The San Jose Sharks are returning home after a seven game road trip that have kept them away from California since Nov 8. They will host the Florida Panthers who have struggled away from home recently, and I think their road woes will continue tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Special Teams - The Sharks power play was really sharp in the beginning of the season but they've not been as prolific as of late. They're still among the better teams though, and things could turn around again tonight as they'll face the Panthers penalty kill that is ranking near the bottom of the league, giving up a goal on close to a quarter of their penalties.

2. Road Woes - The Panthers have lost four of their last five on the road and was the second worst road team last season winning only 13 games outside of Florida. San Jose on the other hand was the second best home team in the league last season and are looking forward to a six game homestand.

3. X-factor - Joe Thornton is leading the Sharks with 19 points and has four goals and four assists over his last seven games.

Selection: This is a play on the San Jose Sharks -1.5 (6*)