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It took the Sharks overtime and a shootout but they earned two points Saturday night against their division rivals the Phoenix Coyotes in a 3-2 win.
Logan Couture was the only player to score in the shootout when he beat Jason LaBarbera through the five hole for the game winner.
Coming into Saturday night’s battle the Coyotes sat in 13th position in the west three points out of a playoff spot and five points behind the Sharks. With only fourteen games left Phoenix showed a lot of desperation against San Jose; what was impressive is that the Sharks were able to match that desperation taking advantage of the home ice and the push from the sold out crowd at the Tank.
The first period ended 1-0 in favor of the Coyotes but, the Sharks had to be happy with the effort they put out. San Jose out chanced Phoenix and kept the puck in the offensive zone for most of the opening frame, and had their opportunities to light the lamp.
“Shots were close but I thought we had more quality chances” commented Ryane Clowe after the opening period.
This was an exciting game and had a bit of a play-off feel to it. Both teams were flying and there were a number of scoring chances, especially for the Sharks.
Jason LaBarbera has been filling in for the Coyotes number one goalie Mike Smith. Smith loves playing against the Sharks and has no problem beating them in San Jose; his two shutouts at the HP Pavilion last year are proof of that. However, LaBarbera was solid tonight and really deserves credit for keeping his team in the game.
“He’s been phenomenal” said Coyotes captain Shane Doan after the game referring to his goalies performance. "Tonight he was unbelievable. He’s battling. You hear him coughing and he’s sick and he’s still fighting through it. He’s a competitor and I love having him on my team.”
This was a good show of character for the Sharks. They trailed all night until five minutes left in the game and twice erased a one goal deficit. The Coyotes pride themselves on team defense and holding off teams with a one goal lead is very common for them.
"They're the type of team that can frustrate you” commented Todd McLellan after the game.
“They really can with the way they play through the neutral zone. You start to force it, and they go the other way quickly. It was nice to see us dig in, come back, and find a way to get the two points."
Joe Pavelski’s hot streak continued tonight as he once again scored the Shark’s first goal. Pavelski has scored in the last four games and defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic was the other Shark to score in regulation time.
Jason Demers didn’t suit up for San Jose which could be the best defense the visitors could wish for. With Demers out of the line-up it meant that the Shark’s hottest offensive player Brent Burns was moved back to the point. Adam Burish took his place on the top line.
Boyd Gordon’s first period goal put an end to Antti Niemi’s shutout streak which lasted 136:23. Niemi kept the Ducks and the Red Wings scoreless which is quite the feat considering the level of skill on those clubs.
Scoring details
1st period
PHX – 14:43 –EV – 15 B.Gordon(2) – assists – 36 R.Klinkhammer(3), 18 D.Morris(10)
2nd period
SJ – 10:24 –PP – 8 J.Pavelski(11) – assists – 19 J.Thornton(26), 12 P.Marleau(9)
3rd period
PHX – 0:33 –EV – 17 R.Vrbata(7) – assists – 19 S.Doan(10), 6 D.Schlemko(4)
SJ – 15:00 –EV – 44 M.Vlasic (2) – assists – 8 J.Pavelski(12), 22 D.Boyle(11)
Overtime
No scoring
Shootout
Logan Couture -winner
Turning point
The turning point on Saturday night was Vlasic’s tying goal. He stuck with the play which he most likely wouldn’t have had the Sharks been ahead. That goal came after a number of good opportunities for San Jose and they were rewarded for their patience.
Contenders & Pretenders
Contenders
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – makes the list for scoring a clutch goal on his 26th birthday. Vlasic followed the puck around the net and scored on Pavelski’s rebound. Most defensemen would have peeled back to the point so kudos to Marc-Edouard.
Joe Pavelski – has been hot lately with a two point night. Playing in the middle has been good for him and he is flourishing with the responsibility that comes with being the third line center.
Jason LaBarbera – was terrific against the Sharks Saturday night. If not for his performance this game could have been over after the first period.
Pretenders
Tommy Wingels – makes the list, after watching Radim Vrbata cruise by him with his feet standing still on the Coyotes second goal.
Rob Klinkhammer – earns a spot on the list for the high sticking minor that led to the Sharks first goal. They had four minutes to score and the Yotes were fortunate San Jose didn’t score twice.
Ryane Clowe – makes the list for taking a stupid frustration minor with 0:13 seconds left in overtime. Selfish mistakes like that make for an easy decision on the list and could have been the difference between 1 and 2 points.
Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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