Blades of Teal
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San Jose Sharks Face Big Challenge Against Washington

By Patrick Leiva

Oct 13, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones (31) makes a save on Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Sharks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones (31) makes a save on Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Sharks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sharks are set to host the NHL’s best team as the Capitals, and their 103 points, head to SAP Center.

Lately, the San Jose Sharks have faced off against less than stellar competition as their past eight contests have come against teams that aren’t in the playoff picture. That won’t be the case on Saturday night as San Jose plays host to the NHL’s best squad as Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals waltz into SAP Center.

This will be the second of a three-game home stand for the Sharks who dropped the opening game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. I can guarantee you that this game will be much more wide open than the contest against a stingy Devils team.

Meanwhile, Washington is having a fantastic season as their 103 points are 15 more than the next closest team in the league. The Capitals are an all-around that have very few holes so San Jose will have their hands full in this one.

San Jose took the first meeting between these two clubs way back on Oct. 13 as Martin Jones picked up his second-straight shutout in blanking the Capitals by a 5-0 final.

Players to Watch

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Sharks: Logan Couture. It’s been a really tough season for Couture who’s battled multiple injuries, but looks to be rounding into form at just the right time. His timing is coming back, and Couture has recorded four goals and four assists over his last 10 games. San Jose needs Couture at his best as he makes them a better all-around team.

Capitals: Evgeny Kuznetsov. Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin have garnered the main headlines for years in Washington, but the 23-year-old Kuznetsov has had a breakout campaign for the Caps. Kuznetsov leads Washington with 68 points and a plus-30 rating as he’s one of the reasons why the Capitals are such a deep and dangerous team.

Keys to the Game

1. Attention To Detail

Washington is a team that can you make pay in an instant with the league’s best offense at 3.18 goals per game, but also, a defense that ranks third, allowing just 2.30 goals per game. San Jose must manage the puck in their own zone, and bear down on their chances when they present themselves, something they couldn’t do against New Jersey.

2. Limit Time And Space

The Capitals are a team that thrive with the puck on their sticks and their incredible offensive creativity. San Jose’s defense will need to be on their toes and limit the time Washington has with the puck. Look for the Sharks to stand their ground and try to generate a forecheck of their own.

3. Rise To The Occasion

This will be a big step up for the Sharks to see if they can match up with the best team in the league. Call this a measuring stick if you will as San Jose will get an idea of where they stand with the playoffs approaching. Let’s see if the Sharks can match the intensity of the Caps and pick up a big two points.

Next: Sharks Need More From Ward, Marleau Duo

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