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Sharks bring the effort but leave St Louis singing the Blues

March 13, 2013, 12:04 AM ET [5 Comments]
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The San Jose Sharks brought desperation, intensity, and determination but the hockey gods still sided with St Louis.

You could say they were robbed, denied, or had this game stolen from them, either way the Sharks fell 4-2 to the Blues. The final shot count was 41-21 in favor of the Sharks and the scoring chances also fell in favor of San Jose.

On Many occasions the shot clock can be misleading as to how the game went, but tonight it was mostly the Sharks with the offensive chances. It was an off night for starter Antti Niemi.

The difference in this game was a great performance by the Blues’ Jake Allen and opportunistic team mates scoring 4 goals on 21 shots. On the other end of the rink the Sharks had great chances to score but were unable to bury.

Jake Allen got the start again for St Louis as expected after he got the win last week at the HP Pavilion. He was great Tuesday night and was awarded the game’s first star. Allen is a rookie in the NHL but in his short career you could say he has the Shark’s number.

Brent Burns suited up for the first time in seven games for team teal. He hasn’t played a lot of hockey this year after off-season surgery and against the Blues’ Coach Todd McLellan played the 6’5 – 230 pounder on forward.

Burns started the night on the third line with Gomez and Sheppard, but worked his way up to the top unit for the last two periods, Burns chipped in with the Shark’s first goal of the game.

Playing the forward position is not nearly as stressful as the point because when turning the puck over you still have back-up, when you are a defenseman it is you and then the goalie.

Burns played a pretty decent hockey game all things considered. He scored a goal with his quick release and powerful shot, his big body was a presence in the offensive zone and created space for his line mates.

It was Todd McLellan who moved him to the point when they were both in Houston in the AHL.

“I saw what I expected from him” said the head Coach after the game.
“I’ve seen it before; he provided us an element of size, speed, and a shot up front. He played using his body and attacked. He provided our team a lot of energy.”

Scoring details

1st period

STL – 13:42 –EV – 25 C.Stewart(10) – assists – 42 D.Backes, 27 A. Pietrangelo(13)

2nd period

STL – 10:39 –EV - 57 D.Perron(9) – assists – 21 P.Berglund(4)

SJ – 11:41 –EV - 88 B.Burns(1) – assists – 23 S.Gomez, 52 M.Irwin(3)

STL – 19:53 –EV – 32 C.Porter(1) – assists – 5 B.Jackman(7)

3rd period

SJ – 13:32 –PP – 22 D.Boyle(4) – assists – 12 P.Marleau(7), 19 J.Thornton(20)

STL – 18:44 –EV-EN – 25 C.Stewart(11) – assist – 5 B.Jackman(8)

Turning point

The turning point came with seconds remaining in the second period when the Blues were able to score to make it a 3-1 game. The two goal deficit was too much for the Sharks to come back from.

Contenders & Pretenders

Contenders

Brent Burns – makes the list for breaking the goose egg and scoring his first goal of the year. The big man showed some promise up front, certainly enough to try him there again on Thursday night.

Chris Stewart – has gone from the being in the Blues’ head coach Ken Hitchcock’s dog house last season to leading his team in scoring this season. Tuesday night he opened the scoring and potted the empty netter.

Jake Allen – was great again against the Sharks. He had some luck with some posts and his team mates were opportunistic with their scoring chances.

Pretenders

Ryane Clowe – has had as rough of a ride as any player should go through. He is second guessing his choices and to add insult to injury after hitting the post tonight the Blues went down the other way and scored. Clowe was minus – 3 in the game and needs a boost to his confidence. It is surprising to see as it is a contract year for Clowe.

Matt Irwin – makes the list for a bad pinch which led to the Blues’ first goal but he was also was responsible for a breakaway and a St Louis power play after having his point shot blocked.

Joe Thornton – had a couple of great chances Tuesday night but wasn’t able to finish. That is what happens when you pass all the time Joe, you forget how to shoot when you have the chances. The Sharks need their leaders now more than ever to get them out of this funk and Joe who looked slow tonight needs to step up his game.

The Sharks play home and home games against the defending Stanley Cup champions the LA Kings. The Sharks play well against the Kings and this may what they need to get their confidence back to where it needs to be.

Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore
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