The Nashville Predators end their three game tour through California tonight as they face the reigning Western Conference Champions, the San Jose Sharks. Building off of their success from last season, the Sharks are in first in the Pacific Division and heavy favorites to retain that pole position come the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Predators have been backsliding recently and, although they are still currently third in the Central Division, they are not inspiring confidence in anyone watching them. In the midst of a four game losing streak, the Predators are now tasked with getting back on track against one of the best teams in the NHL, not to mention a team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season.