Shooting for Eight Straight: Sharks @ Ducks Preview

The league leading Ducks will close out a five game home stand against the San Jose Sharks. After losing their fourth straight game to the worst team in the league, the Sharks will be desperate for a win.

Game notes:

Dany Heatley, Patrick Maroon, Bryan Allen and Kyle Palmieri are still injured. Heatley has practiced with the team but Bruce Boudreau said he will likely not play Sunday. I expect Frederick Andersen to return to the goal crease after John Gibson earned his first win of the season against the Blue Jackets. Andersen will aim for a career high seventh straight win.

Antti Niemi will likely start for the Sharks after Alex Stalock lost against the Sabres on Saturday.

What Can We Learn From This Game?:

This is the first Pacific Division game for the Ducks. A lot of focus will be on the Sharks and their recent streak of losses. It will be important for the Ducks to get ahead early in the game. If the Sharks do get ahead in the first period however, it isn't the end of the world as they totally Sharked up their game against the Blue Jackets on Thursday night, losing multiple leads and the game (in regulation).

Corey Perry is on fire, and it will be interesting to see how Bruce Beaudreau uses him and the top line against the Sharks who have a generally balanced lineup.

Fearless Prediction:

Corey Perry can't stop and won't stop as he gets the game winning goal.