Preview: Ducks, Sharks Close Out Season Series at Honda Center

With just three games remaining at Honda Center this season, the Ducks finish off their penultimate homestand of the 2018-19 campaign tonight against the San Jose Sharks. (7 p.m. PT, TV: FOX Sports West, Radio: AM 830). This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the Ducks and Sharks, which has seen Anaheim go 1-1-1 in the first three. After the Ducks earned a 5-2 victory in the season opener at SAP Center on Oct. 3, the Sharks won the next two (4-3 OTW on Oct. 28 in Anaheim and 4-2 W on Dec. 28 at SAP Center).

Though the Sharks have already punched a ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they enter tonight's matchup with four straight losses in regulation for the first time this season. They took a 2-1 lead into the third period last night against the LA Kings, only to lose, 4-2, at Staples Center. The Sharks are five points behind the Calgary Flames for the top spot in the Pacific Division/Western Conference.
Like last night, the Sharks could have a depleted lineup tonight against the Ducks. Veteran center Logan Couture was scratched just prior to warmups last night because of flu-like symptoms, joining a walking-wounded list that includes defensemen Erik Karlsson (groin) and Radim Simek (knee surgery), and captain Joe Pavelski (lower body).
This marks the 140th regular-season game between the Ducks and Sharks, and the 70th at Honda Center. The Ducks own a 63-61-15 all-time record vs. the Sharks, including a 31-30-8 mark at home. Ryan Getzlaf leads active NHL skaters in career scoring and assists vs. the Sharks with 60 points (12g/48a) in 72 games. Getzlaf (four assists) and Jakob Silfverberg (1g/3a) co-lead all players in scoring during the 2018-19 season series.