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The San Jose Sharks snapped their four-game losing streak yesterday, beating the Anaheim Ducks 6-1.
Steven Lorentz came back into the Sharks lineup in place of C.J. Suess, while Eetu Makiniemi got his first career NHL start.
The Sharks opened the scoring midway through the first period, as Erik Karlsson found Timo Meier with a great backdoor pass and Meier made no mistake, beating an outstretched John Gibson. Each team only managed seven shots in the frame and while there were some chances exchanged, San Jose held the 1-0 lead through 20 minutes.
San Jose proceeded to break the game wide open in the second period though. About six minutes into the frame, Scott Harrington’s point shot redirected off Cam Fowler’s stick and in, making it a 2-0 game. Then under two minutes later, Erik Karlsson stepped into a slapshot and beat John Gibson on a power play, extending the lead again. The Sharks weren’t done there, as right off the ensuing faceoff, the Matt Benning dumped the puck in and it took a wild bounce, popping right out front of the net to Nico Sturm, who scored before Gibson could get back into position, making it a 4-0 game. Anaheim did get one back off a shot from Trevor Zegras (on a goal that Makiniemi would probably want to have back), but San Jose still led 4-1 heading into the second intermission.
San Jose did a good job limiting scoring chances for Anaheim in the third period and didn’t give them many opportunities to climb back into the game. Nick Bonino ended up adding a late empty netter, while Steven Lorentz scored after that, as San Jose cruised to a 6-1 win.
It’s a big win for San Jose, with what was a well-rounded performance. They limited offense from the Ducks, allowing just 24 shots on goal and San Jose’s offense continued to pick up the pace as well, with their top forwards leading the charge.
That said, Eetu Makiniemi also looked good for San Jose in his first start. I’m sure he’d like the goal back, but it was absolutely a good performance overall. Makiniemi is a promising prospect who is likely being looked upon as a future NHL regular, so this was a good test.
It also marks the end of San Jose’s four-game losing streak. Even in a season where we can be pretty confident the Sharks aren’t going anywhere, it’s good to see some victories.
The Sharks will have a break until Tuesday, when they face the Arizona Coyotes.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Sharks come up short against Maple Leafs, fall 3-1
Sharks give up three power play goals, lose 5-2 to Senators
Sharks fall to Sabres in final game of road trip for third straight loss
Ranking the Sharks’ offseason additions based on their play this season
Sharks beaten by Canucks in overtime for fourth loss in a row 
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