As the San Jose Sharks prepare to host the St. Louis Blues, fans are looking forward to what promises to be a gripping encounter at the SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks have been showing signs of a team that's finding its groove, and their recent performance against the Blues on March 31st is a testament to their potential.

Nov 16, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Ty Emberson (6) skates with the puck against St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

In that game, the Sharks displayed an impressive defensive prowess, shutting out their opponents with a commanding 4-0 victory. Their goaltender was particularly stellar, saving all 35 shots and contributing significantly to the win. The team's even-strength play was remarkable as well; they scored all four goals during even-strength situations and had an overall shooting percentage of 20 percent.

The faceoff circle did present some challenges for SJ, winning only 39 percent of faceoffs. However, they made up for this with tenacity in other areas – registering 26 hits and blocking 19 shots which showcased their physical presence on ice.

Nov 16, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Mike Hoffman (68) skates on the ice against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

On the flip side, STL struggled in their last encounter with SJ. Despite winning more faceoffs (61 percent), they couldn't convert possession into points and ended up not scoring any goals from their total of 35 shots – highlighting issues in offense that they must address before facing SJ again.

However, it would be unwise for SJ fans to expect another shutout victory so easily; hockey is unpredictable by nature. The previous game between these two teams saw STL faltering but they will undoubtedly come seeking redemption.

Nov 16, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (72) shoots the puck and scores a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back further into SJ’s performance reveals some inconsistencies though; just days before shutting out STL, they faced off against Minnesota Wild on March 29th where they lost narrowly with a scoreline of 3-1 despite putting up more shots than in their victorious effort against STL (27 vs. 20). This suggests that while defense has been solidified recently for SJ, offensive consistency remains an area needing improvement if victories are expected regularly.

Moreover, when facing Dallas Stars on March 27th at home ground SAP Center at San Jose itself – where our upcoming game will also take place – SJ managed three goals but ultimately succumbed to Dallas’ aggressive offense which netted six times past them despite both teams having similar shot counts (SJ had twenty while Dallas had forty-one).

With these past performances in mind heading into this next match-up against STL who will be eager not repeat past mistakes - it becomes clear that while defense may hold strong for SJ once again especially given recent form - success hinges upon whether or not offensive efforts can be sustained throughout all periods without lapses like those seen against Minnesota Wild or Dallas Stars previously this season.

Fans eagerly anticipating this clash should mark down April 6th on their calendars when these two teams meet again at SAP Center at San Jose starting from around nine o'clock PM PT time zone evening hours local time thereabouts; viewers can catch live action via ESPN+ online streaming platform as well as NBCS-CA and BSMW television networks depending upon location preferences respectively ensuring no one misses out witnessing potentially another thrilling chapter unfold between San Jose Sharks versus St Louis Blues rivalry saga continuing onwards!

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