Always know your odds.San Jose (39-22-6) is one of the best teams in the NHL right now. The Sharks have won nine of their last 10 outings, including a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

The hot streak has come compliments of Antti Niemi. Niemi backstopped Chicago to a Stanley Cup last season, but he’s arguably playing the best hockey of his career for San Jose. After a somewhat lackluster start, Niemi has exploded in the New Year. He’s 18-7-1 in his last 25 appearances with a 1.89 goals-against average, .933 save percentage, and four shutouts. The Sharks have a one-man wrecking crew on their hands.

If Niemi cools off San Jose could be in trouble since the team has struggled to score. Thankfully, some of the stars are showing signs of a turnaround after a long, frustrating year. Dany Heatley is having the worst season of his career, but he has seven points in his past six games; a little more scoring would be nice, though, as the sniper has just three goals in his last 15 outings. Meanwhile, Patrick Marleau has scored in three consecutive games.

Vancouver (43-16-9) is 4-1-0 in its last five games, including a three-game winning streak. The Canucks needed overtime to top the Coyotes 4-3 on Tuesday, but still have 9/2 odds of winning the Stanley Cup this year.

Like San Jose, the Canucks are getting some great goaltending. Roberto Luongo has allowed three goals or less in all but one of his games since Dec. 22. He’s posted a 1.76 goals-against average and .935 save percentage in his past five starts.

This will be the third time this year San Jose and Vancouver have faced off. Vancouver won the first two, while San Jose earned a 2-1 victory on Jan. 20. San Jose is 6-4-0 in its last 10 games against the Canucks.

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