Sharks didn’t have morning skate due to the back-to-back games and 5pm start. (And I had a crazy day so the pre and post game blog entries are combined.)
Sharks skated with discipline and determination, after Haley took on Jackman, scoring 4 (with one waived off); with Niemi not allowing anything into his net.
One continuing concern is that excluding the two Joes, it was more than 190 minutes (3+ games) that someone else scored. It was finally broken when Couture notched an empty net late in the third.
And Niemi had his 30th career shut out.
Hopefully of lesser concern is that early in the first period, Thornton left the ice after a big hit from Stoner; he did not return. Postgame, McLellan says that it’s not significant. Heal fast, Jumbo.
Pavelski notched two goals (including a key 5-on-3 power play at the start of the 3rd); Couture the empty net.
In off ice news, the Sharks have signed 2014 draftee Rourke Chartier to an entry level deal. And in the WJC, prospects Bergman (and Bergvik) – Sweden and Goldobin – Russia are advancing to the quarterfinals, while Mueller and Rod – Swizterland are heading to relegation.
Sharks Centric News
Sharks team news
San Jose Mercury News
- Sharks face Ducks team that is starting to get healthy
- Sharks’ Wingels to play against Anaheim Ducks
- WTC: Wingels to play, as Sharks look to bounce back vs. Ducks
- Thornton injured in Sharks’ win over Ducks
- WTC: No update on Thornton today, but what if he misses some time?
CSN Bay Area/California
- In the Crease: Sliding Sharks close out 2014 in Anaheim
- Sharks sign 18-year-old forward Chartier
- Sharks’ Thornton rocked vs. Ducks, leaves with injury
- Instant Replay: Pavelski, Sharks spoil New Years for Ducks
- Rewind: Sharks overcome loss of Thornton vs. Ducks
The Gackle Report
Neutral Centric News
NHL
- Preview
- Sharks center Thornton leaves game with injury
- Recap
- #1 SOTN
- NHL Network named him #3 SOTN
AP
Sports Network
NBC/PHT
- Corey Perry returns to Ducks lineup
- Video: Sharks’ Thornton hurt after heavy hit (Updated)
- Getzlaf: ‘I accept full responsibility for my stupidity’
Hockey Fights
Opponent Centric News
Anaheim Ducks
- Practice Report: Perry, Jackman, Palmieri Looking ‘Better Every Day’
- Ducks Reassign LW Heatley to Norfolk (AHL)
Sharks alum clears waivers - Ducks Conclude the Calendar Year with NHL’s Top Mark
- Ducks Reassign LW Friberg to Norfolk (AHL)
- Morning Report: Ducks Hope to Close Out 2014 with a Bang
- Postgame Quotes: December 31 vs. San Jose
Orange County Register
- icemancometh 1:27pm via TweetDeck Expected New Year’s Eve lineups and some quick-hit notes ahead of Ducks-Sharks tonight (5 p.m. PT) at Honda Center. ocregister.com/ducks/ducks-64…
- Fryer: Close wins, depth have Ducks on top
- Recap
Los Angeles Times
Long Beach Press-Telegram
- Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf playing like an MVP contender
- Anaheim Ducks lose composure and then game to San Jose Sharks
SBN: Anaheim Calling