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The Sharks are coming off wins against the Coyotes and Leafs and are 5-2 in their last seven games. Despite a devastating loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday night, the Oilers are looking better than usual at 3-2 in their last five.
How to Tune In
It's a late one tonight as the puck drops at 8:30 PM MT on Sportsnet Oilers.
What to Watch for From the Oilers
The Oilers completely imploded in the Battle of Alberta, giving up four goals in the third period to lose 4-2 in Calgary. I expect them to come into tonight's game with a little extra motivation, hoping to forget Saturday's embarrassment to their provincial rivals.
Taylor Hall was listed as a game time decision after taking the morning skate with the rest of his team. No official word as of an hour before the game as to whether or not he'll play.
Looks good for @hallsy04 as he's on the ice practicing with @EdmontonOilers before tonight's game with SJ. pic.twitter.com/EHHbyq4aNH
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) February 2, 2015
What to Watch For From the Sharks
More from our team sites
More from our team sites
The team over at Fear the Fin is calling tonight's match-up a "trap game" for the home team:
Given San Jose's propensity for playing up or down to the level of their competition, beating a hapless Edmonton squad might prove more difficult than downing the Blackhawks or Ducks. It's no less important though as these are the kinds of gimme points the Sharks will need down the stretch.
Final Thought
A couple of thoughts on whether certain players "know how to win": Hockey players are human, which means they're affected by emotions. (1)
— Draglikepull (@draglikepull) February 3, 2015
So it seems pretty likely that players who lose a lot for a long time, like many Oilers, would become discouraged and lose enthusiasm. (2)
— Draglikepull (@draglikepull) February 3, 2015
But I'll bet that if, for example, Taylor Hall was traded to the Penguins tomorrow, he'd find that enthusiasm again. (3)
— Draglikepull (@draglikepull) February 3, 2015