San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks preview for important Pacific Division mathcup
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight the San Jose Sharks will take on the Vancouver Canucks for the fourth time this season. While the Sharks performed well in the first two contests, they were badly outworked and out-hustled when the squads met last Thursday at the Shark Tank. While the boys in teal managed to shake off their recent losing streaking by downing the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, this team still has a lot to work on if it hopes to down this Vancouver squad.
The Canucks have hit a bit of a rough patch as of late, however. They’ve lost their last two games since beating the Sharks week ago, and are also looking to get back on track tonight.
This is another important matchup with a Pacific Division foe for San Jose. They haven’t been faring well against inter-divisional opponents, and that’s forced them down to third place behind the Anaheim Ducks and Phoenix Coyotes. A loss to the ‘Nucks tonight would give San Jose a single point lead over the team, while a win could give them a bit of breathing room.
Vancouver By the Numbers: Hot or Not
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Game Number: 19
Opponent: Vancouver Canucks
Opponent Record (Last 10): 6-3-1 (Two-game losing streak)
Offense: Mediocre (Eight goals in last four games, coming off back-to-back one-goal efforts)
Defense: Cold (Given up 13 goals in last four games)
Power Play: Freezing (9.7% conversion rate—28th in the NHL)
Penalty Kill: Hot (89.4%—1st in the NHL)
Vancouver Players to Watch
This is a familiar foe by now, and you probably know the numbers for half of Vancouver’s team off the top of your head by now. The Sedin twins are constantly dangerous and seem to have found a new cycle game under John Tortorella. They’ve been tough to handle around the net this season, and they present a threat every time they’re in the offensive zone.
Ryan Kesler is having an outstanding year as well, but it’s guys like Mike Santorelli and Brad Richardson that have surprised for the Canucks.
Goaltending Matchup (Probable starters)
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
After going to Alex Stalock against the Flames, San Jose with go back to their workhorse in Antti Niemi.
Niemi back in goal tonight for #SJSharks vs. VAN.
— David Pollak (@PollakOnSharks) November 14, 2013
Roberto Luongo will likely start in net for the Canucks. Since a rough patch to open the season, he’s been much better over the last few weeks for Vancouver. He’s coming on as of late and getting traffic to the net (as always) will be paramount for the Sharks. Now if only Brent Burns would return…