Schneider had been the backup for Keith Kinkaid the previous four games; it will be his first time in goal since making 21 saves in a 3-2 loss against the Winnipeg Jets on March 8. The Devils, who have gone 3-1-0 to start a six-game road trip, hold the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. They're three points ahead of the Florida Panthers, and three points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first wild card. The Sharks are going for their fifth straight win. They are second in the Pacific Division, three points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.
Players to watch
Devils forward Taylor Hall has three points (one goal, two assists) in his past five games after he had 38 points (18 goals, 20 assists) in his previous 26 games, with at least a point in each. Sharks forward Tomas Hertl has seven points (four goals, three assists) in his past three games.
They said it
"Eager to play again and just compete and try to get two points here. It's been a little while, but Keith [Kinkaid] played great that last little stretch here and got us some big wins." -- Devils goaltender Cory Schneider "They're fighting for their playoff lives, just like we're fighting for playoffs right now. Both teams are going to be desperate." -- Sharks forward Chris Tierney
Bratt will return to the lineup in place of Wood after being scratched against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. … Thornton, who will miss his 26th straight game, resumed skating last week. Vlasic (upper body) and Karlsson (lower body) left the 5-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday because of injuries but will be in the lineup.
Stat pack
Vatanen has 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in his past 15 games. … Kane has 10 points (five goals, five assists) in nine games since being acquired by the Sharks in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 26.
