BLUESThe St. Louis Blues are facing as much adversity as they've seen in years with their losing streak reaching eight games on Tuesday night in Philadephia.
"There's no question that guys are working - it's not always good enough," Ryan O'Reilly said candidly after the game. "I know for myself, it's not good enough... It's frustrating."
The Blues have a great opportunity, however, on Thursday to begin righting the ship. The San Jose Sharks, whom the Blues host for a one-game homestand, are No. 29 in the NHL point standings as of Wednesday afternoon.
Facing another team low in the standings will be crucial for the Blues, as their short-term schedule does not do them any favors. There are no easy nights in the League, but the Blues face two strong Western Conference contenders on the road in Vegas and Colorado following Thursday's game.
Head Coach Craig Berube notes: "You gotta play real good hockey to get out of this, and you gotta do it together."
SHARKSThe San Jose Sharks have caught some unlucky bounces as of late, losing a series of close games last week. Falling twice to the Anaheim Ducks and once to the Florida Panthers, all three games ended in shootout losses for San Jose.
With two of their three wins also coming after the regulation buzzer, the Sharks already have a wide breadth of experience playing close games this season.
Veteran defenseman Brent Burns' departure to the Carolina Hurricanes via trade this offseason has proven difficult, but the Sharks hope that more blue line touches for Erik Karlsson and a new Head Coach in David Quinn can get San Jose back towards Playoff contention.
25-year-old forward Timo Meier, who broke out last season for career highs in goals (35), assists (41) and points (76), is looking continue his development and turn the tide on some of these recent close losses.
The Sharks bring a 3-8-3 record to Enterprise Center, their first of a four-game road trip after six in a row at home.
HEAD-TO-HEADThe Blues got the better of the Sharks last season, going a perfect 3-0-0 with a 12-5 total goal differential. Since defeating San Jose in the 2019 Western Conference Final, the Blues are 10-1-2 against the Sharks.
