I'm not buying the Sharks as a home 'dog to the Wild just because Minnesota has won two in a row. Those two victories happen to come against the Ducks, who have the worst offense in the NHL. Minnesota is getting healthier. But the Wild are not at full strength and their players haven't had nearly enough playing time together to be fully in sync yet.
Until defeating Anaheim, 5-1, this past Saturday the Wild were averaging 1.5 goals during their last four games.
The Sharks are 2-1 in their last three games, coming off a confidence-building, 5-4, road win against the Blues from Saturday night. This is just San Jose's third home game of the season. The Sharks have played a tough schedule drawing the Blues, Avalanche and Golden Knights for seven of their 16 games.
This mark's Minnesota's fourth game in seven days. The teams split a two-game series in Minnesota earlier this season. The Sharks have defeated the Wild in six of the past eight meetings.
(Editor's note: For purchasing Stephen Nover's NHL Monday Top Ticket you receive a 30 percent discount on any of Stephen's Tuesday picks and subscriptions. Check your shopping card for your 30 percent discount available to use by Monday evening.)