San Jose Sharks vs Tampa Bay Lightning preview

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After a seventh week that saw them play four contests in seven nights, the San Jose Sharks get their eighth week officially underway this evening as they take on the Tampa Bay Lighting at the Shark Tank. The Sharks have won three of their last four, but have had several days to contemplate what exactly went wrong on Sunday, when the Chicago Blackhawks put a 5-1 beat down on them.

That contest against the ‘Hawks was a chance for the Sharks to make a statement.  Instead, they wilted under the heat of the defending Stanley Cup champions. Chicago was too fast, too talented and clearly wanted it more than the Sharks did most of the time.

Tonight they’ll have the chance to turn things around against a very good Lightning squad that has gone 2-2 since losing Steven Stamkos to injury on November 11. Tampa has struggled to put together a full effort during their western road trip to this point.

So far they’ve dropped a 6-3 decision to the Phoenix Coyotes and a 5-2 contest against the Los Angeles Kings.