More photos » Jeff Chiu - AP

5 months ago: Phoenix Coyotes left wing Lauri Korpikoski (29), from Finland, scores past San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov (20), from Russia, during the shootout of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. The Coyotes won, 1-0 in a shootout. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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It's a lazy Saturday here in the Mercer household, so here's your slapdash preview of the Coyotes vs. Sharks game for tonight...

Battle of the Russian Olympic Team Goalies
As with the previous meeting between these two teams, I'm expecting a solid goalie battle between the two. Last time out neither goalie surrendered a goal and it ended up going to the shootout. Phoenix won on a Lauri Korpikoski shot to make it 1-0 after the contest. When these two teams match up the result is usually pretty epic.

Shut Down the Top Guys
Sounds basic, but Thornton, Heatley and Marleau can't be the ones to beat us. Make the SHarks find another hero for the night. 

The First Line Needs to Find the Net
Shane Doan and Robert Lang have done everything but score over the last stretch. Both have been robbed by some amazing saves on great chances or hit posts. THey both just need to find some luck soon.

NO OVERTIME POINTS!
Getting really tired of the Pacific Division getting the loser point. San Jose has 7 OTLs this year as do the Kings. the Stars have 9! Don't get me wrong, if we're trailing late and and end up with one then great, but we can't keep letting opponents get them.

PK Still Perfect Over Last 6
We may have lost in Los Angeles, but we still kept them from scoring on the Power Play. Over the last 6 games the Coyotes have kept the opposition from scoring on 21 chances. Can't ask much more from the Penalty Killers.

Key Players

Ilya Bryzgalov

#30 / Goalie / Phoenix Coyotes

Height: 6-3

Weight: 199

Born: Jun 22, 1980

Evgeni Nabokov

#20 / Goalie / San Jose Sharks

Height: 6-0

Weight: 200

Born: Jul 25, 1975

These are the guys the game is going to come down to. It's as simple as that. The teams in front of them have been good, but they win or lose on the backs of these guys.

The Owie List