Preview: Canadiens at Sharks SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions will meet Tuesday night when the Montreal Canadiens visit the San Jose Sharks at SAP Pavilion. The Canadiens (33-26-0) enter on a surge, having won five of their last seven games. They are coming off a dominant 6-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday, powered by a three-point night from captain Nick Suzuki. Montreal sits firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Conversely, the Sharks (29-29-0) have struggled for consistency, splitting their last six contests. They earned a gritty 2-1 overtime win against Winnipeg on Sunday, with rookie center Will Smith netting the decisive goal. San Jose remains on the fringe of the Western Conference wild-card race. Suzuki is the engine for Montreal, registering a goal and two assists against Washington to continue his strong two-way play. He has five points in his last five games. For San Jose, Smith provides a spark. The 2023 first-overall pick has goals in two of his last three outings, including the OT winner last time out. His development is key to the Sharks’ late-season push. Montreal’s attack is multidimensional. Alongside Suzuki, winger Cole Caufield scored twice against the Capitals and defenseman Michael Matheson contributes offensively from the blue line. The Canadiens have scored four or more goals in four of their last seven games. San Jose counters with its own young core. Smith is complemented by playmaker William Eklund and fellow top prospect Macklin Celebrini, who assisted on the game-winner Sunday. Goaltending and defensive discipline will be tested against Montreal’s speed. This contest opens a critical three-game California road trip for the Canadiens. The Sharks begin a four-game homestand looking to build momentum before a difficult Eastern road swing later in March. The teams will meet again in Montreal on March 14. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.