Nashville Predators eye third spot in the Western Conference as they host San Jose Sharks
Another one of Tuesday’s game will be hosted by the Nashville Predators as they were up against the San Jose Sharks. The game is very important with both teams close to the play-off cut and any slip ups could cost them dearly now.
This is the third out of the four scheduled meetings between the two sides with Nashville Predators winning the previous two meetings. Both games were very tight with Predators winning the first game 3-2 and second 2-1.
The Conference is still pretty much open except for the first and second spots occupied by Canucks and Red Wings respectively. However, a slip up by either or any of the remaining teams in the top eight could result in fortune for teams below the play-off
cut. Things are surely to heat up as we neared the end of the season. Sharks and the Predators have a one point’s difference between themselves. However, a win for either of the teams in regulation time may result in a ticket to Stanley Cup play-offs that
are fast approaching in April.
This is the final road trip game for the Sharks. They are currently on seven games road trip which has seen them face teams like Florida Panthers and certainly the trip hasn’t been smooth. There have been some tough games, some good results but some have
resulted in them coming across defeats.
San Jose Sharks was one of the consistent and inform teams in the NHL until almost a week ago. During this time they won nine out of the ten games they played and didn’t lose the only game in regulation time. However, things haven’t been as smooth after
that as they have lost their last two games against the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.
The consistent performances before the losses have put the Sharks back in contention of the Western Conference play-off hunt despite the last few recent losses. Antti Niemi, goal keeper of the Sharks has come up with decent performances which have seen him
play in 36 consecutive games. This is just three short of his previous best of consecutive games of 39 which he established during the course of the last season.
Sharks have played 57 games in the season so far out of which they have won 30 games in regulation time, 6 games in overtime and scored 66 points. On the other hand, Nashville Predators have played 56 games in the season so far out of which they have won
30 games in regulation time, 7 games in overtime scoring 67 points.
The Predators have come up as one of the strong teams in the season who have been in the top half of the table for most of the season. However, their inconsistency has cost them dearly. The big example of their highs and downs is the 4-1 win against the
Detroit Red Wings after which they lost 4-0 to the Edmonton Oilers who have been bottom of the table for most of the season.
The game is going to be very close and keeping in mind the form of both teams, there is an equal chance of either of the teams to register a win.
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