The record doesn't reflect it, but the Sharks have been playing much better. They are 2-5 in their last seven games. However, four of those five losses were by one goal, three of which occurred in shootouts. The other one-goal loss during this span came against the Lightning when Tampa Bay scored the game-winner during the final minute. San Jose's other defeat in this time frame was by two goals on an empty-netter with 19 seconds left.

The Sharks should enter this matchup with a lot of confidence after upsetting the Stars on the road, 5-4, on Friday.

This isn't a good situational spot for the Wild. They return to Minnesota following three games in four days on the West Coast. Their trip concluded late Friday night when they nipped the Kraken, 1-0. The Wild's offense has been in a funk. They've scored five goals in their last four games with four coming against the Ducks two games ago.

San Jose is weak defensively, but averaging 3.8 goals in its last six games. Minnesota is 3-8 the past 11 times when playing on one day's rest.