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Sharks power play comes to life against Nashville |
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On the back of two power play goals the Sharks finish their three game home stand with a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators.
Great efforts, timely saves, a milestone reached, and a new life to the man advantage were all part of the program at the HP Pavilion tonight.
San Jose came out with more energy and purpose tonight and the proof was on the shot clock. The Sharks outshot Nashville 16-6 in the first period and 39-19 in the game.
“Against those guys you need shots to score” commented Logan Couture after the game.
Both Sharks goals came with the man advantage from Dan Boyle and Joe Pavelski.
The Sharks opened the scoring on their second power play opportunity of the game and got off the schnied. Dan Boyle also got off the schnied with his goal when he took advantage of the Predator’s Paul Gaustad’s broken stick with a slap shot from the point that found the back of the net. Boyle was able to get the shot off without interference because of Gaustad’s broken stick. Great shot selection by the veteran.
“I’m just glad I got it through” said a relived looking Dan Boyle when discussing his third goal of the season.
“It’s been tough this year getting the pucks through. We got a break when they broke their stick and Pavs obviously set a great screen in front, that was the key there. I’m pretty happy I haven’t scored in a while.”
Joe Pavelski didn’t get an assist on the goal, but his screen in front of Pekka Rinne deserves recognition.
Pavs good night continued in the middle frame when he put the Sharks ahead 2-0 with the team’s second power play goal of the game. He snuck one in on the short side when Rinne was caught looking the other way.
Shark’s captain Joe Thornton hit a milestone in tonight’s game on his second assist. The 6’4 center recorded his 1100th NHL point.
Thornton’s attention was on winning the game and not landmarks in his career.
“I think once it’s all done you maybe look back at it, but when you’re in the moment you’re really just focusing. You’re worried about the two points to be honest.
“It’s nice to get these accomplishments when you win it; it’s a much more gratifying feeling.”
We knew coming into tonight’s game that the Predators’ focus would be to keep the goals against down after conceiting four goals or more in each of their last three games. They were successful at doing that but they were unable to fill the net themselves or even get enough scoring chances to have success against a Sharks team who should be more known for their strong defensive play rather than a high powered offense.
Nashville began this road trip with a 5-1 loss in Anaheim Wednesday night. This is a team that prides themselves on playing solid defense and with arguably the best goalie in the NHL filling the net is usually an uphill battle.
Sharks fans know from the previous two meetings these teams have played this year just how stingy they can be. The Preds were victorious in both meetings 2-1 in a shootout and 1-0 in overtime.
There was no lack of motivation for the Sharks tonight after narrowly losing the first two meetings against Nashville; on top of that they are a team that they are chasing in the standings.
Nashville’s only goal was scored by Gabriel Bourque while they were on the penalty kill.
Scoring details
1st period
SJ – 17:47 –PP – 22 D.Boyle(3) – assists – 19 J.Thornton(17), 39 L.Couture(7)
2nd period
SJ – 9:12 –PP – 8 J.Pavelski(7) – assists – 39 L.Couture(8), 19 J.Thornton(18)
3rd period
NAS – 14:30 –SH – 57 G.Bourque(5), assist – 13 N.Spaling(2)
Turning point
The turning point tonight was the Sharks first period goal by Dan Boyle. It seemed to take some pressure off the team. If the power play goes for the Sharks they usually win, so getting the man advantage early and capitalizing on it went a long way to the Sharks earning two points.
Contenders & Pretenders
Contenders
Joe Pavelski – was great tonight by scoring the Shark’s second goal of the game, and he was instrumental on Dan Boyle’s goal by sacrificing his body near the blue paint to block Pekka Rinne’s view.
Joe Thornton – quarterbacked the power play off the schnied and assisted on both man advantage goals. He earned his 1100th point with his second assist which is an incredible feat of endurance and skill. Congratulations to Jumbo Joe. Joe also dominated in the face-off circle.
Tim Kennedy – brought a contagious energy by hitting everybody he could. Kennedy threw the body around like he was a 6’4 – 230 not 5’10 – 175. He is what the Contender’s list is all about.
Logan Couture – makes the list for earning two assists, bringing a commitment every shift, and fearlessly blocking a big point shot in the dying seconds of the game with the Nashville goalie pulled.
Pretenders
Michal Handzus – was relegated to the fourth line tonight and didn’t skate this morning so he may be injured, however this is the NHL and if you suit up there are expectations and Zus didn’t live up to them tonight. He was inefficient in the face-off circle and looked slow all night. He was constantly a step behind.
The Predators offense – came in short spurts and looked threatening at times but that was very short lived so they can all take a ride on the Pretender’s train tonight.
The Sharks gained a five of a possible six points in their last three games and take some momentum on the road where they face the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames on back to back nights before returning home to host the St. Louis Blues next Saturday night.
Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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