San Jose Sharks host Detroit Red Wings in a matchup of slumping teams – NHL Preview
Both Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks are struggling badly, but these two sides are differentiated by the fact that the former can easily qualify for the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs this season, while the latter’s chances are uncertain.
The two slumping sides are going to play against each other on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at HP Pavilion, San Jose, California.
Here is a look at both teams.
Sharks
They started the month with losing five games in a row and have won two of their last three games with the recent victory coming against Nashville Predators.
In the last game, Sharks were one goal down after the first period. After trying desperately hard, they managed to provide the equaliser in the final period and forced the game to overtime, which also went goalless and shootout was called.
Sharks scored the only goal of the shootout and won the game.
Sharks’ centre, Joe Thornton, said after the game:
"We're going to see close games like that. We've been comfortable in those but haven't been winning in the shootout. Tonight, we won in the shootout. Hopefully, we'll get some confidence out of that."
Sharks are ranked at ninth spot in the Western Conference with 80 points after 70 games and are just one point behind the eighth-ranked Colorado Avalanche.
Red Wings
They are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 91 points after 71 games.
They have played seven games this month and lost five and are currently on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Nashville Predators (3-2), Los Angeles Kings (5-2) and Anaheim Ducks (4-0).
Red Wings’ coach, Mike Babcock, said of the team’s situation:
"The reality right now is that as a group we're not working hard enough, we're not playing with good enough structure, and therefore we don't look very skilled. We have to have a look in the mirror and get it fixed. You go through adversity every year and
we're getting our share right now."
Predictions
Red Wings’ performance on road is below par and that’s why Sharks can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Red Wings win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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