The San Jose Sharks closed the book on 2017 with an embarrassing 6-0 loss to the Dallas Stars. It was probably the Sharks worst performance of the season and they seemed determined to start 2018 on a higher note.
They did that and then some with a solid 4-1 win over the hapless Montreal Canadiens. San Jose sent the Habs to their fifth consecutive loss on the backs of Timo Meier and Aaron Dell.
It was a great way to begin a tough part of the schedule with four game in six days and 14 of the next 18 games on the road.
The good stuff:
- The Sharks back-up got the nod in goal due and delivered a 30 save gem. Dell improved to 8-3 in 11 starts with a 1.98 GAA and .934 save percentage. Do you know hoe many teams with kill to have a starting goalie that good? Nevermind a back-up. The Sharks goalie situation is enviable for sure.
- Meier scored a pair of goals in the victory. The 21-year-old is tied for third on the team with eight goals in 36 games. Four of those goals have come in the last five games. Meier is making a case for himself to remaid on the top line moving forward. We are finally seeing the offensive production we had hoped to see from the youngster when the season began.
- San Jose's penalty kill was solid once again. They killed three first period Habs power play opportunities to preserve a 1-0 SJ lead. They finished the game killing 4-of-5. The Sharks penalty kill is ranked second in the NHL at 85.2%.
- Joe Thornton is enjoying a nice bounce back season. The 38-year-old had 50 points (7g 43a) in 50 games during the 2016-17 season. Jumbo Joe already has 8 goals to eclipse his total for all of last season and with 27 points in 37 games, he's on pace for almost 60 points. Not bad for one of the leagues elder statesman.
- San Jose and Anaheim are tied for third in the Pacific Division with 46 points, but the Sharks have FOUR games in hand.
The Sharks next game is on Thursday against Patrick Marleau and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Thanks for reading, Steve