San Jose Sharks Look to Turn Things Around in March
Feb 19, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) and defenseman Brent Burns (88) and left wing James Sheppard (15) and center Joe Thornton (19) and defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic (44) celebrate Marleau
Now that the silly business of the day is over with, it’s time for the San Jose Sharks to get back at it against another formidable opponent. The Sharks will play host to the Montreal Canadiens to kick off another crucial week for San Jose’s dwindling playoff aspirations.
The Sharks are hoping that turning the calendar to March will revive their energy and level of play. San Jose began the month of February with 60 points and sat in fifth place in the Western Conference; however, San Jose concluded the month with only 68 points and currently sits in 10th place. San Jose lost all eight home games in February and will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak tonight.
It won’t be an easy task as the Sharks will play host to the Eastern Conference leading Canadiens, who arrive in San Jose with 87 points. Montreal is riding high with a four-game winning streak in which they’ve outscored their opponents by a 17-5 margin.
Players to Watch
San Jose: Joe Pavelski. Pavelski has been the Sharks best and most consistent player all year, but he’s gone scoreless in the past six games. Pavelski hasn’t scored since his hat trick against the Arizona Coyotes on Feb. 13. He will be needed tonight against the stingiest defensive team in the league. Pavelski leads the Sharks with 31 goals, 57 points and a plus-12 rating.
Montreal: Carey Price. Price has been simply phenomenal in goal for the Canadiens and is the primary reason why Montreal leads the league in goals against per game at 2.14. Price leads the league with 36 wins, in 50 games, along with a 1.88 goals-against-average and a .936 save percentage. Price is the leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy and will probably garner some MVP-consideration as well.
Quick Take
San Jose desperately needs this game to jump start this franchise and prove there is still life remaining in this team. The Sharks have clearly lost their confidence after blowing third period leads in consecutive games for the first time in franchise history. Maybe the shake up by Doug Wilson earlier in the day, and the reported lunchtime get together yesterday, will inject some much-needed life and desperation into the San Jose Sharks.