Opinion
3 min read

Sharks Circle Prey: San Jose to Host Nashville Predators in a Clash at the SAP Center

In the world of professional hockey, momentum can be as elusive as it is powerful. The San Jose Sharks, who are set to host the Nashville Predators at the SAP Center, know this all too well. After their recent performances, fans have every reason to believe that their team is on an upswing that could very well continue against their upcoming opponents.


Oct 21, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) takes shot on goal against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

The Sharks' last outing on home ice was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. Against the Seattle Kraken on January 31st, they turned a goalless two periods into a thrilling victory by netting two goals in the third period while keeping their own slate clean—a shutout win that showcased both offensive ingenuity and defensive solidity.


This kind of late-game surge isn't just about stamina; it's about mental fortitude. The Sharks demonstrated they have what it takes to break through even when things aren't going their way initially. Their goaltending was particularly impressive with 32 saves out of 32 shots—an impeccable performance that will surely boost confidence heading into the next game.


Oct 21, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) blocks the shot of San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

However, one cannot overlook some areas for improvement. The powerplay opportunities were not capitalized upon as effectively as one would hope—something that will need addressing if they are to overcome teams like Nashville who are known for being disciplined in penalty situations.


On February 1st against Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center, despite showing promise with an early lead and solid hits count (27), San Jose struggled with faceoffs (winning only 46 percent) and had a shooting percentage of just seven percent—numbers that won’t typically translate into wins. Moreover, giving away seven penalties indicated lapses in discipline which could be fatal against more opportunistic teams.


Oct 21, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Yakov Trenin (13) skates against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

The Predators will come into this game aware of these weaknesses and looking to exploit them. They possess players capable of turning any powerplay chance into a goal and won't hesitate to take advantage if given space or numerical advantages due to penalties.


But let's not forget—the Sharks have shown tenacity when backed into a corner before; there’s no reason why they can’t do so again come game day. With sharpened strategies for faceoffs and powerplays combined with maintaining strong defense led by stellar goaltending performances seen recently—they stand more than just a fighting chance; they could dominate proceedings entirely.


Fans should mark their calendars for February 24th when these two teams collide under the bright lights of SAP Center at San Jose at 7:00 PM local time (PST). It promises to be an encounter filled with strategic battles and high-octane hockey action which can be caught live on ESPN+ nationally or NBCS-CA channel 698 locally for those cheering from home or BSSO channel 646-1 if following from afar.

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