Overview
This past Sunday, the San Jose Sharks concluded a very successful road trip where for the first time in franchise history, they went swept and went 6-0-0. Tonight, the Sharks have another test to pass on home ice against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks.
Tonight’s matchup is one of those measuring stick games for San Jose to see how they stack up against one of the elite teams in the West.
Team Stats
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Players to Watch
Sharks: Dainius Zubrus will be making his Sharks debut on the fourth line tonight and could also see time on the penalty kill. The Sharks coaching staff hopes this addition will help them avoid shortening the bench late in close games.
Blackhawks: Patrick Kane is on a scorching on 16-game scoring streak. Yes, you read that right: 16 games. Over that span, he has a total of 10 goals and 16 assists, and is currently tied for the NHL lead in points with 32. Needless to say, the Sharks will need to be aware of number 88 at all times.
Injuries/Scratches
Sharks: Justin Braun (upper body), Ben Smith (head), and Logan Couture (fractured right fibula) are out.
Blackhawks: Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) is out.
Keys to the Game
1) Active D
The Sharks defense has to get their head on a swivel, especially with the talent the Hawks possess. As mentioned previously, Kane is currently tied for the league-lead in points and is tied for second in assists, as well as second in the NHL in goals. Of course, there’s the ever dangerous Jonathan Toews, the leader of the Blackhawks, and rookie Artem Panarin, who’s having himself a heck of a rookie campaign to begin his career. All that said, the defense needs to be aware of who’s on the ice and when, and jump up on the play when called upon.
2) If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
This is self-explanatory. They’ve just come off their most successful road trip in a long time and have the momentum with them carrying it back home. They have a newfound confidence and have started to establish some sort of identity. Keep it simple. You don’t want to start overcomplicating things and making it hard for yourself and your teammates. Play straight ahead hockey. Get pucks deep. Get pucks and bodies to the net. Have active sticks. You don’t want to change a thing if you’re the Sharks (only they might want to start improving on that power play on home ice).
Next: San Jose Sharks Look To Bring Road Success Home
TV/Radio Broadcast
TV: CSNCA
Radio: 98.5 KFOX