SAN JOSE -- The Sharks have it down to a science it seems in the first period: get lots of shots on goal and draw penalties. In the past few games the power play has struggled but not this night against the Wild.
Joe Pavelski scored a pair of goals on the power play as the Sharks beat the Wild 3-1.
Logan Couture says special teams made the difference in getting this much needed win to end the four game winless streak.
"We went through a stretch where we were losing some games. I think our power play was the reason why we weren't winning. In this room we've got a lot of skilled players that should create momentum for our team if they're not scoring. And we're starting to score some goals it's good to see."
Two power play goals in the opening twenty minutes going 2-for-4 on the man advantage is always a good recipe for success. The bigger problem is scoring that third goal.
Playing tough is fine but obviously you put yourself behind the eight ball when you're constantly on the penalty kill. That wasn't lost on Minnesota coach Mike Yeo who used the 'E' word to describe what he considered poor officiating.
"It must be nice to draw penalties like that. When the other team goes stick on puck and you just kind of hold your head, make sure you look at the first penalty cause to me that's embarassing. I guess we've got to ask our players to embellish more."
From the replay, the call was legit, the shaft of Fontaine did swipe the cheek of Brad Stuart.
Goal descriptions
1. Joe Pavelski from behind the left circle rips a shot that bounces past Backstrom between the pads. Patrick Marleau also screened Backstrom from seeing the puck.
2. Tommy Wingels centering pass to Tomas Hertl in the slot who beats Backstom on the stick side.
3. Pavelski again off a rebound from the initial shot from the point. Puck skidders free to Pavelski for a wide open right side of the net.
4. Shot from the left circle, bounces off Brad Stuart and the puck changes direction going into the net.
Contenders
Joe Pavelski - scores twice on the man advantage and has scored three goals in two games. He has 21 two goal games in his career, still looking for that first career hat trick.
Tomas Hertl - the young phenom had scored only one goal in six games and he lit the lamp for his team leading 15th goal.
Logan Couture - took eight shots and also took a puck to the visor. He twice hit the crossbar and also played some solid defense
Pretenders
Justin Fontaine - drew two penalties in the first period and the Sharks capitalized with a pair of power play goals. Fontaine's second penalty for holding against Joe Thornton wasn't smart.
Zenon Konopka - chases after Freddie Hamilton, ends up high sticking Jason Demers and draws blood giving the Sharks a four minute power play. Team teal scores again, and the Wild don't help themselves.
Notes
Joe Thornton's two assists moved him into a tie for 49th place on the NHL career points list with Michel Goulet with 1,152 points. ... The Wild are 1-8 in their last nine games in San Jose. ... Pavelski has 11 goals in 17 games against the Wild. ... Minnesota has allowed the first goal in eight straight road games.
Keep your head up, Ryan Leong