Sharks at Stars
The San Jose Sharks continue their quest for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs when they visit the Pacific Division-rival Dallas Stars on Saturday. San Jose occupies fifth place in the Western Conference, one point behind the reigning Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings. The Sharks are 1-1-0 on their four-game road trip but have earned points in nine of their last 10 overall contests (8-1-1).
Dallas is riding a four-game winning streak that has drawn the team within two points of the Detroit Red Wings for the eighth and final postseason berth in the West. The Stars were sellers at the trade deadline but have surged since dealing away offensive weapons Jaromir Jagr and Derek Roy, outscoring their opponents 17-8 during their winning streak. Rookie Alex Chiasson has played a major role, recording two-goal performances in two of his last three games.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN California (San Jose), FSN Plus Southwest (Dallas)
ABOUT THE SHARKS (21-12-7): The Sharks also resembled sellers at the trade deadline as they shipped out defenseman Douglas Murray, Michal Handzus and Ryane Clowe. But the club began its 8-1-1 run after making the first trade and put itself in a strong position for the postseason. Coach Todd McLellan insists his team is just trying to qualify for the playoffs. "Right now, the focus is just to solidify a spot. As we move on, if we're lucky enough, we'll start talking about home ice," McLellan said.
ABOUT THE STARS (20-17-3): Kari Lehtonen stated he's feeling better and took part in Friday's morning skate, but the groin injury kept him out of the lineup against the Nashville Predators. It's unknown whether the veteran will play - or even suit up - on Saturday. "We'll see how it goes (Saturday) morning. It's a tough situation," he said. Richard Bachman has filled in admirably for Lehtonen, allowing only two goals on 50 shots over the last two games.
OVERTIME
1. The Sharks are 7-1-2 in their last 10 meetings with the Stars.
2. Dallas LW Eric Nystrom played in his 400th career game Friday.
3. San Jose is one of just two teams who have made the playoffs every season since the 2004-05 lockout. Detroit is the other.
PREDICTION: Sharks 3, Stars 2