The Sharks have lost a season-high six straight games, but can clinch a playoff berth with a victory against the Rangers in regulation or overtime. The Sharks can also clinch if they defeat the Rangers in a shootout and the Los Angeles Kings either lose to the Edmonton Oilers in any fashion or defeat the Oilers in a shootout; if they get one point against the Rangers and the Kings lose to the Oilers in any fashion; or if the Kings lose to the Oilers in regulation. San Jose (91 points) is tied with the Oilers for second place in the Pacific Division, two points behind the Anaheim Ducks. "We're going to be a playoff team," coach Peter DeBoer said. "I want our game in the right place heading into the playoffs. Whatever seed we end up, whoever we draw in the first round, you get to those 16 teams that are in, there are no easy matchups, and there's no preferred matchups." The Sharks will be without second-line center Logan Couture, who was hit in the mouth by a deflected puck late in the second period against Nashville on Saturday and lost several teeth. "I don't have a time frame for when he'll be back, but I'm confident he's going to be back," DeBoer said. Patrick Marleau likely will center the second line. Martin Jones is expected to make his 60th start.
