Dallas Stars in a must-win situation as they host San Jose Sharks – NHL Preview
The fate of the National Hockey League (NHL) Pacific Division is still not decided and all the teams seeking a playoff spot from the division are battling hard to get an entry pass for the postseason.
The San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, who are separated by just a one point, have more or less the same chances of qualifying for the postseason.
Both teams are going to face each other on Tuesday, April 03, 2012, at American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas.
If Sharks manage a victory, they will gain a much-needed cushion, which could provide them some breathing space. However, in case of a victory for Stars, Sharks’ chances will be jeopardised as they might have to lose the safe zone in the Western Conference.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Sharks
They are ranked at eighth spot in the Western Conference with 90 points after 79 games.
Out of their last six games, Sharks have won four. They defeated Dallas Stars in the last game to snap their two-game losing streak and are hoping to repeat the result this time as well.
After playing against Stars, Sharks will play their next two games against the Los Angeles Kings, who are leading the Pacific Division at the moment.
Stars
They are ranked at ninth spot in the Western Conference with 89 points after 79 games. Stars have lost three of their last four games and are presently on a two-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Vancouver Canucks (5-2) and Sharks (3-0).
After playing the game against Sharks, Stars are going to face Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues.
Previous meeting
In their last game, Sharks completely dominated Stars.
In the first period, Joe Pavelski scored a goal to put Sharks in lead. Jason Demers scored a power-play goal in the same period to double the lead.
In the next period, Pavelski scored his second goal of the game to take the team’s score to three goals.
Sharks’ goalie, Antti Niemi, got his sixth shutout of the season as Stars failed to provide any scoring move in the game.
Sharks coach, Todd McLellan, said of the victory and next game:
"They [players] earned the right to enjoy it right now. Tomorrow it's back to work, and let's keep our focus. I talked before about not letting your guard down, and we have in the past. Let's keep it up. We know we'll have a tougher game in Dallas than we
had here tonight."
Stars’ captain, Brenden Morrow, said:
"It's probably three wins or nothing for us now. It is nice to get them again so soon. But if we do what we did tonight we're not going to get the result we want."
Predictions
Sharks have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Stars win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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