Ducks at Sharks
The Anaheim Ducks attempt to halt their longest losing streak of the season when they visit the Pacific Division-rival San Jose Sharks in the finale of their home-and-home series on Wednesday. Anaheim's skid reached three games Monday, when it dropped a 5-3 decision to San Jose. The loss concluded a 2-3-0 homestand, which began with two victories before the Detroit Red Wings marched in and ended the Ducks' franchise-record 13-game home winning streak.
Brent Burns, Joe Pavleski and Martin Havlat each recorded a goal and an assist Monday as San Jose wrapped up a 2-3-0 road trip. James Sheppard scored his first goal in 60 games and defenseman Dan Boyle also tallied as the Sharks eclipsed the four-goal mark for just the third time - and first since Jan. 24. Wednesday's contest is the opener of a seven-game homestand for San Jose.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), CSN California (San Jose)
ABOUT THE DUCKS (22-6-4): Anaheim's current slide is only its second of the lockout-shortended season. It also lost back-to-back games against the Phoenix Coyotes on March 2 and 4, but both of those setbacks occurred in a shootout. Teemu Selanne appeared in his 1,373rd NHL game on Monday, a record for Finnish-born players. The right wing had been tied for the top spot with Teppo Numminen. Right wing Radek Dvorak, who signed a one-year contract on Sunday, cleared waivers but currently is a non-roster player as he waits for the immigration process to conclude. Emerson Etem scored his second career goal Monday. Both tallies have come against the Sharks.
ABOUT THE SHARKS (14-11-6): Burns' switch from defense to forward has been quite the success thus far. In seven games since making the move, the 28-year-old has registered three goals and eight assists. Burns likely will be on alert for a return to the blue line as San Jose's defense corps lost a member when Douglas Murray was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday. The rugged defender registered three assists and a minus-8 rating in 29 games this season. "He has been a warrior for our hockey club for the past eight seasons and he has been in the Sharks family for the past 14 years," general manager Doug Wilson said. "This deal places Douglas in a quality situation, which he deserves." The Sharks received a pair of second-round draft picks for Murray, who has not scored a goal since 2010-11.
OVERTIME
1. San Jose LW Ryane Clowe has missed four consecutive games with a shoulder injury.
2. Ducks C Saku Koivu is one point shy of 800 for his career.
3. Monday's victory was the Sharks' third in their last 11 meetings with the Ducks.
PREDICTION: Ducks 4, Sharks 2