San Jose at Dallas

What can you say about the Stars? They showed signs of strength in the regular season. As a result, we backed them several times in their first series vs. Anaheim. They dispensed of the Ducks, winning as a big dog several times. They have since go on to hand the Sharks two straight losses. This team is on a mission. They now return home where they are 25-19 on the season. In the playoffs they are holding opponents to 2.1 goals per game while San Jose is allowing 2.8. The Sharks are just 4-5 in the playoffs now, scoring less than they are giving up. They are now just 5-13 in late season play the past two seasons vs. very good defensive teams (those allowing under 27 shots on goal). This season they are 1-8 vs. teams that allow under 27 shots per game and 15% or lower power play conversion. Dallas is 24-16 vs. winning teams including 16-8 in their last 24. They have also gone 14-8 vs. teams allowing under 2.6 goals per game. The Sharks are 16-18 vs. division foes this year and we think they are in trouble here. We'll back the Stars for the home win.