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Sharks going for five in a row vs. visiting New Jersey

March 20, 2018, 7:40 PM ET [0 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The San Jose Sharks (40-23-9) can with their fifth game in a row if they beat the New Jersey Devils (37-27-8) tonight at the SAP Center.

The Devils are coming off a 4-2 loss in Anaheim on Sunday night. New Jersey are playing the final game of a very tough five game west coast road trip. They are 3-1 through four games and desperately in need of points in the standings.

San Jose has been off since Saturday and should be nice and fresh. They are playing some their best hockey of the season and appear to be peaking at just the right time. The offense is popping. They've outscored the opponent 21-13 during this win streak and getting stronger.

San Jose remains in second place in the Pacific Division and are technically within striking distance of the Vegas Golden Knights for first place - although winning the division seems far-fetched at this point. The Kings and Ducks are hot on their tail - both trail their Nor-Cal rival by three point with nine games left apiece.

New Jersey is fifth in the Atlantic Division and clinging to playoff hopes. The Devils have not been in the playoffs since their Cup run in 2011-12. They have been playing pretty well themselves, beating Nashville, Vegas and L.A. before falling to the Ducks on the second night of a road back-to-back.

Martin Jones gets the start again tonight. He and the Sharks blanked the Devils 4-0 in their first meeting this season. That game was way back in October and both teams look very different.

For one thing, the Sharks feature a potent offense highlighted by Evander Kane. San Jose has 37 goals in their last nine games, and Kane has been a big part of that. Kane has five goals and 10 points since joining the Sharks nine game ago.

The Devils need points very badly. The hold the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but only by the slimmest of margins. The red hot Blue Jackets trail the Devils by three points for that final precious spot.

San Jose can expect a hungry and desperate team tonight. If the Sharks remain patient, they may be able to capitalize of Jersey defenders jumping into the play - something they did quite of bit of in Anaheim.

Enjoy the game and thanks for reading,
Steve
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