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The San Jose Sharks swim in for the final home game against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Sharks have already punched their playoff ticket whereas the Coyotes have to gain one point in their last two games, or have the Dallas Stars lose one point in their last two games.
The stakes couldn't be higher. The Sharks have sniffed blood in the water and have just taken it to their opponents and the Coyotes had their opportunities to come together and do the same.
What will happen? Will it come down to the final game, or can the Coyotes ensure that they return to the post-season for the second consecutive year?
The San Jose Sharks have looked to be unstoppable running an incredible 8-1-1 proving their critics wrong that they were not ready for another visit to the post-season. During this stretch, the Sharks have outscored the opposition 45 - 24 and proving themselves worthy of their second seed in the Western Conference. They rank 2nd in the NHL with their power play and Antti Niemi has given them the backstopping brilliance that they have needed with this stretch run.
The Phoenix Coyotes have looked like they have all season. Whether it's due to injury or outside influences, the Coyotes have not forcibly shut the door when they needed to, letting a point escape here and there with some bad breaks along the way. Within their last 10, they have gone 6-2-2 with the last three consecutive games going to the shootout, losing the last two to the skills competition against the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.
With their last home game of the season, the Coyotes need to place its exclamation point that their arena will be a tough place to play and pick up the victory they most desperately need.
Five for Winning
- Win and They're In
- Win and They're In
- Win and They're In
- Win and They're In
- Win and They're In
Projected Goaltenders
Key Players
Injuries