The Blues are 13th in the West, but have won three of their last five games, including a convincing 3-0 victory over conference leader Colorado. The team has picked up some momentum and is extremely disciplined at home, allowing an average of less than two goals per game in recent home games.
San Jose is in a deep crisis, having lost five games in a row by a combined 11-27 margin, three of which were blowouts. The team's defense is catastrophic, allowing 249 goals this season, the second-worst in the conference. San Jose is barely scoring points on the road, and its morale after a string of losses leaves much to be desired.
Considering the enormous disparity in their current form, skill level, and tournament motivation, St. Louis must at the very least avoid defeat. The hosts need points to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the visitors have already lost all tournament goals. Even if the Blues can't convert all their chances, their defensive structure on home ice is capable of neutralizing the Sharks' weak attack. A convincing victory by 2-3 goals is most likely.
