1* free play on the SJS..

The Calgary Flames are coming straight from a 3-2 defeat at Anaheim last night and a win wont come easy tonight either as they're staying in California to take on the San Jose Sharks. The home team is looking to turn their luck around after two consecutive shootout losses, and facing the Flames could be just what the doctor ordered as Calgary has struggled big time in corresponding match-ups over recent seasons.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Special Teams - The Flames have allowed a goal on three of their last seven penalties and only the Flyers have a worse penalty kill for the season. That could spell trouble against San Jose who is 3-for-11 on the power play over its last three games and is showing the fourth most effective power play in the NHL this season.

2. Road Woes - The home team has been favored in recent meetings between the two teams, with the hosts winning six of the last seven meetings. The home ice advantage is particularly evident for the Sharks as they've won seven of the last eight meetings at the Shark Tank.

3. X-Factor - Antti Niemi is 12-2-1 with a 2.18 GAA against the Flames, only allowing seven goals over the last four match-ups.

Selection: This is a play on the San Jose Sharks (Free)