The Detroit Red Wings are coming to town, and it's always a big thing for San Jose Sharks fans. They're generally a team that beats up on San Jose in the regular season, and a frequent opponent to be feared in the playoffs, but things took a turn last season. The Sharks didn't quite get the wins they were looking for, but they did break a regular season losing streak by beating the Red Wings in Detroit in February, before beating the Wings in five games to eliminate them from the playoffs in the second round.
There has never been a sweeter day for the Sharks. Still, the Sharks can't get too high on themselves right now. Things are looking less-than-stellar for them at the moment, but a win over the Oilers may have set the course for bigger and better things. They can snap a two-game winning streak at HP Pavilion for the Red Wings.
It will be a tall task for the Sharks, as the Red Wings currently lead the Western Conference, with wins in seven of their last nine. Jimmy Howard is playing well, Pavel Datsyuk is as dangerously potent as ever, Nilas Kronwall and Darren Helm scored within 14 seconds of eachother in their last outing. It's a dangerous team.
The Sharks are riding something not totally unlike momentum. They have disappointed thus far this season, but are winners in two of their last three, with their first home win in over a month coming against the Edmonton Oilers in their last outing. Dany Heatley has two goals with an assist, and Joe Pavelski had a score of his own. Benn Ferriero notched one as well in the win.
Niclas Walin and Kent Huskins fell to injury though, joining Jason Demers. Antero Niittymaki got the win with 22 saves. Niittymaki should be in goal tonight for San Jose.