After several days off the Calgary Flames are back in action and looking to rebound following a tough loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday.
Standing in the way will be a San Jose Sharks team that is in the exact same situation as the Flames.
The Sharks, like the Flames, have won five of their last 10 and enter tonight's game with 40 points on the season. Only four teams have fewer points but the Sharks and Flames are just two out of a playoff spot because of how poorly Pacific Division teams have played this season.
Despite Thursday night's set back the Flames still own a very solid 13-8-0 record on home soil this season. The Sharks, on the other hand, have done their best work on the road owning a 13-6-2 record in opposing team's buildings.
LINEUPS Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland Bouma - Backlund - Jones Bennett - Granlund - Jooris Bollig - Stajan - Colborne
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Hamilton Engelland - Wideman
Ramo
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Hertl - Thornton - Pavelski Nieto - Marleau - Ward Karlsson - Couture - Donskoi Wingels - Tierney - Brown
Vlasic - Braun Martin - Burns Dillon - DeMelo
Jones
NOTES 1) With the Dillon - DeMole pairing on the ice at 5 v 5 the Sharks have generated just 47% of the shot attempts, 46% of the scoring chances and 40% of the goals. If there's a pairing Bob Hartley should target with the Gaudreau line it's this one.
2) Karri Ramo has been excellent since the beginning of December. Martin Jones has not been as he ranks last among 31 eligible goaltenders (minimum 400 5 v 5 minutes) with a .904SV% since December 1st. Based on recent play the Flames have the goaltending advantage in this one.
3) Only six teams have converted on a higher percentage of their power plays than the Sharks. The Flames best stay disciplined; especially with the offense struggling (they've scored nine goals in their last five games).
The game is at 9:00 eastern and can be seen on Sportsnet West and CSN-CA.
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