The second period was San Jose’s best as they exploded for three goals in 2:13. This was the third time in this shortened season that San Jose topped Vancouver which means a sweep of the Canucks in 2013.
“To hit them quickly with those goals was real important” was how coach Todd McLellan summarized the game.
“It forced them to play their two top lines a lot more, it was a little more taxing on them. Fortunately we hung in there long enough to win it.”
The first two Sharks goals were even strength and the game winner came on the man advantage as they held on to a 3-2 victory over the visiting Canucks.
San Jose was the better team Monday night for most of the game and although they let up in the third the effort was good enough to earn two points. They beat Vancouver where it counts, which of course is the scoreboard, but they also had good numbers in other categories.
They won the shots battle 36-25 they crushed it in the face-off circle winning 58% of their draws and at one point in the second period were at 73%. Perhaps one of the most important stats which San Jose has really excelled at lately is their discipline. The Sharks didn’t allow the potent Vancouver power play on the ice once.
On many occasions this year the Sharks have played hard for two periods and let up for twenty minutes throughout the night. Tonight the third period wasn’t their best but they got away with it.
“We talked to our team in between the second and third and I thought that was going to be one our most important periods we’ve played all season” commented Coach McLellan in the post-game presser.
Andrew Desjardins scored his first goal of the year by banging home a loose puck in the slot area. His shot beat Canucks goalie Cory Schneider through the seven hole between the arm and the body.
The Sharks second goal was a result of what we have been longing to see all year from the Captain Joe Thornton. He shot the puck after a bad turnover by the Canucks in their own zone. Thornton’s 6th goal of the year beat Schneider high to the glove side and is one he will want back.
Logan Couture will take credit for the third and the game winner on the power play. Couture’s 15th of the season went off a couple of limbs before it crossed the line, but after review it was called a goal.
“I kind of got lucky” was how Logan described the goal after the game.
“Patty passed it really hard. It went off my stick, my left foot, maybe off of my right foot and in.”
Ryane Clowe was scratched by the Sharks before Monday’s game against Vancouver. The trade rumors surrounding the big winger have heated up lately and this move by San Jose means his days as a Shark are almost done. He spoke to reporters at the morning skate.
The road block in announcing the trade apparently, is that Clowe’s potential new team is discussing a contract extension, which in theory will affect what the Sharks get for him.
Michal Handzus was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier Monday morning for a fourth round draft pick in this years’ draft. Handzus has been a healthy scratch for San Jose lately and will be a depth player for Chicago.
Matt Tennyson is a name that Sharks fans will hear more of in the future. Tennyson suited up for his first ever NHL game against Vancouver wearing number 80 and recorded an assist on Joe Thornton’s goal.
What makes this rookie different from others is that he is a native of the Bay area and is the first product of the Junior Sharks program to play for the big club. He had about ten friends in the stands and his family will be in attendance for Wednesday’s game.
Pleasanton California is home for Tennyson. He was paired with the steady veteran Brad Stuart tonight. The rookie settled in quite nicely and didn’t look out of place.
“I just tried to keep things simple” said Matt Tennyson afterwards.
“The guys here are on a bit of a win streak. I tried not to turn the puck over and play my game.”
The turning point in this game was without a doubt the 2:13 in the second period where the Sharks scored three goals. However, within that time and more specifically the save Antii Niemi made on Jannik Hansen on a break from the blue line in while the Sharks were on the power play. Had the Canucks scored that would have made it a 2-1 game and could have changed the events that led to the third goal which came shortly after.
Contenders & Pretenders
Contenders
Andrew Desjardins – scored his first of the year and that goal was what got his team going. He also dropped the gloves which earns respect in the room. Dezzi as his teammates call him is the first contender tonight.
Joe Thornton – scored a goal by shooting the puck which he isn’t famous for and he assisted on the game winner. He had a bad turnover that led to a goal but all in all Jumbo played pretty well and has been moving his feet during this five game win streak.
Alex Burrows – usually finds himself on the other list but tonight he played a decent game for Vancouver. He had an assist and scored a goal for the Canucks. On his goal he did a good job of getting in Antti Niemi’s way without drawing a goaltender interference minor.
Pretenders
Cory Schneider – wasn’t great Monday night and looked shaky with his rebound control after San Jose went ahead 3-0.
Kevin Bieksa – was in the box for the Sharks go ahead goal and had a chance to light the lamp after that with a golden scoring opportunity but came up short.
The Sedins – looked sluggish and slow at the Tank in San Jose. They didn’t muster up much offense and looked as though they are feeling the effects of the road trip.
The Sharks try to keep things rolling Wednesday night when the Wild from Minnesota come to visit.
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