The season is winding down and the San Jose Sharks (43-29-6) are all but locked into the third spot in the Pacific Division. I believe they have less than a 2% chance of passing the Ducks. So let's just call that 100%.
There's not a whole lot left to accomplish before the playoffs except maybe get the guys that aren't healthy...well, healthy, and of course keep the guys that are healthy...well, healthy.
That said, it's good to face another playoff team this late in the season. Tonight's opponent, the Nashville Predators (39-26-13) have lost their last three and will be eager to end that streak against a team that's given them little trouble this season.
Nashville won the previous two meetings between these two clubs. They won 6-2 at home and then 2-1 in San Jose. Pekke Rinne has been a beast, stopping 48 or 51 shots in the victories.
The Sharks and Preds have each clinched a playoff spot and if the season ended today San Jose would face Anaheim and Nashville would be headed to L.A.
San Jose is 8-2 in its last 10 games against playoff teams. Lets make that 9-2 with a win tonight.
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Shark Bites:
- Brent Burns Burns was named the NHL's third star for the month of March. The Sharks MVP (IMO) finished the month second in league in both assists (13) and points (19). He also leads all defensemen with 27 goals.
- The Sharks are averaging nearly three goals per game (2.91). That's good enough for third in the NHL.
- San Jose is 12th in the league in shots per game, averaging 30.4 a game. I actually thought that number would be higher. It feels like the they get 35-40 a night. The Pens lead the NHL at 33.4.
- The Sharks are surprisingly good at shot suppression too. They are actually second in the NHL in shots allowed per game with 27.4. The Preds are first with 27.3.
- San Jose is third in the league in power play percentage. With a 22.4% success rate, they trail only Anaheim (23.3%) and Washington (23%). That's pretty good company.
- The penalty kills leaves a bit to be desired. San Jose in 22nd 80.3% kill rate. They are allowed 44 power plays goals in 223 kills.
Enjoy the game tonight and thanks for reading, Steve