The Senators have been on an absolute tear in the month of January, going 7-1-1 in the month and getting excellent play from up and down their lineup. As we mentioned this morning, Milan Michalek has had an excellent season thus far, posting 23 goals in 43 games. He along with Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfreddson, Nick Foligno, Erik Karlsson, and Sergei Gonchar should post a good test for the Sharks tonight in a game that looks far more intriguing than it did when the schedule was released this past summer.

Some other notes to tide you over before puck drop:

• Craig Anderson versus Antti Niemi tonight for their respective teams.
• Andrew Desjardins passed his concussion tests and will be in the lineup tonight.
• Antero Niitymaki was assigned to Worcester today for a conditioning assignment and is expected to start both of Worcester's games this weekend. Considering Niittymaki's public concerns about the lack of game action, the Sharks abundance of goaltenders, and what we're assuming is a desire to clear both payroll and cap space for the stretch run, this move should obviously be considered a precursor to a trade.
• Kevin Kurz looks at the opportunity San Jose's young forwards are receiving this season.
• Silver Seven Sens sees opportunity for Bobby Butler to shoot more.

Puck drops at 7:37 PM.