Sharks, Blues face off in battle of unbeatens

Kevin Allen | USA TODAY Sports

When the unbeaten San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues square off tonight (8 ET, NBC Sports Network), it might feel as if the postseason has come six months early.

"It really does feel like a playoff game," said St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

The Sharks (5-0) and Blues (4-0) are two of the three remaining undefeated NHL teams (along with the 5-0 Colorado Avalanche), and both are playing as if they are in midseason form. The Sharks have scored 24 goals and given up seven in five games, and the Blues have netted 19 and given up seven in four games.

"(The Sharks) have increased the pace of their game and they are getting really good play from their younger players melding well with their older players," said Blues general manager Doug Armstrong. "They seem to be in a good place and we believe we are in the same place."

How the teams match up:

Offense: The Sharks lead the NHL with an average of 42 shots per game, while St. Louis is seventh at 32.5. The Blues have a league-best 37.2% power play efficiency; the Sharks are 15th at 21.7%

Defense: The Blues' defensive corps, led by Alex Pietrangelo, Jay Bouwmeester and Shattenkirk, could be the league's best top to bottom. The Sharks have a less-heralded collection of defensemen, but their mobile group has been equally effective. Dan Boyle is the biggest name, but Marc-Edouard Vlasic (five points in five games, plus 8) might be having the biggest impact. Justin Braun and Matt Irwin are also playing nearly 20 minutes each.

Youngsters: Czech winger Tomas Hertl has become an instant sensation, scoring seven goals in five games, including a spectacular between-the-legs tally. Former Boston University forward Matt Nieto has four points in five games. Second-year player Vladimir Tarasenko and rookie Jaden Schwartz making key contributions for the Blues.

Flag carrier: San Jose's Joe Thornton remains a superb passer, able to create a scoring chance out of thin air. St. Louis captain David Backes was born to play for coach Ken Hitchcock. He's big, strong, defensive-minded and irritating, with an offensive touch.

Goaltending: Sharks' Antti Niemi is 5-0 with a .939 save percentage. Jaroslav Halak is 4-0, with a .934 save percentage.

Playing style: The Sharks pushed the reset button last season and are now pushing the offensive tempo. They are a much faster team than they were at the start of last season. The Blues take pride in being difficult to play against. They want opponents to feel as if they are in Texas cage match fighting for every inch of ice.

"This is a Sharks team we are very familiar with," Shattenkirk said. "We've played them a bunch over the past couple of years and the one thing we can expect is that they will come up with a lot of offensive firepower. Just from watching their highlights, they are embracing a team game and letting their skill take over."

However, the Sharks haven't faced the kind of suffocating defense the Blues are capable of playing.

"Our team defensive play over the past two-and-half years has really improved," Shattenkirk said. "I think we really are happy when we hear people say we hate playing against the Blues."