Apr 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) argues with NHL referee Francis Charron (6) during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks limp into the final week of the season knowing that these last three games will be their final ones for the 2014-15 season. Following their 5-3 loss to the Arizona Coyotes, San Jose will be on the golf course instead of competing on the ice during the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars haven’t lived up to their preseason expectations either. Dallas made a surprise run in making the playoffs for the first time since 2008, but reverted to old ways this year. The Stars are an explosive offensive team that ranks second in the league in goals per game, but are a horrendous defensive team, ranking 27th in goals against. Dallas leads the Western Conference in goals scored (248), yet still sports a minus-10 goal differential.
The two teams will square off at SAP Center tonight as the Sharks conclude the home portion of their schedule. Don’t expect a lively crowd for this one after San Jose has disappointed their fans all season long.
Players to Watch
San Jose: Joe Thornton. Thornton has been in the middle of the turmoil this season after being stripped of his captaincy and his public comments regarding Doug Wilson. Thornton has responded with another solid season with 15 goals and a team-leading 48 assists. Thornton snapped a seven-game scoreless streak with his goal against Arizona last time out, but appears fatigued as the season has winded down. Expect Thornton to be at his best tonight, and expect the fans to return the support to their favorite son after all the negativity the organization levied against him.
Dallas: Jamie Benn. Benn is a flat-out force and developing into one of the premier power forwards in the game today. Benn leads Dallas with 47 assists and 77 points and has posted consecutive seasons of 30-plus goals. Benn, and linemate Tyler Seguin, are two of the best young players in the game and are the driving force behind the Stars’ potent offense. Benn has done well against San Jose throughout his career with seven goals and 14 assists in 27 contests (Hockey-Reference).
Quick Take
Dating back to their postseason battles during the early and mid-2000s, these two franchises don’t like one another. Even though they are in separate divisions within the Western Conference, these teams typically play chippy, intense games with plenty of nastiness involved.
With both teams separated by one point, the only importance of this one is draft positioning. It should be interesting to see what kind of mindset the Sharks come out with after their demoralizing loss in Arizona over the weekend. The reality of their situation has probably sunk in and the season-long soap opera has taken its toll on this group.
San Jose isn’t used to playing meaningless games at this time of year, but that’s what happens when you don’t show up in the meaningful ones.
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