The Panthers, who are 2-6-1 in their past nine after winning six in a row, are four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for third place in the Atlantic Division. They trail the Philadelphia Flyers by five points for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. The Sharks have won four of their past five games but will be without four of their six leading scorers; defenseman Erik Karlsson (broken thumb), and forwards Tomas Hertl (knee), Logan Couture (fractured ankle) and Evander Kane (suspended).
Players to watch
Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau has scored in each of his past two games. Sharks defenseman Brent Burns has a five-game point streak (two goals, four assists).
They said it
"We've got to start winning some games. We're so close. I think we're just slipping away since the All-Star break." -- Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau "We just had a really good road trip, so things are starting to look really good. We just have a lot of work left to do here." - Sharks forward Patrick Marleau
Yandle (855) and Marleau (842) look to extend the fourth- and fifth-longest NHL consecutive game streaks. … Kane will serve the second of a three-game suspension for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk on Feb. 14. … Karlsson will have surgery this week.
Stat pack
Marleau needs one goal to pass Mike Modano (561) for 25th place on the NHL all-time list. … Ekblad has an assist in each of his past two games. … Melker Karlsson (two goals, no assists) and Gambrell (one goal, one assist) are seeking three-game point streaks.
