Both clubs were in action yesterday as the San Jose Sharks won 3-2 in a shootout at Philadelphia to record a second consecutive win, while the Pittsburgh Penguins snapped a two game skid winning 3-2 against Arizona here in Pennsylvania. The Sharks have been on the road for quite some time now, and I like the price we get on the home team to equalize the season series tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Motivational/Situational - The Sharks won the first meeting of the season 2-1 in a shootout on home-ice earlier this month. Now they're playing the last game of a seven game road trek and one must wonder how much power do they have left, especially considering they're all but out of contention of making the playoffs already. Pittsburgh's motivation on the other hand is unquestionable as its coming in with revenge on its mind and is jostling with the Islanders and the Caps for second place in the Metropolitan Division behind the outstanding Rangers.

2. Injuries - The Penguins top scorer Evegni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist, third on the team for goals, were both back in the line-up yesterday as the duo has recovered from injuries. The Sharks are not quite as fortunate and are struggling particularly on the blue line with Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Mirco Mueller definitely out and Scott Hannan's participation in jeopardy after he left Saturday's game with a bloodied face.

3. X-Factor - Sidney Crosby is leading the NHL for points with his 78 on the season. He has 20 points over his last 14 games and was involved in each of the Pens goals last night tallying one goal and assisting two.

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Penguins