HERE WE GO AGAIN

"Either you deal with what is the reality, or you can be sure the reality will deal with you."
                                                                                                               - Alex Haley

Sharks. Preds. Blues.

That's what's left. That's the challenge.

Last season when Marc Crawford's club went under the whip it was a five-game winning streak against non-playoff bound teams that was needed; @Ana, CBJ, home and home with COL, and then that finale @MIN.

They, as you probably know, fell a victory short.

This year it's a much different challenge, yet it's kinda the same.

Instead of facing opponents headed to a summer on the links, this season it's nothing but playoffs bound - or hopeful - clubs that the team has to conquer, and a season ending winning streak seems to be a necessity - all be it a shorter one. San Jose, @NSH and then versus Hitch's Blues is the trifecta they'll try to hit.

There are no crutches to lean on, not metaphorically nor literally. They either get it done or they're done.

True 'must win' hockey has arrived.

Saturday night was a franchise defining game for the San Jose Sharks and they played like it. Tuesday at AAC won't be as hyperbole-soaked but it will likely decide the Stars playoff aspirations.

Should be awesome.

Go Stars.