[8:00 PM] Sharks @ Blues

Who will WIN this matchup?

San Jose Sharks (9-7-0)

@ St. Louis Blues (8-6-3)

 

Starting Goalies:

Martin Jones(SJ): Confirmed

Jake Allen (STL): Confirmed

 

• The San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues renew acquaintances for the first time since the former eliminated the latter after six spirited games in last season’s Western Conference final. The Sharks look to add more salt in the wound as they attempt to record their fourth win in the first five contests on their current six-game road trip Thursday at St. Louis.

• San Jose’s offense has been in a season-long funk and are seventh-worst in the NHL at 2.31 goals per contest. The defense has been another story of late, as the stingy Sharks have permitted just four goals in as many games while their 2.25 per contest is fifth-best in the league.

• Vladimir Tarasenko has been all over the ice this season to lead the team in goals (six), assists (12) and points (18), but the 24-year-old Russian – who is riding a six-game point streak (two goals, six assists) – joined Alex Steen in being absent from Wednesday’s practice. Defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (lower body) admitted to “getting close” to returning from a nine-game absence after participating in a full practice on Wednesday.

• St. Louis G Jake Allen is 4-0-2 with one shutout and a 1.15 goals-against average on home ice this season.

• San Jose veteran D Brent Burns has scored three goals and set up another in his last six games overall and has recorded 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 10 road contests.

• The Blues are 5-for-6 on the power play in their last two games after going 1-for-26 in their previous eight contests.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: St. Louis Blues

Confidence: 5/10

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