Ducks at Sharks
The San Jose Sharks made quite the splash in the offseason, acquiring offensive-minded defenseman Erik Karlsson to pair with fellow former Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns on the back end. The new-look Sharks face a familiar foe in the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday when the bitter Pacific Division rivals begin their respective seasons at the SAP Center in San Jose.
"That trade makes this team look a little bit more dangerous. And, a little more real," captain Joe Pavelski told the San Jose Mercury News of Karlsson, who was acquired from Ottawa on Sept. 13 in exchange for defenseman Dylan DeMelo, center Chris Tierney and a package of draft picks and prospects. The Sharks went 3-0-1 against the Ducks last season and unceremoniously swept them in the first round before being vanquished by eventual Stanley Cup finalist Vegas in the second. Anaheim sustained quite the loss with the news that former Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry is expected to be sidelined at least five months following knee surgery. Captain Ryan Getzlaf endured his fair share of injuries last season, but the 33-year-old has worked well with Rickard Rakell (34 goals) when healthy.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN
ABOUT THE DUCKS (2017-18: 44-25-13, 2ND IN PACIFIC): Like San Jose, Anaheim boasts a strong defense in its own right with Cam Fowler, Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Montour. Lindholm also provides an offensive punch with a career-best 13 goals in 69 games last season. Goaltender John Gibson is fresh off a career-best 31 wins and boasted a sterling .926 save percentage to help the Ducks allow the third-fewest goals (209) last season. The 25-year-old Pittsburgh native has dealt with some tough-luck injuries -- a worrisome thought considering veteran Ryan Miller likely will be limited to a reduced workload at this point in his career.
ABOUT THE SHARKS (2017-18: 45-27-10, 3RD IN PACIFIC): Prior to getting Karlsson into the fold, San Jose was reaping the benefits of acquiring Evander Kane at last season's trade deadline. "He brings an edge to our team. When he came over, he scored some huge goals for us as well. He's been a great teammate to all of us," veteran Joe Thornton said of Kane, who recorded 14 points in 17 regular-season games and five more in nine playoff contests. Logan Couture scored 34 goals for the Sharks, who feature a top-heavy first two lines ahead of a bottom six that leaves a bit to be desired. Marc-Edouard Vlasic adds to a spectacular defense in front of Martin Jones, who has recorded at least 30 wins in each of the last three seasons.
OVERTIME
1. Anaheim C Adam Henrique scored 20 goals and set up 16 others in 57 games since being acquired from New Jersey last season.
2. The Sharks boasted the second-best penalty kill (84.8 percent) in 2017-18 while the Ducks were sixth (83.2).
3. Anaheim has been sluggish out of the gate, posting a 6-18-0 mark in season openers.