The San Jose Sharks (26-15-7) and the NHL are back from an outstanding All-Star weekend in Tampa. And what better way to get back into the swing of things than to visit the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup Champs.
The Pitsburgh Penguins (27-21-3) are fighting for their playoff lives. Sid Crosby and company didn't get off to a great start this season, but they've been heating up of late. The Pens are 7-2-0 in their last nine. NOTE: One of the two losses was against the Sharks 10 days ago.
San Jose will have Martin Jones back after missing four games with the dreaded "undisclosed injury." Aaron Dell filled in admirably, but he's cooled off of late, showing why this is Jones' team. Marty's job is not in danger and the Sharks are at their best with Jones between the pipes.
Of course the game tonight also marks the unofficial start to the NHL's second half. From a San Jose perspective, it the beginning of life without Joe Thornton. The big guy is out indefinitely following surgery on his right MCL last week. Thornton was enjoying a new found fountain of youth on the score sheet and his nightly contributions will be missed. Now would be the time for Joe Pavelski to regain his scoring touch.
What to watch for:
- Brent Burns was the lone San Jose representative in the All-Star game and for good reason. He started slow but has been the Sharks best player over the last month or so. He has eight points (8a) during his current six-game point streak and 16 points (1g 15a) in his last 12 games. Look for the bearded one to light the lamp tonight.
- How will Jones look in his return? In his lat start he allowed five goals on 22 shots. My guess is the time off will have helped him hit the reset button and he's itching to get back to blocking rubber. I don't expect anything less than his best vs. Pitt.
- Sid Crosby is the face of the NHL. He's the games best player and it makes sense that the Penguins resurgence coincides with his play. Crosby has 19 points (3g 16a) in the last nine games. He had an assist on the only goal Pittsburgh scored against San Jose in the 2-1 loss on Jan. 20. Stop him and you stop the Pens offense.
- Crosby's not alone though. Phil Kessel has four points(4a) in the last two games and he's scored five of his 21 goals in January. He was held off the score sheet in the last meeting.
- Matt Murray is back in net for the Penguins. He's been out since the passing of his father earlier in the month.
- The Sharks sit second in the Pacific with 59 points, but its starting to get crowded around them. Los Angeles, Anaheim and Calgary are within a point or two of catching or passing them. My gut says the race for the top three in the Pacific will come down to game 82. Every point is so crucial and tonight marks the beginning of the playoff push for all the league's hopefuls. Let's hope San Jose is up for the task.
Thanks for reading, Steve