There are 17 games left in the NHL season for the San Jose Sharks. They currently hold the third place slot in a chaotic and clogged Western Conference, where 4th and 11th place are separated by four points. What this implies is that with the end of the season enclosing, the Sharks cannot afford to slip at the wrong time. However, winning 17 of their last 20 has given the team refreshed confidence, and some breathing space in the Western Conference. The last two seasons have shown that while holding the top seed in the playoffs is coveted, it does not guarantee greatness. Simply put, the Sharks simply need to continue delivering every night to secure their playoff spot. Once the playoffs start, it is a whole new world.
Tonight is a chance for the Sharks to gain distance on their Western conference foe, the Dallas Stars. Dallas is currently tied with Anaheim and Nashville for the last spot in the 2011 Playoffs. A Sharks victory would not only give them 3 key points, but it will play spoiler for a team struggling to remain in contention.
Home field should play into the Sharks favor. Their last two losses came on the road to New Jersey and Florida, which occurred almost two weeks ago. Their last loss at home occurred January 13 against Edmonton. Dallas's power play inefficiencies should aid the Sharks, who hold the third highest power play success rate a 24% (Dallas ranks 26th in the NHL on the power play kill).
Gametime is 7:30pm.
Go THRASHERS!
ReplyDelete