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Sharks Showcase Youth in Rout of Ducks |
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The San Jose Sharks offense feasted on a porous Anaheim Ducks defense and shaky goaltending by Ryan Miller and Jared Coreau for a 7-3 road win.
It wasn't an overly exciting game, despite the 10 total goals. The Ducks iced more regulars than San Jose and looked very much like the team that disappointed its fan base in the playoffs.
The Sharks weren't sharp either, but looked good on some of the passing plays that resulted in goals. The big takeaway from this game is that the Sharks have some very good young players ready to make an impact in the NHL.
Joonas Donskoi, Antti Suomela and Rourke Chartier each collected three points in the win.
A few quick notes:
- Donskoi was solid. Joonas had a goal, two assists and tied Suomola with a team-high four shots on goal. Donskoi bounced back last season from a disappointing 2016-17 season, where he dipped to 17 points (6g 11a) in 61 games. In 2017-18, his production spiked to 32 points (14g 18a) in 32 games. If he stays healthy this season, there is no reason why he can't be a 20 goal, 50 point guy.
- Speaking of Antti Suomela.... The 24-year-old Finn was signed by SJ as a free agent way back in June. Suomela put up very good numbers with Liga back in Finland. He's scored at least 20 goals in two of his three pro seasons and he was a point-per-game player last season (60pts 59gms). He had two goals and an assist last night. Perhaps another diamond in the rough.
- Kevin Lebanc scored a nice goal last night. His shot sometimes looks "off," but he has some finish. He's only 22 and is coming off a 40 point season (11g 29a) in San Jose. He is another guy that can crack the 20 goal mark when put in the right situation.
- Joakim Ryan scored the Sharks first goal of the game. He took the puck at the point, skated to a lane and zipped a shot past Ryan Miller. Pencil Ryan in as another strong piece of the vaunted Sharks defense.
Thanks for reading,
Steve
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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