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Sharks back on track after rare losing streak

Dec 27, 2008 - 11:33 AM San Jose (27-4-3) at St. Louis (13-18-3) 8:30 p.m. EST

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Consecutive losses have done little to slow the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks go for their third straight win on Saturday when they visit the St. Louis Blues.

San Jose has been the most impressive team in the NHL, storming to one of the best starts in hockey history.

But, the Sharks hit a slight road block on December 17 and 18, dropping back-to-back contests to the Columbus Blue Jackets and defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, suffering two losses in a row for only the second time this campaign.

After bouncing back with a 3-2 victory against the New York Rangers last Saturday, the Sharks affirmed their dominance by throttling the Vancouver Canucks, 5-0, on Tuesday.

The win against the Canucks pushed San Jose's record at HP Pavilion to 18-0-2 in 2008-09. The Sharks have gone 29 straight contests over two seasons without a regulation defeat on home ice - the fourth-longest such streak in NHL history.

Despite playing on the road, the Sharks should have no problem with the Blues, who have been outscored, 10-4, en route to consecutive setbacks against the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings.

St. Louis is 1-7-0 in its last eight. The drought includes a 5-4 loss to the Sharks on December 13.