Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Sharks Twitter:
@HB_Sharks
The San Jose Sharks kicked off their six-game homestand with a loss yesterday, falling 4-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The game marked Phil Kessel’s 990th consecutive game, which broke the NHL record for most consecutive games played. The Sharks were also facing former netminder Adin Hill, who was in goal for Vegas.
It was a pretty rough opening frame for the Sharks, who were allowing Vegas’ forwards to walk right in on several rushes for great chances. While Jamer Reimer made some good saves to keep the Golden Knights off the board for much of the period, with about four minutes to go, Kessel fittingly scored his 400th goal in his already record-breaking night. After being outshot 14-6 in the period, the Sharks found themselves down 1-0 in the period.
San Jose actually did respond with a strong second period and only about five minutes into the frame, Nico Sturm tipped in a shot from Kevin Labanc to tie the game. The Sharks went on to throw 16 shots at Adin Hill in the period and with under a minute to go in the frame, Tomas Hertl sprung Matt Nieto on a breakaway, who roofed a shot over Hill to put San Jose up 2-1 after 40 minutes.
Vegas tied the game again under a minute into the second period though, as the puck got back to Shea Theodore after a scramble in front and Theodore put a shot through traffic right along the ice that slid through Reimer. Even if Reimer was screened, it wasn’t a great goal to give up (but given how well Reimer has been playing, you can’t complain much about it).
Reimer then had to make some key saves on high-danger chances throughout the period to keep the game tied, off rushes and breakaway chances. However, with under seven minutes to go, William Karlsson came down on a rush and beat Reimer with a nice short-side shot, putting Vegas up 3-2. Then only a minute later, Chandler Stephenson found Mark Stone in front for a tap-in, giving the Golden Knights a two-goal lead, which they hung onto for the win. Adding insult to this was the fact the Sharks’ goal horn went off for Stone’s goal.
While the Sharks may have only given up 31 shots, the number of odd-man rushes they surrendered was significant. Reimer’s 27 saves don’t reflect just how good he had to be the keep the score manageable in the third period.
It was at least positive to see the Sharks put together a strong second period, where they did manage to outplay a good team. Again though, as long as the Sharks give up those kinds of chances, they're going to struggle to win games.
I will say that while San Jose’s top forwards have been hugely disappointing so far, most of their depth additions up front have actually worked out. Nico Sturm has been one of San Jose’s better defensive forwards and has chipped in four goals already, while Steven Lorentz continues to provide a physical presence and intensity on the forecheck. Evgeny Svechnikov has also been a nice surprise.
Regardless though, the Sharks fall to 2-7-0 this season with the loss. They’ll be back in action tomorrow against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Sharks announce additions to Hockey Operations staff, sign Scott Harrington
Sharks drop season opener in Prague, fall 4-1 to Predators
Sharks fall short against Predators in second game of Global Series
Sharks announce roster for home opener
Sharks fall to Hurricanes in Brent Burns’ return to San Jose
Sharks winless through four games after blowing lead in loss to Blackhawks
Sharks fall to Islanders, now on five-game losing streak to start season
Sharks beat Rangers in overtime for first win of season
Sharks come up short against Devils, lose 2-1
James Reimer picks up shutout as Sharks blank Flyers 
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»