San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks preview

Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the San Jose Sharks will take on the Chicago Blackhawks in what could be a Western Conference Final preview. Of course, the Sharks need to start hanging onto leads, winning in the shootout and giving the full 60-minute effort before that chatter is reasonable. After facing off against the lowly Edmonton Oilers on Friday, San Jose will have to show up in a big way against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

The Sharks have won their last three contests after hitting a five-game winless streak to open the month of November. Chicago just had a four-game winning streak snapped by the Nashville Predators, who scored seven goals on the ‘Hawks.

The defending champs probably aren’t too happy about getting rofl-stomped by the Preds, and will come out swinging on home ice against a tough Sharks squad. Here’s everything you need to know heading into tonight’s contest.