Ducks vs. Sharks: An entertaining, expanding Pacific Division rivalry
The first meeting this season between the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 26 was a bloody battle that resulted in sints on injured reserved. The second time the teams met, on Nov. 29, the Ducks mounted a monumental comeback in the Sharks' building.
To say the least, the games between the Pacific Division's best two teams have been entertaining. But more so for the Sharks, who have yet to lose in the season series.
But the Sharks have won more than just the two games against the Ducks. San Jose comes into Monday night's tilt at the Honda Center (starting at 6:30 p.m. on Prime Ticket) unbeaten in the last five tries and 9-1-0 in the last 10 games.
"It's a perfect opponent to play around this time of year," said Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau. "Everyone is starting to heat up. They're playing really well right now. It should be a good game."
With their early season struggles now erased, the Sharks are playing fast and physical. But the key for Anaheim will be the first period. In the last meeting of the two teams, the Sharks scored four goals -- one on the power play and one shorthanded -- in the first period alone and they scored two in the first period in the teams' first meeting of the season.
"They've been consistently, over the years, one of the best first period clubs in the league so you have to be ready when you play them," Boudreau said. "There's nothing I can do. I'm not going to tuck them in this afternoon and rest. They've got to be prepared."
But it's not exactly a difficult game for the Ducks to prepare themselves for. The typically jovial dressing room was significantly quieter than usual after Monday's morning skate. The mood in the room was much more intense.
Home sweet home! The #NHLDucks return to @HondaCenter for a matchup with the rival @SanJoseSharks. PREVIEW: http://t.co/xDVZfnHODy #SJSvsANA
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 22, 2014
"Everyone is excited to play," said winger Patrick Maroon. "It's the last game before the little break here and everyone is ready to get up and at them."
With a four-day break following Monday night's game, the Ducks don't expect to play winger Corey Perry or defenseman Francois Beauchemin. Both did skate on Monday morning and Perry took part in line rushes but Boudreau doesn't feel it's necessary to play both of them right before a break. However, defenseman Hampus Lindholm will be ready to go.
"I don't think they'll play," Boudreau said. "It just seems like it would be silly when you've got four other days to rest."
