The Sharks have won both games since losing the services of Tomas Hertl, but they know they are tempting fate already playing without fellow top-six forward Joe Thornton.
That's why San Jose hopes to have their versatile 24-year-old power forward back in the lineup soon. The Sharks placed Hertl on Injured Reserve on Monday, but if it's retroactive to when he sustained the injury - and he feels up to it - he could return as soon as Tuesday when the team opens a pivotal four-game trip in St. Louis.
Hertl has been just that important to the team this season.
"He's become a very valuable player for us," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said.
Hertl has emerged to not only fill a portion of the scoring void created with the offseason departure of Patrick Marleau, but he's developed into one of the most versatile forwards on the team.
Inside the Cage: Waiting on Return of Versatile Hertl
Hertl Has Earned Coaches Trust, Averaging a Career-High 18:14 TOI Per Game