San Jose Sharks (43–24–9) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (33–33–10)
9:30 p.m. CST
SAP Center at San Jose
TV/Radio: NBCSCH/WGN
PROJECTED STARTERS
Chicago – Corey Crawford (13–18–3, SV%: .909, GAA: 2.91)
San Jose – Martin Jones (34–17–5, SV%: .898, GAA: 2.91)
TEAM STATISTICS
Power Play
Chicago (20.5 percent, T-11th)
San Jose (23.8 percent, Sixth)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (73.1 percent, 31st)
San Jose (79.7 percent, 19th)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (32.6, T-11th; 34.7, 30th)
San Jose (33.4, Fourth; 28.4, Second)
Shooting Percentage
Chicago (9.9 percent, Ninth)
San Jose (10.6 percent, Sixth)
Faceoff Percentage
Chicago (49.4 percent, 21st)
San Jose (50.4 percent, 13th)
Average height and weight
Chicago 6’1”, 195 lbs.
San Jose 6’1”, 200 lbs.
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS
Chicago Blackhawks
Alex DeBrincat–Jonathan Toews–Patrick Kane
Brendan Perlini–David Kampf–Dylan Strome
Brandon Saad–Artem Anisimov–Dylan Sikura
Chris Kunitz–Marcus Kruger–Dominik Kahun
Gustav Forsling–Brent Seabrook
San Jose Sharks
Timo Meier–Logan Couture–Joe Pavelski
Evander Kane–Tomas Hertl–Gustav Nyquist
Marcus Sorensen–Joe Thornton–Kevin Labanc
Melker Karlsson–Barclay Goodrow–Joonas Donskoi
Marc-Edouard Vlasic–Brent Burns
Analysis
The Blackhawks began writing their eulogy on Tuesday night in Arizona as the Blackhawks dropped the contest 1–0. An offense that has been very good all season decided not to show up in a game that could ultimately seal their fate for the season. The Coyotes kept themselves very much in the hunt after Tuesday’s win.
Chicago now may focus on young players getting better looks and the impending draft lottery coming up. Perhaps the Blackhawks can luck out and sneak into the top five and draft a player who may be able to help the roster now, if not sooner than later.
The Sharks are on the complete opposite end from the Blackhawks in the playoff picture. The Sharks have already clinched their trip to the postseason and currently sit second to the Calgary Flames in the Pacific Division standings. Despite losing six straight games, the Sharks are still a much better team than the Blackhawks and should likely be able to use this game to get back to their winning ways.
The Sharks weak point this season has been goaltending. Although he has 34 wins, Martin Jones has struggled this year, posting a .898 save percentage and a 2.91 goals against average (GAA), which is identical to Corey Crawford’s GAA. This is one area the Blackhawks may be able to exploit and aid in continuing the Sharks bad losing streak.