The Sharks didn't let a quick 2-0 deficit get them down. They rebounded to counter Boston’s 2-0 start with a 7-2 finish for a final score of 7-4 for their third straight win.
Five goals from depth players (Kennedy 2, Wingels 2, Hertl 1) made life tough for the Bruins as the Sharks were patient and took shots from the point when players were in front of the net, resulting in a few tip-in goals. This was great to see instead of the usual throw everything at the net for no reason approach.
Brent Burns returned from wherever he was vacationing and had two helpers in the win, just what the doctor ordered for an extremely offense-confused blue-line.
The PP was clicking, going 2/4 and looking really well. There wasn't much to dislike about this game from the Sharks point of view outside of Boston scoring four goals. I had this game pegged as a low scoring affair, I didn't see a combined 11 goals coming. Neither goaltender had sparkling save percentages after this one but Niemi got off the hook thanks to the Sharks depth group taking care of business at the other end of the rink.
Yesterday I talked about high percentage shots and how Rask would make routine saves. While the initial point shot isn't considered high% the chance of it finding the back of the net increases drastically when there’s a Shark player in front to get a stick on it, something they did last night but hadn't done much of all year. The Sharks beat Rask the only way you can, and that’s more than alright.
Aside from Tyler Kennedy’s floater from the dasher-boards, Rask’s night was more a result of his defenders failing him and players not picking up coverage in the defensive zone. I wouldn't place too much blame on Tuukka for this result.
Niemi was not locked in during this one but was bailed out by a pile of Sharks goals. The first Bruins goal might have been avoided had he not strayed so far to the opposite side of the net and then place his paddle down. One the stick goes level with the ice you've basically conceded any recovery time to get across. He also could have had a better showing on the Krug goal. He did make other saves, so good for him.
Line Stability
Over the three wins the lines have settled into a more consistent appearance than during the large stretch of games that was like an open wound that couldn’t be closed. Don’t mistake that for McLellan being a genius, he’s just taken the first step towards positive movement. I've said countless times that you can’t get comfortable if the lines are being figured out by a bingo ball drum.
While the players in the lineup might not be ideal, right now the coach has ceased his excessive tinkering and things have settled down. The depth guys are gaining chemistry with each other and everyone generally knows who they will be out with, giving them a better chance to figure things out on the ice. We’ll worry about Mike Brown (yes, Sharksdivision, I know it’s another win with Brown in the lineup) and John Scott later.
Where They Stand
San Jose is in 9th in the West right now and while that’s not glorious by any means it’s significantly better than where they would be had they lost the last three games (12th).
All teams above them (except ANA/CGY) have games in hand so the climb isn’t over. After another very important two points they now head to Calgary for a Saturday night tilt before a home and home against the Oilers.
The Sharks are looking up at the Flames so getting a victory against them and capitalizing on the Oilers’ struggles will go a long way toward catching them, and other teams in the West. These are three very winnable games coming up and they can’t let them get away, especially against Edmonton.
The Sharks can’t afford to repeat the Buffalo/Florida disasters from earlier in the season and drop points to teams they should beat. That ship has sailed, there’s no more room for multi-game fiascos against weaker opponents after the Sharks took a quarter of the season off to give everyone a chance to play with everyone else like a minor hockey team.
San Jose has given themselves a chance at recovery before the season was completely lost, let’s hope it stays that way.
Thanks for reading.