Flyers-Sharks 5 Things: In Danger of Season's Worst Stretch

Flyers (20-13-4) at Sharks (22-12-1)
10 p.m. on CSN/CSNPhilly.com and the NBC Sports App; Pregame Live at 9:30
 
The Flyers are looking to avoid their worst stretch of the season when they visit the San Jose Sharks on Friday night at the SAP Center.
 
Here are five things to know for the matchup:
 
1. From high to low
Two and a half weeks ago, the Flyers were winning their 10th straight game.
 
Now they're trying to stop some bleeding.
 
The Flyers are 1-3-1 since the streak and have lost their last two games by a combined score of 10-3. They have not lost five games in any six-game period this season. Their season-long losing skid is three games, done twice. But both of those featured a pair of one-goal losses, as well as an overtime/shootout defeat.
 
And nothing gets easier Friday night with the defending Western Conference champs next on the docket.
 
2. Not-so special
After allowing just three power-play goals over 12 games, the Flyers have surrendered four in these last two outings, making for lopsided defeats.
 
Meanwhile, the Flyers' power play, which on Dec. 11 led the NHL in goals by a comfortable eight-goal margin, is 1 for its last 19.
 
What made the Flyers so tough to beat during their 10-game winning streak was proficient special teams, an area in which so many games are won and loss.
 
"We have a lot of work to do," Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol said Thursday. "We have to be better and we have to be better in almost every area.
 
3. Beware of Sharks
San Jose, in first place of the Pacific Division, has won seven of its past eight games and 13 of 17 dating back to Nov. 21.
 
The Sharks possess two key components: strong goaltending and penalty kill.
 
San Jose allows the fourth-fewest goals per game at 2.20 behind netminder Martin Jones, who is 19-11-1 with a 2.08 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. However, the Flyers will face rookie backup goalie Aaron Dell (3-1-0, 2.16 GAA), who played collegiately under Hakstol at North Dakota.
 
The Sharks also permit the second-fewest power-play goals at 15. They're disciplined and sound, having to go on the penalty kill only 92 times, good for the second least in the NHL.
 
And, not to mention San Jose's accomplished trio of Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton is a combined plus-28.
 
4. Keep an eye on ...
Flyers: The orange and black could use a better and more active Sean Couturier, especially against a team like the Sharks. Couturier was a bit quiet Wednesday in his return from a 16-game absence. He'll be important in both ends versus San Jose.
 
Sharks: Pavelski has two goals and four assists in his last four games and 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 11 December contests. The 32-year-old center also has nine goals in 12 career games against the Flyers.
 
5. This and that
• Flyers goalie Steve Mason is 6-9-3 with a 2.67 goals-against average and .919 save percentage in 18 career games against the Sharks. Backup Anthony Stolarz has not started since shutting out the Red Wings on Dec. 11.
 
• The Flyers have lost 14 of their last 15 meetings with the Sharks going back to 2004.
 
• San Jose is 12-4-0 at home this season.
 
• Sharks defenseman Burns has 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in his past 17 games.