First off, we're talking about a premier road team in the Sharks. San Jose had the best road mark in the league by far last season. The Sharks have won three of their last four away games beating the Capitals, Panthers and Lightning. A big factor why the Sharks are so tough is because they are mentally strong and don't beat themselves.

The Blues aren't play well enough to beat an elite team. They are 4-7 in their last 11 games and just ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the depleted Sabres at home two nights ago. The last three St. Louis' victories have come against the Sabres, Colorado and Columbus in overtime. Sorry, but I'm not impressed.

The Blues have scored two or fewer goals in eight of their last 11 games. Goalie Jake Allen isn't playing well.

The Sharks' offense has only been middle of the road, but their defense remains first-rate ranking in the top five in the major categories. San Jose is giving up an average of only one goal a game during their last four games.

This is the first meeting between the two teams since the playoffs when the Sharks eliminated the Blues outscoring them by 12 goals in six games. St. Louis has gotten worse since them.