Sharks vs. Hurricanes Preview: Melker Karlsson injury may force San Jose into making changes

Over the last three seasons the Carolina Hurricanes posted the 13th best score-adjusted fenwick-for percentage at 5v5 play according to corsica.hockey. So why has this team, which plays a fine possession game, not made the playoffs since 2009? In their last three season, Carolina boasts the second-worst 5v5 save percentage in the NHL.

Lest you feel sorry for the Hurricanes, remember the architect of the team’s .911 save percentage was handed a brand new contract this past offseason. Carolina should be a better team than it is, but the Canes have no one but themselves to blame for this predicament. I feel nothing.

Speaking of goalies, my hunch is that Aaron Dell will get the start for the Sharks tomorrow. Head coach Peter DeBoer didn’t commit to a goalie at today’s practice, according to Acquaintance of the Blog Curtis Pashelka, which I take to mean Dell will get the nod. Take it to Vegas.

As also noted by The AOTB, Melker Karlsson is considered day-to-day with an ankle injury. My guess is he won’t play tonight, meaning we’ll almost certainly see Micheal Haley draw into the lineup. Are the Sharks punting against one of the worst teams in a league? Perhaps the better question is, should it matter? (No)

Barring a very precedented lackadaisical showing, the Sharks should handle the ‘Canes without much fanfare. A point guarantees San Jose finishes the road trip with a point percentage above 50 percent and the squad has a very winnable game against the Arizona Coyotes at the end of this swing.

You can see the game on CSN-California at 4 p.m. PT. Go Sharks.

Game 1
	at
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4 p.m. PT
PNC Arena, Raleigh, N.C., USA
Get the Carolina perspective at Canes Country
How to Watch / Listen In San Jose
Stats and Figures
9-6-0	Record	4-6-4
2nd in Pacific	Standings	8th in Metropolitan
53.55%	Even Strength, Score-Adj. Fenwick	52.69%
97.12	PDO	97.55
19.6	PP%	19.6/td>
89.2	PK%	90.2