The Battle of California is about to take center stage again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks are mere hours away from puck drop on a first round, best-of-7 battle royale. Winner take all, and by take all, I mean they get to live and fight another day.

When any two of the three Cali clubs go head-to-head in the playoffs, it's often a thing of beauty. The "Battle of California" moniker is fitting and provides a series an extra level of importance - at least out west.

Since the 2010 postseason, a team from California has been represented in each and every Conference Final with the Kings winning the Cup twice and San Jose losing in six games just two years ago. And of course, Anaheim own's the very unique distinction of being the first team from the Golden State to win a Stanley Cup.

This series should be another knock-down, drag-out - brawl. The difference between Anaheim and San Jose is so minimal that it's a push in nearly every category.

Forwards:

Anaheim:

Rickard Rakell and Ryan Getzlaf lead the offensive charge for Anaheim. Getzlaf was limited to just 56 games in the regular season, but he made the most of it by averaging more than a point per game. He finished the season with 11 goals, 50 assists and a plus-20 rating.

The captain has been playing at such an incredible level that he could single-handedly will the Ducks to a victory and expect him to have several chances in this series to do so.

Rakell scored a career high 34 goals and has taken over the team roll of sniper. He can score from any where and if left unchecked he could burn San Jose big time.

Anaheim has balance throughout its forward corps. The addition of Adam Henrique gives them another potential scoring threat with a proven postseason track record. Since arriving in Anaheim, he leads the Ducks in game-winning goals with 8.

If Ondrej Kase can continue to provide that same spark and enthusiasm he had in the regular to the postseason - he could be a difference maker. The Ducks would also benefit from some of the past postseason Nick Ritchie magic.

Oh, and don't forget about number 10.

San Jose:

The Sharks have had trouble scoring goals over the last couple of seasons and this season started especially slow with the departure of Mr. Shark, Patrick Marleau.

Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl and Chris Teirney all picked their offensive game. They more than made up for the loss of Marleau. Meier (22) and Hertl (21) each scored more than 20 goals.

Logan Couture scored a career high 34 goals and has been a steady offensive force since coming into the league, but his production this season was especially valuable. He carried San Jose while guys like Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns struggled to pick up points.

Speaking of Pavelski, the Sharks captain had a horrendous first quarter of the season before finally pulling himself together to finish the year with 22 goals and 44 assists. He enters the playoffs on a bit of a roll too with five points (2g 3a) in the last four games. He is one of the game best puck deflectors and could give John Gibson fits if left unchecked.

The major x-factor for the Sharks is Evander Kane. The perennial 30-goal scorer has found a home in San Jose. He has nine goals and 14 points since coming over at the trade deadline. Not surprisingly San Jose's goal production ballooned over the last 18 games since his arrival - they are averaging nearly 3.9 goals per game with Kane in teal and black.

Defense:

Anaheim:

The Ducks have one of the leagues deepest group of defenders, but they will be tested without Cam Fowler in this series. Fowler was the backbone of the group. His loss is San Jose's gain.

That said, the Ducks still have guys like Brandon Montour, Hampuis Lindholm and Josh Manson to work with. For the first time in team history, Anaheim has four defenseman with at least 30 points. The Ducks blueline is very active with a penchant to pinch for a big goal. The downside is the do get burned now and again. The Sharks need to make the Ducks pay if this happens.

San Jose:

The Sharks have Brent Burns. The woolly mammoth scored 29 goals last season en route to winning the Norris Trophy. His goal number dipped to 12 this season, but he led the team with 55 assists. He's still very dangerous and could very easily take over a game himself.

The Sharks have another secret weapon in Marc-Edourd Vlasic. San Jose's most reliable defensman potted a career-high 11 goals this season to complement his steady defensive play. He can shut you down at one end and finish you off at the other.

Goalies:

Anaheim:

When healthy John Gibson is up there with some of the game best netminders. Problem is he can't stay healthy. Good news for Anaheim is when, not if, but when Gibson gets hurt - They still have Ryan Miller waiting in the wings. The tandem combined for a franchise best .927 save percentage this season. If goaltending really does win championships - I like the Ducks chances.

San Jose:

Martin Jones hasn't been great this season, but he has the potential to be great in the playoffs. During the Sharks run to the Cup Final in 2015-16, Jones was unbelievable. He posted a 2.13 goals against with a .923 save percentage and three shutouts. He was even better in the Sharks six game first round loss last spring. His stat line: 1.75 GAA, .935 save percentage, one shutout. If he steals a game or two in this series, the Sharks will win.

Special Teams:

Both teams were so-so on the power play and both teams are good on the penalty kill. The Sharks have the edge here because of Pavelski and his net front presence. He is a wizard in front of the net. This season I have criticized the Ducks for their lack of net front presence. Jones will stop all the pucks he can see.

Keys:

The Ducks have a tendency to be too cute with the puck. The errant drop passes and complicated break-outs have a tendency to end up in the back of their own net. A guy like Logan Couture could feast off of these careless turnovers. Be smart with the puck and Anaheim should be fine.

The Sharks may get a much needed boost with the return of Joe Thornton. Jumbo could return as soon as game two. Thornton played 47 games before a knee injury ended his regular season. Despite missing the last half of the season, the future Hall of Famer is tied for second on the team with seven power play goals. Not to mention the emotional boost his return would give the locker room.


Prediction:

This edition of the battle of California has all the makings of a classic. The two clubs are so evenly matched that it's hard to give either an advantage in any category. That said, I like the Ducks game down the stretch. They have been playing playoff type hockey for weeks now and I think, that...sprinkled with having home ice advantage and the success of last season's run to the Western Conference Finals gives Anaheim the edge.

My pick: Ducks in 6

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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