NHL Preview Roundup: San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators vs Los Angeles Kings
At the start of the new week, six games are going to be played in the National Hockey League (NHL) season 2011-2012. In this space, we are going to preview two of them.
San Jose at Edmonton (9.30 p.m. ET)
After losing two straight games that have badly hurt their reputation, the San Jose Sharks are travelling to Edmonton to play the Oilers on Monday, January 23, 2012, at the Rexall Place.
The Sharks lost against Ottawa Senators (4-1) and Vancouver Canucks (4-3) after which questions were raised on their ability to defend the net.
Against the Canucks, the Sharks surrendered despite getting a lead in the second period and allowed the opponents to score two goals in the final.
Sharks’ coach, Todd McLellan, was frustrated and regretted that the team was aware of its mistakes, but, he said, the results were still going against his team.
"The frustrating thing is we are aware of the mistakes we're making and still making them. A missed faceoff assignment, a pinch we don't cover above, and the goal from below the goal line is tough to swallow. Good teams make you pay for those errors. We
didn't make many, but when we did, they put it in the net."
After playing 45 games, the Sharks are ranked third in the NHL Western Conference. They have a strong chance of improving their record as Oilers is a low-ranked team.
The Oilers are on a three-game losing streak and have lost eight out of their last 10 games. After playing 47 games, the Oilers have managed to secure only 38 points.
Ottawa at Los Angeles (10.30 p.m. ET)
The impressive Ottawa Senators lost against Anaheim Ducks (2-1) in their last game, but their morale is not down as they get ready to face the Los Angeles Kings at the STAPLES Center.
The Senators gave away two goals in the second period, and could score only one in the final and eventually lost the game.
On the other hand, the Kings have lost their last three home games and are on a two-game losing streak. They desperately want to get a victory on home-ice, but the Senators will try to bring them down.
The Senators have secured 60 points so far after playing 50 games and are ranked fifth in the NHL Eastern Conference. They have only lost three out of their last 11 games.
The Kings also have maintained a commendable record as they 56 points after 49 games and are placed at seventh spot in the NHL Western Conference. However, their recent record is not very laudable.
They have won four of their last 10 games (four of which were decided in shootout and two in overtime).
The Senators have an evident edge over the Kings, but who knows the latter might snap their home-ice losing streak.
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