Sharks at Blues preview: Will the Blues extend their streak?

The Blues have been on fire recently, ending the Blue Jackets’ 10 game win streak and extending their own streak to five games. This has helped them keep pace in the Wild Card hunt, now sitting just one point out with two games in hand on the Kings and one in hand on the Avalanche. Every win matters, and they know it.

It wouldn’t hurt to bring up the fact that four of their next seven games are against teams in a playoff spot - and two of the three that aren’t are against the Blackhawks. There’s also a season finale against the Avalanche. It sure would be nice to not have that game decide the fate of the team’s entire season, wouldn’t it?

Of course, tonight’s game won’t be easy. The Sharks are in a firm second in the Pacific Division, and have beaten the Blues twice this year. They’re 9-2-0 this month (with an eight game winning streak on the line) - but the Blues are 7-2-0 this month. These are two teams who are playing very, very well right now.

Carter Hutton has been cleared for play, but don’t expect to see him in net tonight. Jake Allen has been playing tremendously well in his traditional March Rebound that seems to happen every season after his Languishing January and February Malaise. Scottie Upshall is also available to return tonight, but won’t because Yeo doesn’t want to mess with the lineup. Can’t say that I blame him.

The Sharks had to go to a shootout to beat the Blackhawks last night. Let’s hope they’re tired.