The San Jose Sharks are coming off another tough loss at the hands of the Calgary Flames. In a game where the Sharks gave up momentum-breaking goals, as well as a hat-trick to Flames forward Olli Jokinen, they were lucky to have been so close to forcing overtime. The loss also allowed the Los Angeles Kings to sneak up two points closer to the Sharks and first place in the Pacific Division. In fact, as of February 10, three of the five teams in the Pacific Division are in a playoff position -- with the Dallas Stars on the outside looking in just two points out of the eighth spot.
With that being the case, the Sharks are going to have to step things up on the ice if they want to remain atop of the Pacific Division -- especially since they are facing a nine-game road trip after their matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, February 10.
In what will be their final home game until February 28, the Sharks will take on a Blackhawks team that has hit a rough stretch in their season - having lost six straight. They are currently on a long road trip and are looking to break out of their funk against a Sharks team they've beaten twice this season - but only in Chicago. The Sharks won the teams' only matchup at HP Pavilion so far this year by a final score of 1-0 on November 23.
I'd be really surprised if both teams didn't come out and be physically and strategically aggressive throughout the entire game. Both teams are trying to establish some type of positive momentum and the only real way of accomplishing that is by winning a hockey game where you can impose your will on the other team.
One way the Sharks can accomplish that is by staying strong on the forecheck and maintaining consistent defensive back-pressure throughout the contest. They were having a tough time defending in five-on-five situations the past two games and also were allowing a lot of man-advantages enter their offensive zone, without proper back-pressure. This led to them yielding five-goal and four-goal performances to their opponents.
Their forecheck is going to be a major way to generate goals for the Sharks in this game. It has been ineffective the last few games due to poor execution. There have been no teammates near the player with possession so they could change the flow of the puck, confusing the defense and allowing players to be found when open.
The Blackhawks are a team that plays a decent penalty-kill game, so the Sharks will have to work for their power-play goals. The real advantage will come in the form the Sharks' second line. Logan Couture, Ryane Clowe, and Patrick Marleau, have the ability to generate goals and will be a key against the Blackhawks.
If the Sharks can score on the power-play against the Blackhawks, they can come away with the win.
Prediction: Sharks 3 - Blackhawks 2
David is co-founder of wrapupp sports blog where they post fresh content daily and present sports blogs and sports opinions - all with a West Coast bias. Growing up in the Bay Area, David is a huge supporter of all the local sports teams; the Giants, Athletics, Warriors, Sharks, 49ers, and Raiders. His one fault, admittedly, as many of his friends and family would say, is his love for the Los Angeles Lakers. Growing up, Magic Johnson was his favorite basketball player and he fell in love with the team. He chalks it up to, "Not knowing any better". Now his love for sports has turned just as academic as it is intuitive and he follows most all sports all over the nation.
You can follow David on Twitter: @officialwrapupp
Sources:
SJSharks.com. Sharks vs. Blackhawks Preview. NHL 2012.
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Lakers and Celtics: A Rivalry Rekindled: Fan Reaction
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets: Fan Preview
Sharks Fall to Flames 4-3: Fan Reaction
San Francisco Giants Add Mota, Theriot to 40-man Roster: Fan Reaction
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