The San Jose Sharks head to Western Canada in an effort to put an end to their current three-game losing streak. Considering how much better they have fared away from the SAP one has to like their chances tonight.
But, nothing comes easy these day for the Sharks, who are just 1-4-0 in the last fives games and have been outscored 10-4 in the last three. (3 of SJ's goals came in one game)
San Jose's last win came 11 days ago at the hands of tonight's opponent, the Calgary Flames. The Sharks can get back on track against a team that's had very little to celebrate in the first quarter plus of the season.
After captivating the hockey world with an improbable run to the second-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Calgary has been one of the NHL's biggest disappointments.
The Flames have just 22 points in 26 games, which is bad enough for dead last in the entire league.
Tonight is the first of an Alberta back-to-back before the Sharks venture back to Nor Cal to host the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. What to watch for...
- The Sharks should get a lift with the possible return of Logan Couture. Couture has been cleared to play. He's missed 23 games with a fracture in his leg.
- Despite losing 4-3 to Tampa last Saturday, the Sharks have a lot of positives to build off of. They carried the better of the play over the final two periods. Can they bring that same intensity to Calgary from the drop of the puck? I know they can. I guess the better question is...will they?
- Patrick Marleau has been held off the score sheet in the last two games. The 36-year-old had been red hot collecting four goals and six points in his previous four games. If San Jose is going to get two points they will need his best effort tonight.
- Where have the goals gone Joe Pavelski? Pavelski is the team leader in goals (12) and points (25), but hasn't scored a goal since a two-goal game on Nov. 22. I will give credit where credit is due, he does has five assists in the last four games.
- The Sharks are exponentially better on the road than they are at home. Ten of San Jose's 14 wins have come away from SAP. I guess they like those lousy hotels breakfasts more than most.
- The Vancouver Canucks have caught the Sharks in the standings. They both have 28 points, thanks in part to the Canucks 5-2 win over Buffalo last night.
SILVER LINING: Vancouver has played 29 games to San Jose's 26. BLACK CLOUD: A loss tonight coupled with a win by Arizona and the Sharks will be on the outside looking in.
- Calgary has won two in a row, and are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. The Sharks cannot afford to look past this very desperate team.
One last thing....
I will be on That Hockey Show tonight on the Yahoo Sports Radio at 6:30 PST. I'll be talking Sharks, Ducks and Kings. Give it a listen will you?
Thanks for reading! Steve