San Jose Sharks look to break losing streak as they host the Nashville Predators

Back-to-back defeats have left a bitter taste in the mouths of the young San Jose Sharks. As we get closer to the trade deadline, we're likely to see several members of the roster changing teams as they move to places that will be more competitive destinations. San Jose will be looking to increase the value of their moving parts between now and March 8th, and the best way to do that is with production and scoring, even if the results are not good.

Tonight's opponents are the playoff-hopeful Nashville Predators. The team from Music City looks to try and cement themselves as a team that has what it takes to make the dance. They will be desperate for the points, so the Sharks will have to match that desperation if they are going to avoid a third straight defeat. This kind of game is very winnable for the Sharks if they can play at their best.

With no Hertl or Couture, the top talents are still missing for the team in teal. If they win tonight, the depth will need to stand up. Both goaltenders will give the Sharks a chance to win, so it will be on the scoring tonight to determine whether the Sharks can compete with the Predators. Either way, we'll enjoy what could be the final few Shark games for a few players on the roster.

Projected Lineups

Nashville Predators

Filip Forsberg - Ryan O'Reilly - Gustav Nyquist
Yakov Trenin - Colton Sissons - Cody Glass
Mark Jankowski - Tommy Novak - Luke Evangelista
Cole Smith - Michael McCarron - Kiefer Sherwood
Romas Josi - Dante Fabbro
Ryan McDonagh - Luke Schenn
Jeremy Lauzon - Alexandre Carrier
Juuse Saros
Kevin Lankinen

San Jose Sharks

Anthony Duclair - Mikael Granlund - Fabian Zetterlund
Alexander Barabanov - William Eklund - Mike Hoffman
Filip Zadina - Nico Sturm - Justin Bailey
Kevin Labanc - Ryan Carpenter - Givani Smith
Mario Ferraro - Ty Emberson
Henry Thrun - Jan Rutta
Calen Addison - Kyle Burroughs
Kaapo Kahkonen
Mackenzie Blackwood

Puck Drop

This is a 7 p.m. puck drop from the Shark Tank. These home games are always fun for getting the crowd and fairweather fans adjusted to the speed and fun of the game. Those just waiting for the Giants and Athletics to return to action may be watching this, and it's an excellent chance to show off the organization to new fans. If the Sharks can score a few times tonight, a few new fans could be made.