@ 5:00 PST
43-14-10, 96 points		30-29-8, 68 points
1st in Western Conference		13th in Western Conference

Following a porous end to the game yesterday against the Florida Panthers, which saw one of the most lifeless forty minute performances San Jose has turned in all year, the Sharks get a chance to get back on the horse and do something special today.

Bury the Ducks playoff hopes.

Make no mistake– Anaheim’s season is likely over already, with Detroit and Calgary making a strong push towards the final two spots in the West. But for an organization (San Jose that is) that was embarrassed last season by Anaheim in the playoffs, tonight deserves some recognition. There is an opportunity to go undefeated against the Ducks since the April Aspyhxiation*, and truly make a stamp on the season. It is one of those moments that will stick with me for a long time if it occurs, no matter how insignificant it may be in the standings column.

*Disclosure: I hate the “choke” label as much as the next guy, but the alliteration there was too much fun to pass up.

At any rate, daylight savings really threw a wrench in my gameday plans today, and with final exams approaching, I don’t have enough time to wax poetic as I would like. If you’re in the mood for some reading material however, this article from earlier in the year is a great one. If I hadn’t written it then I would have written it today, and I think it holds up quite well– hell, it will likely be relevant even two years from now when it comes to Anaheim.

Also, big ups to Ryane Clowe for being just about the only Shark out there yesterday who looked like he had a pulse. I have definitely extended a fair share of complaints his way throughout the season, and it’s only right to acknowledge when he has a great game. Keep it up #29.

Prediction: Sharks win 4-2. Goals by Marleau, Setoguchi, Pavelski, and Thornton. The big guns show up and drive a stake through the heart of a past playoff ghost.

Go Sharks.