The San Jose Sharks (44-24-10) are a lock to finish second in the Pacific Division. Tonight they can OFFICIALLY lock-up a playoff spot with a win over the team destined to finish first in the Pacific division.

San Jose laces 'em up for the last time away from the SAP Center when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights (49-22-7) in Sin City.

There is quite a bit on the line for both clubs. As I mentioned, a win and the Sharks are in the playoffs. A win for Vegas means they secure the franchises' first division title, in its first year of existence. Technically, Vegas still has a small chance to finish first in the Western Conference- that's only if the blind squirrel finds his nut before Hell freezes over.

The Sharks are coming off a tough loss to Nashville a few nights ago. San Jose didn't play badly. They simply made more mistakes than the Preds and it led to their demise. They will be looking to make up it against another of the Western Conference's top teams.

Despite the loss, I consider this team to be on a roll. They are 8-1-1 in their last 10 and gaining steam. They can head into the playoffs with a full head of steam if they take care of business in their final four games. It all starts tonight with this division rival.

The Sharks are 1-1-1 in the three previous meeting this season vs. Vegas.

The Knights played last night. They defeated the Blues 4-3 in overtime. San Jose can add to Vegas's fatigue factor with a strong physical first period of play. If they do that I can see them running away with the game. Vegas isn't the same team that caught the league off guard in the first half of the season. They are 5-3-2 in their last 10 and haven't looked nearly as dominate as they once did.

This should be an excellent barometer for the Sharks.

The way things are shaping up in the standings, San Jose and Vegas could be heading on a crash course to a second round tilt - one the Sharks can win - paving the way to another Conference Final appearance.

I won't get too far ahead of myself, but I do have a lot more faith and belief in the Sharks than the national media seems to. Most are handing the West to Nashville or even Winnipeg. I'm not so sure. A lot changes once a team gets into the playoffs.

I digress...

Thanks for reading,
Steve

Join the Discussion: » 0 Comments » Post New Comment

» Sharks offense in heating up; have they turned a corner?

» Radim Simek's return will help, but San Jose's issues run deep

» The Last Place Sharks; Should We Get Used To It?

» Evander Kane helping Sharks get back on track

» Patrick Marleau's big return masks Sharks woes