Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Sharks Twitter:
@HB_Sharks
The San Jose Sharks picked up a 5-3 win over the Pacific Division-leading Calgary Flames last night, improving to 14-11-1 this season.
The Flames opened the scoring under two minutes in, with Milan Lucic getting a pass to Dillon Dube, who beat Adin Hill. About halfway through the period though, Tomas Hertl tied the game with a great shot on the power play to roof the puck over Dan Vladar. However, Johnny Gaudreau would get the Flames their lead back later on, as he got a pass from Matthew Tkachuk and went to the backhand to beat Hill.
Calgary extended their lead in the second period, as Adam Ruzicka scored his first NHL goal to make it 3-1. However, the Sharks stormed back midway through the period, as Logan Couture fed Erik Karlsson for a breakaway pass, who snuck a shot through Vladar. The a little later the roles were reversed, as Couture tipped in Karlsson’s point shot on the power play, tying the game.
The Sharks weren’t done there, as Hertl picked up his second goal of the game, putting in a rebound off a shot from Alexander Barabanov. It was a huge offensive outburst from the Sharks, who scored three unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes.
The Flames pressed in the third period, firing 15 shots on goal, but Hill remained solid. Hertl would add an empty netter to secure a hat trick and a win for San Jose.
The Sharks were outshot 43-27 and while Hill’s been inconsistent this season, he played a key role in the win.
Alexander Barabanov continues to be a major factor for the Sharks. Dating back to last season’s trade, the forward now has 20 points in 30 games with the Sharks. It remains to be seen as to whether he could be a long-term fit with the team but he’s certainly emerging as one of the Sharks’ most valuable secondary forwards.
It was also great to see Hertl pick up the hat trick. He hasn’t been producing (points-wise) as much he was maybe expected to coming into the year but his four goals over the last two games have propelled him to 12 goals so far this season.
The Sharks are back in action tomorrow night, as they host the Minnesota Wild.
***NOTE: We've launched a HockeyBuzz Sharks Twitter account! For anyone interested, you can follow
@HB_Sharks for updates on articles, Sharks news, etc.***
SuperSurvey
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Sharks on a roll, have won four of last five games
Sharks drop last two games of road trip but remain competitive in Pacific
Sharks sign Brandon Coe