Three Keys To A Sharks Victory Over Predators
The San Jose Sharks play the first game of a home-and-home series against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.
Despite an encouraging 40 minutes against the Boston Bruins, the San Jose Sharks couldn't finish the job on Monday.
Tonight's matchup against the Nashville Predators could boost both teams' confidence. The two teams will play a two-game home-and-home series against each other.
Here are three keys to a Sharks victory:
1. Build off Monday's start and carry it for 60 minutes
It's a tale as old as time for the 24-25 San Jose Sharks, unable to finish a game. San Jose played very well, especially in the second period of Monday's game, but as head coach Ryan Warsofsky put it, they played immaturely in the third, and it cost them.
Despite its top roster, Nashville hasn't been the team everyone expected it to be. Many players have started to produce offensively on an individual level, but the wins just don't seem to be happening for a Predators team that had Stanley Cup Aspirations.
The Preds are 5-5 in their last ten but have won three straight. A fourth straight win could restore their confidence.
2. Carry the confidence with you Will Smith
Was Monday's game the best of Will Smith's young career? Possibly. The forward moved the puck much faster and did not wait for plays to develop. He showcased his skill and high hockey IQ, which led directly to offensive chances.
Smith was on the ice for 16 scoring chances for, with eight being considered high-danger and seven against three high-danger.
While playing on a line with Mikael Granlund and Fabian Zetterlund, the trio seemed to have good chemistry.
3. Get Georgeiv some help
Alexandar Georgiev should get the start due to the back-to-back, sorry Yaroslav Askarov, your revenge has to wait until maybe Thursday.
Georgiev has been solid in his last few games but hasn't received much help. He kept the Sharks in the game against the New York Islanders in the first period with ten saves.
Georgiev's .888 save percentage in ten games with San Jose is a big jump from the .874 he had with the Colorado Avalanche in 18 games.
The netminder and the team haven't had many wins, but offensive struggles have led to the Sharks playing from behind in most contests.
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