Brent Burns scored the deciding goal early in the third period to help the San Jose Sharks defeat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in front of a pumped up SAP crowd.
It was the first win of many, but in a way winning the first game is always the most important - even if it's just game one of 82. San Jose has now won its last seven openers and the last three have come at the Kings expense. Another nice feather in the Sharks early season hat.
Logan Couture scored his first goal of the season on a power-play goal. He added an assist on Burns' GWG and Martin Jones made 21 saves exactly four months after losing the Stanley Cup on that same ice.
Some thoughts from the game...
- The Sharks made a concerted effort to be better while shorthanded in the preseason. How did all that extra work translate in the first real game? It could have gone a bit better.
The Sharks took a penalty seconds into the first period which turned into a Tyler Taffoli power play goal. It's was the only chance the PK would be because they stayed out of the box for the rest of the game. Too small of a sample size, but the Kings moved the puck at will. Simply put...San Jose still has work to do.
- Logan Couture had an excellent game. Not only was he making things happen in the offensive zone but he was great defensively. He looks like he's starting the season in great shape. (Thanks WC) When he's good...the Sharks are good. A simple formula for success.
- Joonas Donskoi was flying. He was easily one of the most notable Sharks on the ice. He had an assist on Burns' GWG to go along with three shots on net. I think we have yet to crack the surface of what this kid can do.
- David Schlemko came as advertised and solidifies San Jose's third D pairing. The Sharks free agent addition played 18:18 and looked great in teal. He blocks shots, he finishes checks, he plays on the power play and he's another steady body on the blue line. I liked him with New Jersey and I like him with San Jose.
- Unfortunately Jonathan Quick sustained a lower-body injury making a save late in the first period. The Kings are saying the injury "doesn't look good." I know the Kings are not loved around these parts, but I hate seeing one of our games biggest stars going down with a significant injury. Tough blow for the Kings.
- It was a home win. San Jose finished the 2015-16 season with a pitiful 18-20-3 record at the Shark Tank. Fix the home record this season and they easily win the Pacific...amirite?s
- Overall it was a very good first game. San Jose started slow but as the game when on the legs got better and better. They carried much of the play following the Taffoli goal and Martin Jones made the big save when called upon.
The Sharks head to Columbus for a date with the Jackets on Saturday. Can the Sharks make it two in a row? Blue Jackets head coach sJohn Tortorell seems to think so... This is what he said about
his team following a 6-3 loss to Boston on opening night,
"Don't put it on the young defense. There are other things...that guys have played in this league so long that...I'm not going to break it down. But right on through the game, I don't think we're even close."
Already in mid-season form John.
Thanks for reading,
Steve
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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