Sharks at Predators
THE STORY: The San Jose Sharks have located their missing offense
during the first two contests of a six-game road trip. After mustering
only four goals during their three-game skid, the Sharks scored four
times in both road victories over the New Jersey Devils and Boston
Bruins. "We like playing on the road for whatever reason, so we just
want to continue that success," captain Joe Thornton said
matter-of-factly. That's not good news for the Nashville Predators, who
have been outshot in every game this season and are still searching for
their first victory of the campaign at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators
are opening a three-game homestand against a team which has
traditionally had their number. Although they split last season's
four-game series, the Sharks have won 14 of the last 19 meetings against
the Predators. Nashville snapped a four-game losing skid with a 2-0
triumph over the Calgary Flames.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CS California (San Jose), FS Tennessee (Nashville)
ABOUT THE SHARKS (3-3-0): Antti Niemi is adjusting nicely to being
the team's unquestioned goaltender. The Finn has started three straight
games after missing the entire preseason and the first three contests of
the campaign following the removal of a cyst from his leg. Veteran
Martin Havlat has collected a pair of assists since returning from
off-season shoulder surgery. He has recorded 13 goals and 22 assists in
28 career games versus the Predators.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (3-3-1):
Vezina Trophy finalist Pekka Rinne secured his first shutout of the
season by stopping all 33 shots on Saturday. Considering that six
players share the team lead with two goals, Rinne will need to maintain a
high level for the Predators to succeed. After starting the season with
two goals and six assists, David Legwand has been held off the
scoresheet for the last three games. Legwand had a goal and two assists
in three contests last season versus the Sharks.
OVERTIME:
1. Whether it's on the road or at home, Thornton
has enjoyed facing the Predators. The former top overall pick has
collected 41 points in 32 career games versus Nashville.
2.
Niclas Bergfors' first goal of the season wasn't aesthetically pleasing,
but it counted just the same. Defenseman Jack Hillen flipped the puck
off Bergfors' chest and past Miikka Kiprusoff on Saturday.
3.
San Jose center Torrey Mitchell is questionable to play Tuesday game
with an upper body injury. Mitchell missed Saturday's contest, and
Sharks coach Todd McLellan plans to decide after the morning skate.