(Sports Network) - The Anaheim Ducks, fresh off their largest margin of victory in over four years, continue a six-game homestand this evening as they welcome the Pacific Division-rival San Jose Sharks to the Honda Center. The Ducks are 3-1-0 on the residency so far and blasted the Blue Jackets, 6-0, on Friday. It was Anaheim's most lopsided victory since a 6-0 triumph over Vancouver on Nov. 9, 2006 and its best at home since a 7-0 win against Calgary on Dec. 20, 1996.
Jonas Hiller picked up his third shutout of the season and ninth of his career with 27 saves, while both Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan scored twice. Both of Selanne's goals were on the power play. "We tried to shoot the pucks and had good screens in front of the net," said Selanne. "That is what we need. These goalies are so good these days. We did a better job in that area. The power play and penalty kill, we know that if we can do a good job in those areas, we are going to win a lot of games."
Cam Fowler set up a career-high three goals and Matt Beleskey finished with a goal and an assist for the Ducks, who have won four of five overall and are five points behind the Stars for first place in the division. The Sharks, meanwhile, are six points back of the top spot and failed to gain ground last night with a 2-1 loss to Nashville. Logan Couture scored his rookie-leading 19th goal of the season, his first in eight games, while Antti Niemi made 24 saves in San Jose's season high-tying third straight loss overall and fourth in a row at home.
"The two points got away from us. That's the sad part, but you just try to draw on the positives after the effort tonight," said San Jose head coach Todd McLellan. San Jose has now been held to one goal or less in three of its last four games, but will hope to get on track on the road tonight. The Sharks have won four of their last five as the guest and haven't lost four in a row overall since a six-game skid from March 13-21.
The Sharks and Ducks have split two meetings so far this year, but this is their first meeting in Anaheim. San Jose has won seven of the last nine in this series as well as five of the last seven played at the Honda Center. Hiller is just 3-8-0 with a 2.38 goals-against average in his career when facing the Sharks. Niemi is 1-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA in his career versus the Ducks, but has not faced them this year. Antero Niittymaki has gotten the call in both meetings so far and is 1-0-2 with a 1.91 GAA in three career outings against them.
San Jose will look to Joe Thornton to lead the offense tonight. He has 52 points in 47 career games versus the Ducks, including six goals and 13 assists over a nine-game point streak against them.
For more Ducks news and analysis, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Anaheim Calling.