Game 30 preview: San Jose Sharks @ Ottawa Senators

After losing back-to-back games this weekend, the Senators are back at home playing host to the San Jose Sharks. The teams last met just a week ago, where a late Chris Kelly goal gave the Sens the lead before Jean-Gabriel Pageau sealed the 4-2 victory with an empty net goal.

Ottawa is currently holding on to a second place tie with Boston in the Atlantic Division but have played one less game.

The San Jose Sharks may be coming into town a bit tired today, coming off a 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Expect the Sens to try and take advantage of that early in the game.

Mike Condon (4-3-1) is the confirmed Senators starter for Wednesday. At the other end, rookie Aaron Dell (3-1-0) may get the start for the Sharks after Martin Jones played last night.

Based on the morning skate, here are the expected lines for tonight:

Hoffman - Brassard - Stone
Dzingel - Turris - Ryan
Smith - Pageau - Pyatt
Kelly - Lazar - Neil

Methot - Karlsson
Phaneuf - Ceci
Harpur - Wideman

Condon (starter)
Hammond

Some notes for tonight:

• In 38 career games against the Sharks, Bobby Ryan has picked up 32 points, the most he has recorded against any one team.
• When scoring first, the Sens have a record of 7-1-1. At the other end of the rink, the Sharks have a record of 12-4-0 when scoring first. Needless to say, the first goal will be key in tonight's game.
• Mike Condon was great when the teams last met, stealing a 4-2 Senators victory as they were outshot 37-17.
• The Sens have won their last five games against the Sharks and are looking to stretch that streak to six games tonight.
• Chris Neil will be suiting up for his 1002nd game tonight and his first home game since hitting the 1000-game milestone. The Sens will honour him before tonight's game with the Silver Stick ceremony to commemorate the occasion. Congratulations Chris!
• After failing to pick up points in back-to-back games this weekend, Erik Karlsson will look to get back on the scoresheet tonight. He has not gone more than two games in a row without recording a point so far this season.
• Erik Karlsson is first among defencemen with 27 points this season. He is closely trailed by Brent Burns with 26 points.
• Mr. Takeaway, Mark Stone, continues to lead the league with 34 takeaways this season, three more than second-place Jeff Skinner.

Here are some stats for the two teams tonight from NHL.com