1.) Tonight’s match-up marks the fourth of six contests this season between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars. The first meeting turned into a goaltender duel between Marty Turco and the Sharks’ Brian Boucher on Nov. 8. The Sharks were able to score on a fluke play with less than a minute left in the game to win it, 2-1. The second meeting took place Nov. 28 in Dallas as San Jose left American Airlines Center with a 6-2 win. The Stars were again defeated Dec. 29 at American Airlines Center, 3-1.
2.) While the Stars did not beat the Blackhawks on the scoreboard Saturday, Feb. 21, they did beat them physically. Dallas was credited with 51 hits in the club’s last game, 30 more than Chicago recorded. Leading the way for the Stars was defensemen Stephane Robidas who accrued seven hits on the night. Dallas made its presence felt on the ice and made the Blackhawks pay for the win.
3.) Steve Ott has become a scoring force for the Stars this season. After missing 11 games with a broken hand, Ott has scored 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 27 games. He has already broken season highs in goals (12) and points (26) in only 41 games played this season. The 26-year-old has recently been named an alternate captain for the team with Brad Richards missing significant time with an injury.
4.) Trevor Daley has recorded assists in four-straight games going into tonight’s contest with San Jose. The defenseman has been able to contribute offensively and will see more time on the power play while Brad Richards is out with a broken wrist. Daley has recorded six goals and 17 assists for 23 points this season and is one point away from tying his season-high points total, set last season. He is one of five Dallas players to play in all 58 games so far this season.
5.) One to watch for: Patrick Marleau, the San Jose Sharks captain, has been a goal-scoring machine this season. Marleau has scored a team-leading 33 goals this season through 57 games. He also leads the team with nine game-winning goals, four short-handed goals, 194 shots and a +25 rating. The 2009 All-Star has elevated his game this season and has the Sharks in first in the Western Conference with 89 points. Marleau is currently on pace to break the 90 point mark this season and is putting together one of the best seasons of his young career. Against the Stars the center has recorded 16 goals and 21 assists for 27 points in 60 career games.
