5 KEYS TO THE GAME

The Sharks have warmed up of late heading into tonight’s game against the Canucks, writes

1. THE PENALTY KILL IS UNDERWATER

Over the past five games, the Canucks’ penalty kill has totally nosedived. The Canucks need to get it fixed and quick. They’re so close to the playoff edge as it is that they can’t afford to be giving away games because their special teams are no good.

2. SHUTTING DOWN THE SHOOTERS

The Canucks have bled shots against and they’ve bled scoring chances too. Has the opposition figured out what the Canucks were doing so well? Another thing the Canucks need to sort out or this playoff dream will die quickly.

3. GET GREAT GOALTENDING

Jacob Markstrom didn’t get a whole lot of help on Thursday against the Ducks in Anaheim. He’s been mostly great this season, so it’s hard to hang that one on him. You’ve heard it before: the Canucks need him to keep standing tall, no matter what.

4. SAN JOSE LOVES THE ROYAL ROAD

Few teams get shots from along the Royal Road — an imaginary line that runs on through dead centre of the goal out through the slot — like the Sharks. That’s odd since the best shots come from passes across this line because the goalie has to move.

5. SHARKS ARE THE LEAGUE’S BEST DEFENSIVE UNIT

A look at a shot map will tell you why: the Sharks don’t give away much in their own end. They yield few shots and those shots against aren’t very good either.