DALLAS — The San Jose Sharks, first and foremost, are just trying to win a game. They’ve lost six of their last seven.

But they’re also trying to avoid their recent one step forward, one step back pattern, of good game followed by bad game.

In their last six, they were stampeded by the Buffalo Sabres 2-0, played one good period of hockey in a 3-2 win over the lowly Vancouver Canucks, were steamrolled by the Ottawa Senators 5-1, played well enough to win in a 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, were embarrassed by the Los Angeles Kings 7-2, and hung tough last night with the Central Division-leading Minnesota Wild.

Clearly, the bar isn’t high for the San Jose Sharks, at the moment: They’re just trying to play the right way on a consistent basis.

But you can’t be going in the “right direction”, as head coach Ryan Warsofsky likes to say, if you’re moving one step forward, one step back.

San Jose Sharks (7-10-1)

To that end, Alex Nedeljkovic starts.

Filip Bystedt will come in for Zack Ostapchuk, it sounds like at fourth-line center.

The fourth line has struggled to make an impact recently.

“[Bystedt] can make plays. We’re looking for some puck play,” Warosfsky said. “We’re looking for them to play in the offensive zone, to be honest with you, and be able to trust them in all situations.”

Warsofsky said lines should be similar to last game, so here’s my projection.

Misa-Celebrini-Smith Marchment-Graf-Sherwood Stenberg-Dellandrea-Toffoli Goodrow-Bystedt-Gaudette

Nurse-Kesselring Dickinson-Trouba Orlov-Pohlkamp

Nedeljkovic

Warsofsky had lots of praise for defenseman Eric Pohlkamp, just two games into his NHL career: “Doesn’t look over-matched, overwhelmed by the speed and the pace. He’s making hard plays. He’s looking good.”

Warsofsky also said that they’ll have a further update on Alex Wennberg on Monday. It sounds like the center, who’s been out with an upper-body injury, is close.