Last night’s win against the LA Kings probably meant more than just a simple two points in the standings.
The Sharks head into the All-Star break on a winning note after beating a bitter rival who they’re trying to keep at bay in the standings. They also did it without Justin Braun and Tommy Wingels. More importantly, though, they've given themselves hope.
Imagine the result of last night’s game was reversed.
You would have had a team, missing two key players, going into the break on a losing note and probably wondering what they’re going to do next. They would have been clinging to the 8th place spot in the West missing a regular player from the top six and a top four defender.
It was a win the Sharks absolutely needed heading to the break. They needed the confidence of coming together and beating a tough team with the new injuries they have.
Thoughts
Tennyson/Dillon: I didn't hate this pairing as much as I thought I would. Tennyson looked much better lined up with Dillon than he did fending for himself with Irwin and Hannan. I’m not saying he’s a top four defender – because he’s not – but if he can find consistency and comfort with Dillon while Braun is out then the Sharks will reap the benefits.
Nieto With Couture and Marleau: This is such a great sight. Nieto makes that line better. He might not have had his best possession game last night but when Nieto is with Marleau and Couture good things happen. I love Tommy Wingels, but I’d rather him on the third line when he returns. Here’s the with or without you for Marleau/Couture and Nieto.
John Scott/Barclay Goodrow: Neither of these players should be in the lineup. Goodrow has just not been the same player he was in training camp and he belongs in Worcester. John Scott had more shots last night than Goodrow. Injuries mean nothing in an argument for those two to be on the ice. There are other players in Worcester that could be given a chance; it would be hard for them to bring less to the lineup.
Marleau Scores Again: This was a great sign. It’s important to get the first one out of the way after a slump, but it’s even more important to get the second. Even with the ugly goal from a few nights ago, Marleau had to be wondering if it was a one-off. Now he knows it isn't and that will go a long way for confidence, even for a veteran sniper.
Dominant Possession: The Sharks had control of the puck all the way into the third period – and it wasn't even close. The Kings pressed in the third, as expected, but it was too little, too late.
Face-offs: The Sharks had a rough time in the circle last night. They were 28/63 (44.4%) overall, but that number is largely boosted due to Thornton/Pavelski going 17/29 (58.6%). The remaining face-offs were exceptionally awful at 11/34 (32.4%). Strong play on the puck after the face-off made up for the initial loss of possession, but that’s not a game you want to repeat from a draw standpoint.
No Juggling: The Sharks lines found consistency throughout the entire game. Good things happen when the lines aren't flip-flopped around the entire 60 minutes. The stability let them worry about the game and not whether or not they would be demoted after a :25 second shift.
The Sharks got the result they needed. They’re sixth in the West heading into the All-Star break and four points up on the Kings. All of the Sharks, minus Burns, will get some rest and relaxation from the game grind as they hit the break with confidence. When they come out of the break, though, it’s right back at it. San Jose plays the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday the 29th of January in another tough match-up.
Thanks for reading.