Saturday, March 22, 9:30 PM on CSMA, CSCA

SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, California

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Washington could really benefit from an easier schedule down the stretch as they try to sneak into the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, but they won't get it Saturday night with a visit to the Shark Tank. The Caps shouldn't expect San Jose to lay down for them as the Sharks have an outside chance at the #1 seed in the Western Conference and even a possible Presidents Trophy.

The Capitals posted 3 straight victories over the Canucks, Maple Leafs, and Ducks as they battle with Columbus for the 8th seed. Only 1 point separates Detroit, Washington, and Columbus and each of the Capitals' 11 games are crucial down the stretch. It doesn't get any easier for the Capitals with the Kings and Bruins coming up in the next two games which makes the San Jose game even more important.

San Jose is slated to play LA in the first round as the current playoff seedings stand. It would benefit the Sharks to move up in the standings as they have an 0-3-1 record against the Kings this season. The Sharks are tied with Anaheim and would much rather have a first round matchup with Minnesota if they can move up. The Sharks are playing like it too, posting a six game win streak before dropping a game to the Panthers.

The last matchup between the two had to be settled by a shootout on January 14th. Tyler Kennedy put San Jose up in the first before Alex Ovechkin answered in the 2nd as the teams headed to OT 1-1. The shootout finally enabled San Jose bettors to collect on a -125 ticket.

ATS Trends

Washington is 13-21 straight up on the road this season

Washington is 17-15-1 against the over/under on the road this season

San Jose is 25-9 straight up at home this season

San Jose is 12-19-3 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Washington 

12/17/13 C Michael Latta Lower Body out indefinitely
03/18/14 D John Erskine Concussion questionable
03/16/14 C Brooks Laich Groin out for season
03/08/14 C Mikhail Grabovski Ankle out indefinitely
02/06/14 LW Aaron Volpatti Shoulder out indefinitely

San Jose 

12/20/13 C Tomas Hertl Knee out indefinitely
03/18/14 LW Raffi Torres Knee questionable
03/11/14 D Brad Stuart Upper Body out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take San Jose

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