The San Jose Sharks (43-23-9) hit the road for the final time this season. They'll play four games away the SAP Center before concluding the regular season schedule in their own barn.
Tonight they skate in the Windy City against the eliminated Chicago Blackhawks (31-16-9). San Jose and the Hawks are meeting for the final time this season. The season series is knotted at 1-1.
The Sharks are riding a season-high seven game winning streak following a 5-1 drubbing of the hapless Calgary Flames on Saturday. The winning streak is the longest in five seasons and has all but punched San Jose's playoff ticket. (although some would have you believe otherwise)
The offense continues to be the story for the Sharks. The teal and black have tallied 34 goals on this win streak. That's an average of 4.86 goals per game if your're keeping track at home. That;s a record shattering pace. What record? I'm not sure, but that's still a lot of goals.
Nothing about tonight's game says they won't score a plethora of pucks in the net again. San Jose blitzed the Hawks for seven goals in the last meeting and they should be salivating g for more.
Chicago is 2-6-1 in the previous nine games, while being outscored 38-24. I fully expect another high-scoring affair. And because I said that, the Sharks will lose 9-1. #Jinxed
The Sharks are sitting pretty in second place in the Pacific Division with 95 points. They lead third place Anaheim by four points with a game in hand. The Ducks and Kings are hanging in. although neither have been very impressive in doing so.
What about winning the division? San Jose has a shot. They trail first place Vegas by six points. Both teams have seven games left, including one more head-to-head tilt in Sin City this Saturday. Never say never.
What to watch for:
- Evander Kane scored to more goals in the win over Calgary. The 26-year-old has seven goals and 12 points in the dozen games since the trade. His presence has boosted the team's offense and propelled them into the conversation as legit Cup threat. My only question is, "When do they get an extension done?"
- Brenden Dillon had his second career Gordie Howe Hattrick vs. the Flames. It was his first as a Shark.
- Martin Jones has won six starts in a row. He's getting plenty of goal support to hide the off nights. He's allowed three goals with a sub .900 save percentage in half of the six games.
- The Sharks can still win this division. They cannot afford to overlook the non-playoff teams. Keep the streak going and put a little heat on Vegas.
Thanks for reading, Steve