Preview: Struggling Rangers Visit Sharks in San Jose SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — The San Jose Sharks look to solidify their position above the playoff line when they host the struggling New York Rangers at SAP Pavilion on Friday night. The Sharks (25-24-0) enter the contest having split their last two games, including a 4-1 road win over Florida on Monday followed by a 4-1 loss at Tampa Bay on Tuesday. They sit just outside the Western Conference wild-card picture. Conversely, the Rangers (21-30-0) are mired in a deep slump, having lost eight of their last nine games. They are coming off a 4-3 loss at Los Angeles on Tuesday, a game in which they surrendered a third-period lead. New York has allowed four or more goals in seven of those nine losses. A key matchup will feature two of each team’s top offensive players. For the Rangers, forward J.T. Miller has been a bright spot amid the losses, recording eight points (three goals, five assists) in his last seven games. He scored twice in the loss to the Kings. San Jose will counter with center Macklin Celebrini, the dynamic second-year player who has been a consistent catalyst. Celebrini has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in his last 10 contests, including a four-point night (one goal, three assists) in a Jan. 10 overtime win against Dallas. The teams met earlier this season in New York, with the Sharks claiming a 6-5 overtime victory on Oct. 23. The Rangers’ recent road form has been dismal, with a 2-7-0 record in their last nine away from Madison Square Garden. Their defensive struggles are pronounced, having been outscored 46-22 during the 1-8-0 stretch overall. San Jose has been stronger at home, posting a 3-1-0 record in its last four games at SAP Pavilion. Following this game, the Sharks embark on a five-game road trip through Canada and Colorado. For New York, the game opens a brief two-game California swing before returning east. The Rangers will need to find answers quickly to reverse their fading season, while the Sharks aim to bank points before a demanding travel schedule.