Preseason Gamethread: Ducks @ Sharks

First things first, I'd like to take full responsibility for Luca Sbisa's sprained ankle by tempting the magumbo on Tuesday's Gamethread (despite the fact that the injury actually occurred the night before).

In actual news, the Ducks made their second round of cuts yesterday bringing the training camp roster down to 41. I, for one, like the fact that as the cuts start coming down (per Eric Stephens the next one isn't until after Sunday) the schedule is beginning to settle down. All of the remaining games are in California and there is at least one day between each (up to three).

And now the obligatory twitter lineup updates:

Some notables for Ducks tonite: Getzlaf, Perry, Cogliano, Bonino, Etem, Winnik, Palmieri, Smith-Pelly, Rakell, Fowler, Lovejoy, Maroon.

— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) September 20, 2013

Stephens' full lineup article ($) contains the line combos, including the infuriating trio of John Kurtz, Rickard Rakell and Brad Staubitz. I mentioned in my recap Monday that Ricky Raccoon seems to be fond of the one-on-one fancy plays that work in Junior and not so much among the men in the NHL. But what do you expect when he's playing with guys like that?

As for the Sharkies, this is only their second preseason game, following a 3-2 win over Vancouver on Monday. Joe Pavelski, John McCarthy (?), and Tommy Wingels scored while Alex Stalock stopped 14 of 16 in playing the whole game. This being the preseason, it appears as if none of those guys will play tonight.

Based on pre-game notes at SAP Center, #SJSharks going with both of their top two lines tonight vs. Ducks.

— David Pollak (@PollakOnSharks) September 20, 2013

Interesting to note that Tomas Hertl (Drafted 17th overall by San Jose in 2012) and Anthony Stewart (on PTO) are considered top six players and Pavelski seems to be starting the year at 3C. That last part is actually kind of scary.