SAN JOSE -- The Flyers catch the Sharks napping in the third period to end a 14 year losing streak in San Jose.
Matt Nieto with two goals practically scored in identical fashion. That was the highlight of the game for the Sharks. The rest of the night belonged to the Flyers who scored four goals in the third period to skate past the Sharks 5-2.
It's always important to get contributions from the entire roster but seemingly more now with the Sharks given their injuries to key players like Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture.
Nieto's first goal was the result of a long pass on a breakaway started by Matt Irwin.
Turning point
The third period where the Flyers scored three goals in 3:56 to put the game out of reach.
Game highlights
Goal descriptions
1. A long shot from the point by Mark Streit gets by Antti Niemi who was totally screened just in front of the crease by Wayne Simmonds.
2. Matt Irwin dumps the puck in from just inside the Sharks blue line. Tommy Wingels picks up the puck at the goal line and feeds a perfect centering pass to a charging Nieto who beats Mason on the blocker side.
3. Brent Burns digs the puck out of the corner and feeds Nieto who skates around Mason and beats him again from the blocker side.
4. Hustle by the Flyers who win the faceoff and skate with the puck and fire a shot from the right wing beating the Sharks who are slow to backcheck.
5. Shot saved by Niemi but gives up a fat rebound to Raffel who has an easy wrister from the slot for the goal.
5. Matt Irwin causes a turnover on a pass clearing attempt. The Flyers regain the puck and turn it into another easy goal.
6. On a line change, the Sharks are careless with the puck once again allowing the Flyers to go on the attack and beat Alex Stalock with a wrister, top shelf.
It appears teams know the Sharks main weapons and they're doing their best to neutralize Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, and Patrick Marleau.
Contenders
Claude Giroux - The Flyers captain with a goal and an assist but the team collectively outplayed the Sharks
Matt Nieto - for scoring his first two goal game of his career.
Pretenders
Antti Niemi - gives up three goals in 3:56 span in the third period and is "rewarded" by getting the rest of the night off. Three goals on four shots. Definitely not a good night for Nemo in the net.
Matt Irwin - Has a great pass on the first Sharks goal but gets beaten on the Flyers second goal and then his turnover allows for the fourth Philly goal.
Sharks third and fourth lines - granted this gets back to the lack of depth due to injuries but the team needs production from guys other than those on the top lines.
Team Teal is home again on Wednesday night to face the Dallas Stars.
Keep your head up,
Ryan Leong