Fight for the playoffs as San Jose Sharks take on Calgary Flames - NHL Preview
San Jose Sharks will face Calgary Flames on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary as both teams look to continue their progress to a playoff spot.
The Sharks were third in the Western Conference in 2011 as they performed admirably well, however, the start of 2012 saw their steam run out with long losing streaks dropping them down the conference table.
They recently ended a five-game losing streak on Monday, against Edmonton Oilers and remain just a point behind eighth placed Colorado Avalanche.
San Jose will be looking to another big away win on Tuesday against Calgary to move straight back up into playoff contention and regain some of the form that propelled them into the top three earlier in the season.
However, Calgary is chasing its own playoff dream and with a boisterous home-crowd backing them up they will not make things easy for the Sharks.
The Flames have hit a rich vein of form recently as they moved back into contention for a playoff spot with a string of victories.
With three wins in a row, Calgary will be hoping to get their fourth straight win against a struggling Sharks team and claim eighth spot which they trail by just two-points.
Sharks (34-25-9, 77 pts)
San Jose’s struggles in the latter half of the season have put them in danger of missing out on the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.
Not all is still lost though as the Sharks trail eighth place by just a single point and a win over Calgary will propel them back into the safe zone.
With San Jose ending a five-game skid against Edmonton on Monday the fans have something to feel positive about.
The Sharks won the game 3-2 after a brilliant effort as they scored two power play goals while also never taking their foot of the pedal even after being pegged back twice during the game.
Captain Joe Thornton was proud of his team and said that every point from now onwards is important.
"We needed this really bad. We're struggling right now and to come in here and get a big win, every game is so important for us. The playoffs have already started for us. It was just a huge two points for us.
"Hopefully this gives some guys some confidence."
Flames (32-25-12, 76 pts)
Calgary on the other hand have found form at just the right time and are now back in playoff contention trailing the coveted eighth spot by just two-points.
They are also in good form with three straight wins in a row including a 4-3 win over Minnesota Wild on Sunday.
The Flames scored three times in the final period to win the game and held back a Minnesota Wild fight back to get the two points.
Forward Curtis Glencross was ecstatic with the win and said that the team have found their best form at just the right time.
"It's huge for us. We've been battling, and we've been kind of nipping at the heels here for a while. We're playing well right at the right time."
Predictions
Calgary Flames will be favourites to win in what could turn into a closely fought game.
Goals will be in low supply as both team’s offences are inconsistent.
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