Sharks face best team in hockey

SAN JOSE, Calif.

Any time you get traded and then return to play your original team, it's a bit strange. Setoguchi and Heatley will be dealing with mixed emotions for the second time this season as they return to the tank with Minnesota.

"It's obviously different playing against these guys, but it is what it is. It's kind of how the sport goes, you can't stay with one team forever and it's fun playing against them at the same time too. They've lost 3 of the last 4, so they're a pretty hungry team and a skilled team, if we're not ready to go it can get pretty ugly," said Setoguchi.

Shark fans may be tougher on Heatley than his former teammates.

"They're going to do whatever they're going to do, so it's not really going to affect me. I'm looking forward to playing here, I've always have liked this rink and it should be a good one tonight," said Heatley.

"I will certainly say hello to them tonight on the ice, when I try to run them over," said Sharks left wing Ryane Clowe. "It's actually two really close friends. It's a tough part of the business to see those guys go. They're great guys and great teammates and if you ask anyone in here, we all miss them."

Minnesota has the best record in hockey at 17-7-3.

"Their goaltending is a big plus for them. I think they're just a competitive team, they think defense first and so far it's been working for them," said Sharks center Joe Thornton.

The Sharks are hoping this reunion will not be pleasant for the Wild.

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