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Sharks Make No Additional Moves; Host Habs Tonight

February 29, 2016, 8:54 PM ET [7 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It felt like the San Jose Sharks got their man on Saturday when they dealt for goalie James Reimer.

My feelings were confirmed today when the NHL trade deadline passed without the Sharks making another significant deal. It's not as though the Sharks weren't busy before the deadline.

They just avoided all the trade deadline hubbub by handling their business in the days and weeks before. Why wait until later when you can take care of business now?

***

I give GM Doug Wilson two big thumbs up.

The addition of Reimer solidified San Jose's goaltending situation and perfectly addressed the teams biggest shortcoming. Reimer is a veteran goalie with solid NHL experience. His presence on the roster will help ease some of the pressure laid upon the shoulders of starter Martin Jones.

Jones has been outstanding in the starting roles, but having started 51 of the Sharks 60 will start to wear on him. The Sharks will need a fresh goalie just to survive even one round in the West.

While Jones has been solid throughout his first season with San Jose, he lacks playoff experience.

His playoff resume consists of exactly two relief appearances. Both came while he was with the Kings in 2013-14. He stopped all seven shots he faced. (slow clap)

Reimer on the other hand has at least started in a playoff series. The 27 year-old was 3-4 with a .923 save percentage and 2.88 GAA in 2012-13 with the Leafs.

Oh and Reimer has has 188 career starts to Jones' 86.

Once the Sharks added depth with the additions of Nick Spaling and Roman Polak less than a week ago they immediately turned their attention to goaltending.

Reimer became available when his asking price for an extension was too rich for Leafs' GM Lou Lamoriello.

I have to believe the ground work for the Reimer deal was more than likely laid during the first trade.

Reimer probably might not be ready for tonight's game against Montreal, but with the Sharks heading into a stretch in which they play six games in nine nights, his presence will be welcomed.

***

Tonight's game....

The Sharks defeated the Canadiens 3-1 in the only other meeting between the two clubs.

Mike Brown will make his Montreal debut tonight.

The Canadiens claimed Brown off waivers on Monday. He's been skating on the fourth line with Michael McCarron and former Sharks forward Torrey Mitchell.

So long Mike, I hardly knew ya.

...

San Jose can pull to within two points of the Ducks and four points of the Kings tonight with a win.

The Ducks and Kings played each other last night and the game was awesome. It had all the hatred and fireworks of a playoff game between two bitter rivals.

The Ducks won 4-2. It was their 15th win in their last 17 games.

Anaheim continues to prove why they were the early season Cup favorites while the Kings have come crashing back to Earth.

This is both good and bad news for the Sharks.

The good news is...they may finally catch the Kings.

The bad news....they more than likely won't catch the Ducks.

Additionally, Both teams were very busy on deadline day. A sign that they are going all in this year

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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