The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks meet up for the second of three meetings this season. Detroit won the first matchup in a shootout in late February. Both teams are beginning to put together strong win streaks after convincing wins against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Red Wings are having success due to their ability to figure out the power play. Detroit has scored on the power play in six consecutive games road games after starting the season going 0-for-37 on the power play away from home. Head coach Mike Babcock said he recognizes the team struggled at the start of the season but notes that it just took some time for the roster to start working together. The Red Wings are currently in the fifth spot in the Western Conference and three spots ahead of the Sharks who are tied for seventh. A win against San Jose could move them within distance of the fourth place spot and win them a better playoff matchup.
The Red Wings recent power play success will be put to the test against one of the best penalty killing units in the NHL. The Sharks kill 86.6 percent of their opponent's opportunities. They perform even better at home, killing off 91.7 percent. The Sharks like to start quick in their games, outscoring opponents 29-17 in the first period. If they can get jump on Detroit early, they stand a better shot at winning. The Sharks' Logan Couture has had recent success against Detroit, racking up 10 points in his 10 career games against the Red Wings. Joe Thornton has 16 points over his last 11 games against the team.
Detroit will still be without defenseman Kyle Quincey who suffered a fractured cheekbone. San Jose will be missing backup goalie Thomas Greiss who has an injured neck.
