By: Devin Lawrence
Game: Detroit Red Wings (27-38-10) vs. San Jose Sharks (43-23-9)
When: March 25, 2019 @ 10:30 p.m. EST
Where: SAP Center at San Jose
TV: Fox Sports Detroit, Free on NHL TV
Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1 The Ticket DTW Flagship Station
Last Meeting: 2/24: SJ 5 DET 3
http://gty.im/1131077353
Wings Top Performers
Scorers
Dylan Larkin: 27G/36A/63P
Andreas Athanasiou: 28G/20A/48P
Thomas Vanek: 16G/20A/36P
Leaders
Top Point Getter: Dylan Larkin: 63P
Goal Leader: Andreas Athanasiou: 28G
Assists Leader: Dylan Larkin: 36A
Goalies
Jimmy Howard: 20-20-5, .908 SV%, 3.02 GAA
Jonathan Bernier: 7-18-5, .900 SV%, 3.27 GAA
Know Your Enemy
Scorers
Brent Burns: 13G/64A/77P
Tomas Hertl: 32G/32A/64P
Logan Couture: 26G/38A/64P
Leaders
Top Point Getter: Brent Burns: 77P
Goal Leader: Joe Pavelski: 37G
Assists Leader: Brent Burns: 64A
Goalies
Martin Jones: 34-16-5, .898 SV%, 2.91 GAA
Aaron Dell: 9-7-4, .887 SV%, 3.14 GAA
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Overview:
The Detroit Red Wings did San Jose a massive favor on Saturday night by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights, albeit in overtime. San Jose currently has a five-point lead on Vegas for second in the Pacific Division. Ahead of San Jose are the Calgary Flames, who are enjoying a six-point cushion on the Sharks. San Jose needs to win this game if they have any hopes of catching Calgary for first in the division.
Despite some fans’ desires, the Red Wings are not outright tanking. This should be considered a good thing, considering it’s the play of key young players like Andreas Athanasiou and (most recently) Anthony Mantha that is propelling the team to victories. Winning is a culture, and it’s incredibly hard to get it back once you commit to tanking, right Edmonton?
The Sharks have the worst goaltending numbers among teams in the playoff conversation. Whether it’s Martin Jones or Aaron Dell, the plan for the Red Wings should be to test them and test them often. The Red Wings seem to have a good chemistry going throughout their lineup, but San Jose boasts a balanced and deep attack. This shouldn’t be a dull game; expect plenty of chances going both ways, with the opportunity for a high-scoring affair.
A home game for San Jose means a late game for fans in Michigan. So take an evening nap, buy your six-pack of Oberon, and do whatever else you have to do to get prepped for tonight’s game.
Players of Intrigue:
Gustav Nyquist: Bring out your “14” jerseys because tonight is Detroit’s first time encountering their former teammate. Given how former Red Wing Tomas Tatar has developed a tendency of lighting the Red Wings up, expect “Goose” to have a good showing. He is currently slated to play alongside center Tomas Hertl and breakout winger Timo Meier.
Anthony Mantha: After scoring two against the Golden Knights on Saturday, expect the streaky winger to get some chances in tonight’s game. He leads Detroit with a CF% of 58.99 (per corsica.com)
Taro Hirose: When a 22-year-old college-signee posts three points in his first three games, the fan-base of a rebuilding team gets something to be excited about. Keep an eye on Hirose again tonight.
Prediction: San Jose 4 Detroit 2
Nyquist scores the game-winner.
