The San Jose Sharks lost for the first time this postseason following a 2-0 shutout loss to Jonathan Bernier and the Anahiem Ducks at the SAP Center.

Bernier made 22 saves in leading the Ducks to victory over the previously undefeated Sharks. (And I thought it would last forever.)

Corey Perry and Joseph Cramarossa accounted for all of the games scoring with tallies a couple minutes apart in the second period.

Sharks goalie Martin Jones made 19 saves on 21 shots.

A couple quick thoughts from the game.

- The Sharks killed off all four Ducks power plays with Mikkel Boedker leading all forwards in penalty kill time with 2:08. It was the first time Boedker out the Sharks sweater on and he already looks like a pretty good fit. Boedker was brought in for his versatility and ability to plug in anywhere coach Pete Deboer needs him. Last night he played over 17 minutes and saw time on both the power play and penalty kill.

The 26-year-old Boedker signed a four-year, $16 million contract in the offseason and is expected to be a big part of the Sharks core this season. I'm excited to see how playing for a winner benefits him.

Fun Fact: Of the 17 goals Boedker scored in 2015-16, five of them were game winning goals.

- Kevin Labanc played just over 12 minutes last night and registered one shot and was credited with one hit. If the New York native is going to make the Sharks roster he is going to need to be more visible, especially as opponent lineups resemble that of the regular season.

Labanc is a long shot to make the Sharks opening night roster, but I really like a feel good story and I would like to see him get a shot.

FYI, History says Pete Deboer is not a fan of unproven youngsters, but....two words....Joonas Donskoi.

- Martin Jones was pretty much an unknown commodity last season. Yes, we saw the potential, but how would he handle being a number one? A great regular season and one Cup run later, Jones is regarded among the leagues best and most dependable starters in the league. And Despite the loss last night, Jones looks like he's in mid-season form. That's great news for a Sharks team that is projected to be among the leagues elite.



- Not gonna lie, it was odd to see both Jonathan Bernier and Martin Jones on the ice at the same time, facing each other on California based teams not names "Kings." Bernier and Jones both played behind in LA. Bernier played for the Kings from 2007 to 2013. Jones from 2013 to 2015.

On a side note: No creepy clowns were spotted at the Shark Tank...yet.

The Sharks have two more tune-up game before the real fun starts.


Thanks for reading,
Steve

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