On paper, the San Jose Sharks did not appear to be a clear-cut favorite over the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round of the playoffs.
San Jose ranked 17th in even-strength goal differential during the regular season while Anaheim was sixth. The Ducks posted the second best even-strength save percentage in the NHL; the Sharks had the fourth worst. Finally healthy, the Ducks brought in their full squad of stars led by Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler, while the Sharks faced an uphill climb without No.