SHARKS (28-14-7) at LIGHTNING (36-10-2) 7 p.m.; SUN, NBCSCA, NHL.TV
The Lightning, with the best record in the NHL, are 11-3-0 in their past 14 games and 19-3-1 in their past 23 and have scored at least four goals in 12 of their past 18 games. The Sharks eye their eighth win in nine games; they're 7-1-0 in their past eight, 14-3-2 in their past 19 and have scored at least four goals in eight of their past 11 games. Goalie Martin Jones will try to win his ninth straight start for San Jose; he has a 2.25 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in his past eight starts, each a victory.
Players to watch
Sharks center Tomas Hertl has eight points (five goals, three assists) in his past six games. Lightning center Steven Stamkos has seven points (one goal, six assists) in a five-game point streak and 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in his past 18 games.
They said it
"Our attention to detail and our goalies have been good. They go hand in hand. When our attention is good [the defense] is giving up less and the goalies feel more confident and they are making big saves when there is a breakdown." -- Sharks coach Peter DeBoer "This is a big game for us, especially after last time out in California. We're really excited, this should be an easy game to get up for. We know we've just got to lay it out there for 60 minutes and we've got 10 days off." -- Lightning forward J.T. Miller on Tampa Bay's 10-day break following the game
Johnson did not practice Friday or participate in the optional morning skate. … Vlasic practiced Friday but will not be in the lineup.
Stat pack
Point has nine points (six goals, three assists) in his past six games. … Kucherov has one assist in his past three games after having 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in his previous 16. … Burns has 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in his past 11 games. … Erik Karlsson has 27 points (one goal, 26 assists) in his past 18 games.
