The Avalanche should look to get out to a fast start and maybe even get the first goal of the game. The Sharks need the first goal of the game and will likely rely have to rely on its goaltender to make saves. The Avalanche are dealing with injuries to major players, but Nathan MacKinnon is healthy and putting up some points, while Joonas Donskoi returns to San Jose for the first time since signing a free agent deal with the Avalanche in the offseason. Despite the Sharks not play well, Evander Kane has managed to score 25 goals so far this season.
Here are three keys to tonight's Western Conference match up:
1.) Avalanche Get Off to Fast Start
The Avalanche are a better team when they get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. If the Avs score the first goal of the game then they are 30-6-7, but if the opposition scores first then they are only 10-13-1 in those games. The team could get off to a fast start by getting some pressure on the Sharks' goalie early in the game by getting pucks to the net. The Avalanche should try to establish the forecheck and cycle game early so they can spend some time the offensive zone since they have 71 first period goals on the season. The Avs should come out using their speed and being involved in the game early.
2.) Sharks' Martin Jones
Jones has not been the most reliable goalie in the past few years. He tends to let up at least one soft goal per game, but this season the defense in front of him has not been good at all. The goalie has a 2.97 goals against average and an .898 save percentage. Those numbers are not particularly good, and he faces a high power offense tonight in the Avalanche. Jones is going to have to be great in this game and make saves for the Sharks to even have a shot at grabbing two points in this one. The guys in front of him will turn the puck over so Jones needs to be ready and read the play to make the saves that will need to be made tonight.
3.) Get the First Goal
These two teams just play better when they manage to get that elusive first goal of the game. The Avalanche almost need to get the first goal of the game to win. If they can manage to get the first goal then they can build off of that momentum. The Sharks are 20-7-3 when scoring first, while just 9-27-2 when the opposition scores first. The Sharks are not a good team when trailing and having to come from behind especially since they've had issues putting the puck in the net all season. The game may come down to whichever team scores the first goal of the game and can build off of it.
Players to Watch
1.) Avalanche's Joonas Donskoi
This will be Donskoi's first game back to San Jose after signing a free agent contract with the Avalanche in the offseason. Donskoi spent his first four NHL seasons with the Sharks. The forward has been a depth addition to the Avalanche and has 32 points on the season despite missing some time with injury. I'd look for Donskoi to be into the game and have a multipoint night tonight since he's facing his old team and this game could mean a little more to him.
2.) Sharks' Evander Kane
Despite the Sharks having issues putting the puck in the net, Kane has 25 goals on the season. He isn't afraid to go to greasy areas to get goals. The forward can also use his speed to get to loose pucks. Kane isn't afraid to get to the front of the net for deflections or rebound chances. The Avalanche will need to be aware of where Kane is on the ice at al times, but that shouldn't be difficult since he likes to be involved in the play while he is out on the ice.
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