@ 7:30 PST
40-27-14, 94 points		42-29-10, 94 points
7th in Western Conference		8th in Western Conference

Here are the playoff scenarios heading into tonight’s action:

• If Phoenix earns a single point the Sharks will play either Vancouver or St. Louis.
• If Phoenix loses in regulation and the Sharks lose they will play either Vancouver or St. Louis.
• If Phoenix loses in regulation and the Sharks win they will play either Chicago or Detroit.

San Jose will know by the time the puck drops if they can win the Pacific Division as Phoenix plays Minnesota at 5:00 PM tonight.

Maybe it’s a case of still recovering from Thursday’s wild game, seeing every news media outlet in North America cover the Ryane Clowe story, or the fact that San Jose has already clinched a playoff spot and might not control their own Pacific Division title fate depending on how Phoenix’s game goes, but tonight feels like a warmup (albeit one you’re doing as a dead sprint) at this point.

Obviously it’s a huge game and both teams will probably come out with just as much intensity as they had on Thursday (especially if the Coyotes lose). And I don’t think you can downplay the importance of finishing the season strong, especially against a Los Angeles Kings team that has frankly handed them their lunch during the last two games in just about every aspect of the game besides the scoreboard.

But with playoff opponents just hours away from being official, and our gameday from Thursday morning laying out things that are still relevant about the clubs, it’s hard to think about anything other than the playoffs.

So let’s talk about that:

• Who do you think the Sharks will end up playing in the first round? I have a feeling it’s going to be Vancouver but that’s based off nothing but sheer gut instinct.
• Who do you think the Sharks would have the most difficulty with in the first round? From most difficult to least difficult– St. Louis, Vancouver, Chicago, and then Detroit. Swap Chicago with Vancouver if Toews is healthy and Sedin is not./

Prediction: Sharks win 3-1. Goals by Pavelski, Galiardi, and Boyle.