just 12 wins for the struggling Ducks. Now Gibson prepares to face a San Jose offense that averages just 2.56 goals per game, the sixth-lowest in the NHL. While the Sharks lack firepower up front, Gibson must bring his A-game on the road. The game likely comes down to his performance in net.
For San Jose, the crease duties belong to Mackenzie Blackwood who was acquired to be the team’s starter. However, it’s been a disappointing year for the 25-year-old. In 34 starts, Blackwood has disappointed with a subpar .898 save percentage and 3.51 GAA. Like Gibson, Blackwood has faced a heavy barrage this season (1078 shots) yet hasn’t delivered nearly enough wins (9). Now he matches up against the Ducks’ dangerous scorers up front. If Blackwood can’t elevate his play on home ice, Anaheim’s offense should have no issues scoring goals and earning two points.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With betting odds yet to be determined, bettors should closely monitor updates as the game approaches. The Ducks and Sharks present a closely matched scenario, where goaltender performance and offensive efficiency will likely dictate the spread and total odds.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
The Ducks enter Thursday’s contest struggling for consistency, with only 1 win over their previous 5 games. This has directly translated to their troubles against the spread, going 2-3 ATS over the same sample. On the road however, Anaheim has shown more betting value, owning an impressive 17-12 ATS record away from home. When playing in San Jose recently, the Ducks have trended over the total, with 12 of their last 29 road games going over the posted number. Most telling, the over has hit in 3 of Anaheim’s past 5 matchups.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
Much like their opponents, the Sharks have struggled to string together success in recent outings, going 1-4 straight up in their last 5 contests. Their troubles are also evident against the spread, with San Jose going just 1-4 ATS over the same stretch. At home this season, the Sharks are an even 13-13 when playing as the host at the SAP Center. The over has been a popular play in San Jose’s games, hitting in 10 of their 27 home matchups. Most recently, 3 of the Sharks’ previous 5 contests have gone over the posted total.
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks 2/29/24 Betting Picks
Based on analysis and betting trends, this matchup should be closer than its standings imply. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities yet also surprising performances; and the goaltender duel between Gibson and Blackwood could potentially have an outsized influence over its outcome.
Due to both teams’ offensive woes and goaltenders’ equal save percentages, this game may feature lower scores than expected. Given this and given that the Ducks boast slightly superior road records against the spread, they could gain an edge in this contest.
However, betting on NHL games, especially between two underperforming teams, carries inherent risks. Those looking for paid picks and analysis might seek additional insights, but based on the available data, the Ducks might offer slight value given their offensive capabilities and the Sharks’ overall struggles.
Free Pick and Prediction: Anaheim Ducks 3, San Jose Sharks 2