San Jose Sharks vs Calgary Flames: Keys to victory (with haste edition)

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks are back the the Shark Tank tonight to take on the Calgary Flames. Had a few minutes before walking out the door and thought a quick keys to the game could be fun. Working within a veryvery strict time limit, here’s how the Sharks can down the Flames and keep the points streak alive.

Contain Sean Monahan.

It probably seems odd that a key to the game is keeping a rookie in check, but right now Monahan is who Calgary’s offense is funneling through. If he’s scoring and producing then Calgary is winning. It’s been as simple as that through their first six games. When the game is on the line, he’s been especially dangerous. Just ask the New Jersey Devils.

Jiri Hudler needs to be kept in check as well, but Monahan is the man that the Sharks will need to keep a watchful eye on tonight.

Crowd Karri Ramo’s crease.

He won’t like it one bit. The guy is coming into this contest cold having only started one game this season, and getting pucks to the net early will be key. That’s been a strong suit for San Jose, but they’ll need to keep it up.

Ramo has all of 49 games of NHL experience and has already bombed out of the NHL once. With guys like Brent Burns and Joe Thornton crashing in all around him, he won’t have a whole lot of fun tonight, regardless of how many points Monahan and Co. are able to put up.

Jason Demers stepping up.

Demers has been a guy with a good amount of potential for two years now, and he’s going to have a pretty special opportunity tonight with Dan Boyle still on the shelf. He’ll be manning Boyle’s point on the top power-play unit, and should see top-four minutes as well.

While he’s not quite as outstanding of a skater as Boyle, he has shown some good vision and has a chance to make a big impact tonight.

Those are our three (hasty) keys to the game. Feel free to leave your thoughts, comments and ideas down in the comments or on Facebook. We’d live to hear from you.