The Sharks and Predators are set to face off in the Western Conference Finals. This is a matchup of two teams that know how to get it done on the ice. The Sharks are a team that is led by their captain, Joe Pavelski. He is a player that is known for his
The San Jose Sharks and the Nashville Predators are two of the best teams in the NHL. They have met in the playoffs four times, with the Sharks winning three of those series. This year, they meet again in the first round, and it is sure to be a great series.
1. How the San Jose Sharks Can Turn Their Season Around Against the Nashville Predators
The San Jose Sharks are currently in third place in the Pacific Division with a record of (7-5-1). They are behind the first place Vegas Golden Knights (9-3-2) and the second place Arizona Coyotes (8-4-2). The Sharks have been struggling as of late, going 2-5 in their last seven games. However, they will look to turn their season around against the Nashville Predators.
The Sharks offense has been struggling, scoring just 15 goals in their last seven games. This is partly due to injuries to key players such as Timo Meier and Logan Couture. However, even with these injuries, the Sharks still have plenty of firepower on offense with players like Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl. The key for the Sharks will be to get more production from their depth forwards and defensemen.
Defensively, the Sharks have also been struggling, giving up 26 goals in their last seven games. This is partly due to injuries to key defenders such as Erik Karlsson and Marc Edouard Vlasic. However, even with these injuries, the Sharks still have a solid defensive core led by Brent Burns and Radim Simek. The key for the Sharks will be to tighten up defensively and not give up so many Grade A scoring chances.
In goal, Martin Jones has struggled lately, but he is still one of the best goaltenders in the NHL when he is on his game. He will need to be at his best if the Sharks want to turn their season around against NashvillePredators team that has been very good offensively this season led by Filip Forsbergand Ryan Johansen .
2. What the Sharks Need to Improve Upon Ahead of their Matchup Against the Predators
The Sharks will need to improve their discipline if they want to beat the Predators. The Predators are a very disciplined team and they don’t take many penalties. The Sharks need to stay out of the penalty box if they want to win this game.
3. How NashvillePredators Have Dominated San Jose Sharks In Recent Meetings
The Nashville Predators have been dominating the San Jose Sharks in recent meetings between the two teams. The Preds have won five of the last six games against the Sharks, including a three-game sweep of them in late March. Nashville has outscored San Jose 19-6 in those five wins and has really been shutting down their offense. The Sharks simply haven’t been able to get anything going against the Preds defense and goaltender Pekka Rinne has been stellar, allowing just four goals total in those five wins. It’s safe to say that Nashville has had San Jose’s number lately and they will look to continue their success against them when the two teams meet again on April 4th.
4. Keys for a San Jose Victory Against Nashville
- The Sharks will need to shut down the Predators top line of Forsberg, Arvidsson, and Johansen.
- San Jose will need to take advantage of their speed and use their skating to create odd-man rushes.
- The Sharks must play physical against the Predators and make them pay for their mistakes.
- Finally, the Sharks must be patient in their offensive zone and not get frustrated if they don’t score early.
5. Who Will Win This Upcoming Matchup: The Struggling Sharks or the Surging Predators?
The Sharks are currently on a five-game losing streak, while the Predators have won four of their last five. Judging by recent performance, it would appear that the Predators have the advantage in this upcoming matchup. However, the Sharks have historically been a strong team at home, and they will be playing on their home ice in this game. The Predators will also be without one of their top players, Filip Forsberg, who is injured. This could swing the game in favor of the Sharks. Overall, it is difficult to say who will win this matchup; both teams are fairly evenly matched and anything could happen.