Blades of Teal
Fansided

San Jose Sharks Host Boston Bruins

By Felix Chow

Nov 17, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) waits for a rebound off of Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) waits for a rebound off of Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Overview

The San Jose Sharks earned a critical win against the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. Tonight, the men in teal face the Atlantic Division-leading Boston Bruins, hoping to gain more ground on the second-place Anaheim Ducks.

The matchup tonight will end a three-game home stand for the Sharks, who have split the first two contests. San Jose will look to build some momentum off their tremendous effort against Washington over the weekend.

This should be a highly entertaining hockey game between two explosive offenses. The Bruins rank third in the league at just under three goals per game (2.99), while the Sharks are right behind them ranking fourth at 2.94 goals per game. San Jose took the first meeting between these two clubs back on Nov. 17 with team teal outscoring Boston by a 5-4 margin.

Team Stats

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Players to Watch

Sharks: Joe Thornton has been having perhaps the best season of his career. After a slow start, Jumbo Joe has been looking like his usual self, delivering on some of the most phenomenal plays he’s known for along with netting 16 goals this year. Per Sharks stats guru, Darin Stephens, Thornton is the 16th player in NHL history to have 10+ seasons with 50+ assists. Watch for him to have an extra jump in his game tonight as he faces his old team.

Bruins: Brad Marchand has a team-leading 34 goals for Boston, which is tied for third in the NHL. The Bruins are 22-4-3 when he finds the back of the net.

Starting Line-Ups

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Injuries/Scratches

Sharks: Matt Tennyson (possible concussion) and Tommy Wingels (healthy) are out.

Bruins: Chris Kelly (fractured femur) is out.

Keys to the Game

1) Stay Out of the Box

For the past few games, the Sharks have not done a good enough job of staying out of the box. While the penalty killing units have also failed to do their part, San Jose has to be more disciplined in their team game. You can’t constantly rely on your goalie to bail you out, and time-and-time again we’ve seen just that. Marching to the penalty box will always disrupt the rhythm and flow of your game, so stay out of the box.

2) Outbattle the Bruins

The Bruins are a highly skilled team that feeds off physicality. Take away the board options. Make life hard for them. Win the races to the puck. Do all the little things that help you win games.

3) Feed off Jumbo

I mentioned it before. The Boston Bruins are, of course, Thornton’s old team, so he’s going to want to play his best against them. Feed off of his play. Show that you’re in the game. Get open for the passing lanes ’cause more times than not, Thornton’s going to find you. And if it ain’t open, well, he’s probably going to score at least one against his old team. Bottom line is win this game for Jumbo.

Next: San Jose Sharks Trying To Hang In Division Race

TV/Radio Broadcast

TV: NBCSN (7:00 p.m. PDT)

Radio: 98.5 KFOX

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