San Jose vs Anaheim Free Pick April 14, 2018 – Jesse Schule

San Jose vs Anaheim Free Pick April 14, 2018

The Sharks appear to be in command of this series after a 3-0 at The Duck Pond in Game 1, but we’ve seen this story before. This is the same San Jose team that won Game 1 in Edmonton last year, only to lose four of the next five games going crashing out in the first round. Then there was their first round series versus the Kings a few years ago, when they lost in seven games after holding a 3-0 series lead. I took the Ducks to win this series, and here is what I said prior to Game 1: “The San Jose Sharks lost five of their final six games of the regular season, costing them home ice advantage here in the first round. This San Jose team has a long history of underachieving in the post-season, and they draw a tough assignment here in the first round against the Ducks. Anaheim’s netminder John Gibson was one of the best in the league in the second half of the season, going 14-4-2 with a 1.95 GAA since the All Star break. The Ducks have a core group of veterans that have had plenty of post-season success, including Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Ryan Kelser, Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Miller the backup goaltender. Anaheim is the hotter team, with a better goaltender, and more proven playoff performers. Throw in home ice advantage and everything says the Ducks will be moving on to the second round.” The Sharks took advantage of a 5-3 power play that was the turning point in Game 1, and it will be important for Anaheim to stay out of the box here in Game 2. If they can do that, I like their chances of evening this series heading to San Jose.