The Calgary Flames were calling last night contest with the San Jose Sharks their biggest game of the season. The Sharks and Evander Kane did everything in their power to make sure it was their biggest game of the season.
The newcomer Kane has been impressive since arriving at the trade deadline, but what he did on Friday night was unprecedented. The 26-year-old played 564 gamesin the NHL prior to last night and he had never had never scored three goals in a single game. That all changed with an offensive eruption that not only saw Kane get that elusive hat trick, but tack on a fourth for good measure.
Once again the Sharks rallied from multiple one-goal deficits en route to a 7-4 win over the Calgary on Friday at the Saddledome.
Tomas Hertl had a goal and an assist, Kevin Lebanc scored a big goal and the other newcomer, Eric Fehr chipped in his second goal of the season. San Jose have won three straight games, four of their past five and improved to 39-26-p with 87 points.
Martin Jones made 30 saves to improve his record to 25-18-6. Head coach Pete Deboer all but said he's going to ride Jones out for the rest of the season.
It as a crushing loss for Calgary. They trail the second wild card spot and third place in the Pacific by four points with 10 game to play.
It was the second time this month the Sharks erupted for seven goals in a game. San Jose is averaging 3.85 goals per game since March 1st and that includes one game they were shutout. Not bad, but can they keep it up?
I don't know what it is, but Kane has added something special to this team. His presence has rejuvenated the locker room and the offense. Even the captain's offense is coming back from the dead. Joe Pavelski has three goals and eight assists in the eight games since the trade.
The Sharks have put themselves in good position to make the playoffs. Something horrific would have to happen for them not to get in. They have 11 games left - six home and five road. The biggest hurdle for them is the teams left to play.
Of the 11 games, nine are against teams in a playoff spot or trying to get into a playoff spot. They still have games against Vegas (2x), Nashville, Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota and Calgary again.
Buckle up folks, it's going to be a wild ride.
Thanks for reading, Steve