Ryan Miller stole the show – again – against the Sharks in a costly loss for team teal.
The loss moves San Jose down to 8th in the Western Conference with another tough matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on tap for tonight.
The Joe Thornton line dominated as usual but it was the lack of effectiveness by the Logan Couture line that killed the Sharks in this one. Couture’s line was dominated while they were on the ice and for a line considered to be the top defensive unit that’s never a good thing.
James Sheppard had a good game, finishing with 63% Corsi For percentage while getting a horrible offensive zone start of only 12%, despite sub-50% in the faceoff circle. McLellan wasn’t doing the third line any favors in shift start distribution in this one. The third line as a whole played an excellent game when they got on the ice.
Matt Nieto’s return was a forgettable one – possibly his worst game of the season – but don’t let the numbers fool you. He was lined up with Desjardins and Haley for most of the game before finally making it to Thornton’s line in the third. It might be time to move on from Desjardins as the fourth line center. If Chris Tierney isn’t the answer then they have to go out and get someone else. The fourth line simply can’t continue down the road to nowhere if the Sharks want to be successful.
Ice-time distribution was baffling again. Matt Tennyson played only seconds less than Brenden Dillon and Justin Braun while the Couture line played the most out of the forwards despite being outplayed all game long. The Sharks might be winning more often than not lately but Todd McLellan is still making questionable decisions behind the bench.
Ryan Miller has the Sharks number. When the Canucks went up 3-1 they went into protect mode and the Sharks started to shell the Vancouver net but to no avail. Miller’s been largely average all season but when he plays the Sharks it’s as if he finds another gear.
Matt Irwin. Matt, Irwin.
Don’t let his possession stats trick you into thinking this pilon had a good game. He was significantly sheltered with offensive zone stars (83%) to make up for his lack of competency in his own end. 83% offensive zone starts is outrageous. Defenders shouldn’t have to be sheltered that much. When you have to start a defender in the offensive zone 83% of the time then you have a huge issue. That number should be reserved for the fourth forward line who – with a 0% offensive zone start – were basically thrown to the wolves.
Alex Stalock didn’t play well, there’s no denying it, but McLellan’s line selections at certain points in the game certainly didn’t help his goaltender out any. Hopefully this game doesn’t cost Stalock and starts in the near future.
San Jose needs to quickly regroup for a New Year’s Eve tilt with the Anaheim Ducks.
Tough team, meaningful game.
A loss to the Ducks with a Calgary win over Edmonton pushes San Jose out of a playoff spot. That just reinforces how costly the loss to Vancouver really was. Given Stalock’s rough night and that it’s the second game in as many nights you can expect Niemi to get the nod between the pipes.
It will be interesting to see where Nieto lines up to start this one. We have to assume it won’t be on the fourth line again with how the game ended against Vancouver. Line combinations and selection timing are going to be key against Anaheim and without last change there’s a severe possibility of being out-coached.
It’s close to an afternoon delight with puck drop at 5pmPDT(8pmET).
Thanks for reading.