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Sharks vets provide power punch in win over Canadiens

October 18, 2017, 3:52 PM ET [1 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The San Jose Sharks handled busy on Tuesday night with a 5-2 victory at the against the Montreal Canadiens. It was their final home game before hitting the road for the first time this season.

Logan Couture led the charge with two goals and two assists as Los Tiburones deafeated the Canadiens for a 11th consecutive time at the SAP Center.

Martin Jones was solid, making 28 saves in victory. While the anemic offense finally flipped a switch on.

Entering the game, it looked like a battle of attrition with two of the leagues worst offenses going head-to-head. What we saw was an awakening in San Jose and along with it a five goal outburst. Remember, SJ didn't score five goals until after Christmas last season.

Here are a few takeaways from the game.

- Through the first four games, the Sharks core-four of  Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and Brent Burns had been held to a total of four points – COMBINED! The bulk of the offense came from the supporting cast. It's great that others have been picking up the slack, but let's be real – the Sharks are going nowhere without their best, being the best.

The four veteran stars accounted for nine points against the Habs with Couture (2g 2a) leading the way, followed by Thornton (1g 1a) and Pavelski (1g 1a). Brent Burns added an assist.

- Martin Jones looked like his old self. He made several big – no huge - stops when the game was still within reach. Winning starts from the goalie out and with a sub .890 GAA in his first three starts, Jones was not giving his team a chance to win. Hopefully this is the first of many vintage nights from Marty.

- The oft-maligned Sharks power play is rounding back into respectable form after finishing among the worst in the NHL last season. Following a two goal performance on Tuesday night, the Sharks are ranked second 2nd, converting on nearly 29% of their opportunities. Six of the Sharks 13 goals have come with the man advantage. Small sample size but a very good sign.

- Kevin Labanc continues to prove his NHL worth with another point in the win. Labanc is tied for the team lead in goals (3g) and points (5p). The NY native had a quick start to the season last Fall before cooling off considerably. It will be interesting to see if he can sustain this type of production for an extended period of time.

- Tomas Hertl lit the lamp for a the second time this season with a second period PPG. Both of Hertl's goals have come with the power play. His career high in three power plays goal, which he's done twice. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he passes that number this season.

The Sharks next game is Friday against the upstart New Jersey Devils.

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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