The San Jose Sharks (30-18-8) host the Arizona Coyotes (14-32-10) in what might actually be an entertaining tilt at the Tank. The home team can stretch back-to-back wins into a three game win streak with a whistle-to-whistle effort vs. a suddenly potent desert dog (not be confused with dessert dogs - which are delicious) offense.
The visitors racked up 16 goals in their last four games and should apply enough pressure on San Jose to keep them on their toes.
Pete Deboer's club can sweep the season series with a victory tonight, but they are keenly aware of their opponent's offensive potential. Arizona scored 7 goals during a home and home series with the Sharks last month. The good guys skated to a 6-5 overtime victory in their own building and a 3-2 shootout decision in the Grand Canyon State. SJ won the first meeting 3-1 back in Nov.
The Sharks can't sleep on this team like they did with Edmonton. The moment they got too comfortable their 3-0 lead was gone. The key tonight will center around a full 60-minute effort - period.
The teal and black have a favorable schedule down the stretch. It's time they start banking some points and creating a cushion of sorts. They have a two point lead over third place Calgary. The Flames have their hands full this evening with Boston. If the Sharks keep their focus and the Bruins do what they do, that slim lead could be doubled. And yes, it's okay to start scoreboard watching.
What to watch for:
- Can Martin Jones continue his dominace against the Coyotes? In his career, Jones is 6-2-2 with a .932 save percentage and 1.66 goals against. He's even better at home - 3-0-1 with .927 sv% and 1.62 GAA.
- Timo Meier has points in three consecutive games (2g 2a). He's starting to show some of that offensive skill we've been waiting for. The Coyotes and Kings are the only Pacific Division foe he doesn't have a point against. Can he cut that list down to one after tonight?
- Joe Pavelski stat line last three games - 4 goals, 2 assist, 13 SOG. Expect that line to increase tonight. Why? See below:
- Joe Pavelski career stat line vs. AZ - 63 games - 29 goals, 24 assist, 198 SOG. More goals, points, SOG's against the Coyotes than any other opponent. Why? That's why.
- Joonas Donskoi had a career high three points (2g 1a) vs. AZ on Jan. 13. In the 13 games since, Donskoi has ZERO goals and five assists.
Thanks for reading, Steve