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Clutch win for Sharks in overtime

March 16, 2012, 2:43 AM ET [21 Comments]
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The San Jose Sharks got a goal on the power play, a shootout goal, and more importantly clutch goaltending from Antti Niemi in a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators.

“Nemo made a huge save on Legwand in the third period” said Coach McLellan said after the game “He’s got to leave the rink feeling good about his game.”

It was a close low scoring game in San Jose, which is expected when Nashville comes to town but these games typically favor the Predators who are built for winning by scoring very few goals.

Call it gut check time or a must win for the Sharks but either way the two points were desperately needed along with the confidence that goes along with beating one of the best teams in the West.

Tonight was Martin Havlat’s first game back after missing 40 with a hamstring injury. His last game was on December 17th. The Sharks have had a difficult time putting the puck in the net as of late so the offensive talents that Havlat possess are welcomed.

“I thought he made a difference tonight” is how the Coach responded when asked about Havlat’s performance. “You could see his skill level and the difference that it made with our second line.”

Marty has had a lot of success against the Predators in his career scoring 137 points in just 130 games. Tonight he didn’t get on the scoreboard but he made everyone around him better.

He was slow to start the game tonight which is expected after such a long break; however he had a great scoring opportunity for the Sharks during a momentum changing second period. Although Havlat was unable to solve Pekka Rinne he was the only Shark to try and get in his grill. Havlat tripped Rinne then followed through with a cross check after being shoved from behind leading to the biggest scrum of the game.

The Predators play a slow lull you to sleep style of hockey and don’t take many chances on the offensive end. Seldom will you see an odd man rush against the Preds so goals are hard to come by when playing this stingy team.

They have arguably the best goalie in the NHL and solid defense headlined by Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. They traded for veteran Hal Gill at the deadline to help strengthen an already deep blue line.

Nashville did a great job of matching the pairing of Weber and Suter against the Thornton line in the first period. With the long change in the second it was easier for the Sharks to get the top line away from what many consider the best defense pairing in the league. The away team has the last change but that didn’t stop head coach Barry Trotz from making quick changes when he had to slow down the Sharks top line.

When the Weber pair wasn’t on against Jumbo’s line they saw veteran Hal Gill and Jack Hillen. The Predators are frustrating to play against with a defensive style that takes crowds out of games when they are on the road.

The Sharks overcame a lot tonight and finally have something positive to carry into their next game.

The turning point in this game for me was the second period. The Sharks took over the momentum in the second and carried it into the third period with a power play goal that tied the game at one a piece. Although they got tight after that, they proved they can play with an elite team who currently possess a playoff position.

Scoring Details

1st Period

NAS – 13:18 –PP – 27 P.Hornqvist(22) – assists – 12 M.Fisher(22), 10 M.Erat(36)

2nd Period

No scoring

3rd Period

SJ – 0:55 –PP – 19 J.Thornton(16) – assists – 12 P.Marleau(29), 22 D.Boyle(34)

Overtime

No scoring

Shootout

29 Ryane Clowe

Contenders & Pretenders

Contenders

Ryane Clowe – scored the game winner for a desperate team who has struggled in the shootout this year. He beat a goalie that is big and intimidating and he was the only player to light the lamp in the shootout. He is the game’s first contender.

Antti Niemi – got better as the game went on tonight and came up with big saves when his team needed him to. I am happy to welcome Antti back to the contenders list.

Justin Braun – quietly had a great night for the Sharks. He joined the offense on the rush numerous times and showed his knack for getting shots through to the net. His hustle both ways was impressive, especially in overtime and his first two strides are ever so impressive.

Martin Havlat – played a strong game for his first night back and his skill level on the second line has been missed. He is a dynamic player when he wants to be and the Sharks will need his ability down the stretch with the Pacific division title not out of reach yet.

Pretenders

Douglas Murray – was out of position on the only Nashville goal tonight during the PK. Hornqvist had all night to come out of the corner and score on Niemi.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic – also makes the list for a poor penalty that led to the Preds goal. Vlasic high sticked the opponent with two team mates’ right there stride for stride with him. Ready Eddie didn’t have to make a play on him at all and he would not have been a scoring threat. He coughed the puck up in his own zone a couple of times as well which will always land you on the pretenders list.

The Sharks play Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings who have struggled as of late losing their last game 4-0 in Anaheim last night.

Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore




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