Category: San Jose Sharks

Sharks @ Kings 151222

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Sharks fell behind the defending Stanley Cup champions, took but could not hold onto two one-goal leads; however they salvaged a point, losing in OT. Karlsson missed the game with the flu; Ward was out injued.  Karlsson may be available for Tuesday, but Ward may not be back.

The Kings return home for one game before the Christmas break, on a similar cross-country road trip (playing many of the same opponents).

They lead the division (and the Sharks in 2nd) by 8 points.

With a four day break, I’m guessing that Jones will start for the Sharks.  And probably Quick for the Kings.

Sharks @ Blackhawks 151220

TV: CSN CA
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Penultimate game of the road trip; penultimate game before their Christmas break.

Sharks come off a 4-2 loss in Ottawa.

I expect Jones to be in nets for the Sharks.  Goodrow assigned to Barracuda on Friday (in advance of holiday roster freeze); might have cleared enough cap to activate Smith off IR.

Blackhawks won in Buffalo Saturday afternoon, with Crawford in net.

Check the twitter lists for updates on who’s in/out.

Sharks @ Senators 151218

TV: CSN CA
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Sharks went up 2-0, then gave up 4; but came back to tie the game in regulation, with Burnzie scoring in OT to give the Sharks a 2-0 record on the trip.  Whew.

Sharks have no time to celebrate. They’re back at it in Ottawa on Friday.  Stalock scheduled to be the starter.  Anderson scheduled to start for the Senators.

Will this be the battle of the Karlssons?  Melker for the Sharks and Erik for the Sens.

No Milan Michalek tonight for the Sens; the former Shark is out with a broken finger.

Sharks @ Maple Leafs 151217

TV: CSN CA
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Sharks played a physical style that the Canadiens were not able to handle.  Scoring three straight, they chased Tokarski from the net in the middle of the game.

Now on to the English speaking center of hockey in Canada, Toronto.

Jones vs Sparks.  Hertl is expected back in the lineup; Braun missed morning skate but is expected to play.

Sharks @ Canadiens 151215

TV: CSN CA
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Sharks managed to get zero goals against the Wild, with their new configuration. A six-game winless streak. Carpenter was returned to the AHL after making his NHL debut Saturday. Before the team left Monday, Ben Smith was recalled from his conditioning stint and Barclay Goodrow was also recalled.  Couture is not traveling with the team on this trip, recovering from emergency surgery to repair an arterial leak in his thigh.

Sharks start a five game cross-country road trip that fills the days before the Christmas break.  They start in arguably one of the most hallowed cathedrals of hockey in Montreal. The team is hoping for a good road trip like the last one they had, not continuing to be mediocre, points from the bottom of the division.  And hoping that the players added over the summer prove out.

Tokarski is starting for the Habs who are starting to count the days before they participate in the Winter Classic against the Bruins in Boston. They host the Sharks and Kings before hitting the road until after the New Year.  Former Shark Torrey Mitchell is expected to be in the lineup after missing four weeks. Paul Byron started the season with the Calgary Flames and was picked up on waivers; he is now centering the top line.  Gallagher is still on the shelf; Price not expected back until the middle of January.

Sharks vs Wild 151212

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Sharks continued to play poorly and added to their losing streak (now at five games).  Couture missed the third period with a Charlie Horse in his thigh, and on returning to San Jose had emergency surgery to repair an arterial leak; out indefinitely. Vlasic returned to practice on Friday and may be available to play Saturday.

Ben Smith has been activated from IR and assigned to the Barracuda on a conditioning stint. Mueller has been assigned to the Barracuda, and Ryan Carpenter has been recalled to the NHL for the first time (could make his debut Saturday if Nieto is not available).

Another double header day (which scouts love).  Tonight is Mike Rathje alumni night.  But it’s a single home game before another long road trip leading up to Christmas.

Jones scheduled to start for the Sharks.

On the Wild’s side, they lost in Arizona Friday, with Kuemper starting; Dubnyk is out this weekend.  Backstrom could get the start Saturday.

Sharks @ Oilers 151209

TV: CSN CA
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A rusty Couture was not enough to counter the tide of Calgary’s offense. Jones was pulled after giving up four goals (even though the last was disallowed for being offside).

Sharks face their former coach for the first time. Jones back in net.  Edmonton looking at how tight the standings are and hoping to climb the division rankings with a win (their 4th in a row).  Sharks are hoping not to have a fifth sequential loss.

Sharks @ Flames 151208

TV: CSN CA
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Sharks still have not won a game this season when they’ve tailed after 20 minutes. While the effort was there to get to within one goal by the final buzzer, there are no points for losing in regulation.

Sharks head to Alberta for a couple of back-to-back games.  First up: Calgary.

And they’ll have to do it without Vlasic, out with a lower body injury, who did not even travel with the team. But they may have Couture, who was activated from the IR before the team left California.  (There were some recalls and assignments to/from the AHL, but it washed out.) Smith put on IR (concussion).

Sharks vs Lightning 151205

TV: CSN CA
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Friday night, the Sharks were in SoCal. Jones let one goal in, and no Shark could get one past Gibson.

Back at it on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Stalock probable starter for the Sharks.

Lightning’s head coach Cooper signed a multi-year extension on Friday.  Lots of talk about Stamkos possibly on the trade block if not re-signed as his contract expires in June and he’ll be a UFA. Drouin may be the player to keep an eye on.

Sharks Foundation collecting toys with Marine Corps for Toys for Tots before game.

Haley assigned, Mueller recalled.

Sharks @ Ducks 151204

TV: CSN CA
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The Sharks could only get one goal past Fleury, while the Pens got many more behind Jones.  There was nearly a 15 minute period where the Sharks did not have a single shot on goal!  Definitely room for improvement (but only slightly better than some of the stinkers @ SAP this season). Still a losing record at home.

Mirco Mueller was assigned to the AHL Barracuda after Tuesday’s game.

On the road the Sharks go for one game in SoCal. Owen Nolan will be making his broadcasting debut on the radio with Dan Rusanowsky for the game.

Sharks will have their hands full with an improving Ducks team that lost to the Lightning Wednesday night.  (Before they return to SJ for a Saturday game hosting those same Lightning.)

Jones is expected to start on Friday.  (And Stalock may start Saturday.)