San Jose Sharks hopeful for recovery as they face Columbus Blue Jackets – NHL Preview
The preset road trip has badly hurt San Jose Sharks’ reputations as they have suffered defeats against relatively weaker sides.
There are only two ways out of it: Either to end the trip, which is not a possibility, or to get back in form and start playing a better game to silence the critics.
They have another chance to prove their mettle as they travel to play Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio.
Let’s have a look at both these teams.
Sharks
The Sharks have played 57 games and are ranked at third spot in National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference with 69 points.
At present, they are on a nine-game road trip, which is not serving them well. The Sharks have only won one out of five games played in the present trip and are currently on a three-game losing streak.
The recent defeats came against Tampa Bay Lightning (6-5 in overtime), Carolina Hurricanes (3-2) and Detroit Red Wings (3-2).
Sharks’ left wing, Ryane Clowe, said of the team’s current performance:
“I know we're first in our division, but that doesn't mean much when you're only a few points from being out the playoffs. We're looking for wins, not so much good efforts. We need to get the points in the bag."
Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are ranked at the bottom of the Western Conference with 41 points after 59 games.
They are on two-game losing streak with the recent defeat coming against New York Rangers.
The game was decided in overtime before the Blue Jackets had managed a goal in the final to level the score. The final score settled at 3-2.
Columbus’ interim coach, Todd Richards, said after the game:
“I really like the way we battled. I thought we fought and we clogged for everything, and we get the game to overtime. But I still think at times, we make it more difficult on ourselves by turning pucks over."
Predictions
Despite being on a losing run, Sharks have an edge over Blue Jackets.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams is expected to stay under six.
If Blue Jackets win, the winning margin will be two or less goals.
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