Blades of Teal
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San Jose Sharks Look to Even Up Against Wild

By Felix Chow

December 12, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) controls the puck against Minnesota Wild center Mikael Granlund (64) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 12, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) controls the puck against Minnesota Wild center Mikael Granlund (64) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Overview

Last time the San Jose Sharks played the Minnesota Wild, they were shut out on home ice. Now coming off a road win against the Arizona Coyotes, the Sharks look to avenge an earlier loss to start a three-game home stand.

These last three games will take San Jose into the All-Star break, and it won’t be an easy stretch as they face three teams with more points than the Sharks in the standings.

Team Stats

[table id=72 /]

Players to Watch

Sharks: Brent Burns has just one assist in his last four games, but is a plus-7 in his last eight. He is second in the league in scoring among defensemen with 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists).

Wild: Zach Parise leads his team in scoring with 17 goals on the season.

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Starting Line-Ups

[table id=73 /]

Injuries/Scratches

Sharks: Dainius Zubrus (upper body) is questionable. Raffi Torres (right knee) is on a conditioning assignment with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.

Wild: Ryan Carter (hand) is out.

Keys to the Game

1) Start Strong

While the Sharks have now found a way to win games while trailing, it’s still important for them to get in the game early. Come out early with strong shifts. Get pucks to the net. Don’t have any turnovers and keep the opponents on their heels.

2) Traffic

Last time the Sharks played Minnesota, the Wild were pretty good at denying any second or third opportunities. Darcy Kuemper was also strong in net. So, the Sharks just have to keep going to net. This time it’s probably Devan Dubnyk in net, but the game plan remains the same. Get lots of traffic in front. Get in his eyes. Work for those second and third opportunities and cash in on ’em.

3) Patience in the D-zone

The Sharks were victimized by a costly turnover in their own zone that ended up being the first goal of the game last time. In order to avoid that, the Sharks have to be patient in the defensive zone. Have good communication among teammates. That includes Martin Jones. If they do end up turning the puck over, they have to make sure they know who to cover. Make sure you have good support getting the puck up along the boards. Last, but not least, keep things simple. Don’t go for the stretch pass if it’s not available, and hopefully, no blind drop passing that just feeds the opponents on the transition.

Next: San Jose Sharks Continue Roll In Desert

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