(SportsNetwork.com) – The Anaheim Ducks attempt to close out their five-game
homestand with an eighth straight victory on Sunday night as they welcome the
struggling San Jose Sharks.
For the second straight season, the Ducks have won seven in a row following a
loss in their first game of the campaign. Though they failed last year at an
attempt to start 8-1-0, a victory tonight would give them their longest
winning streak since winning eight straight from Dec. 31-Jan 15 of last
season.
Anaheim stayed hot with a 4-1 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets on
Friday. John Gibson made 16 saves, while Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Sami
Vatanen all had a goal and an assist.
“It’s nice to put a couple of good games together where we’ve played some good
opponents and felt like we rose to the occasion,” Getzlaf said.
Perry’s goal was his league-leading ninth of the season, while Getzlaf is tied
for the NHL lead with nine assists.
While Getzlaf feels that the Ducks have stepped up against good teams, the
Sharks did the opposite on Saturday night in their attempt to get on track.
They took on a Buffalo Sabres club that had only one win through eight games,
but lost a 2-1 decision to the visitors.
Brent Burns scored 13 seconds after the Sabres went up 2-0 in the third
period, but Alex Stalock came up with just 13 saves.
“We shouldn’t lose a game like that,” Sharks forward Logan Couture said.
“We’ve got a lot to figure out right now. I think everyone on our team needs
to look in the mirror.”
San Jose has now lost four in a row and five of six since a 3-0-0 start.
The Sharks kick off a three-game road trip against the Ducks, who they have
beaten in five of the last six matchups. However, they have lost two straight
and five of six in Anaheim.
