Category: San Jose Sharks

Sharks vs Ducks 151107

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A coach’s challenge denied Joonas Donskoi (originally drafted by Florida) his first NHL career two-goal game, but the Sharks pulled out a 5-2 win over the visiting Florida Panthers, with Stalock getting his first win of the season. It was the first home win over the Panthers since 2005! Pavelski did extend his points streak (7 games), but his goal streak ended at 5 games. Fans are still waiting for the first home PPG of the season. Sharks scored first this game, a rarity this season.

This is the second game of a double header at SAP Center on Saturday.  In the afternoon, the AHL San Jose Barracuda (affiliate of the Sharks) take on the AHL San Diego Gulls (affiliate of the Ducks).

Optional practice on Friday for the Sharks, with Torres, Brown and Jones being the only players on the ice.  Brown was wearing a cage, but hopes to be able to get back in the lineup for Saturday (he sat the entire 3rd period on Tuesday, did have some shifts in 2nd after his first period fight; so have to assume the reason for the cage is related to that fight; missed Thursday’s game).

Ducks are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday evening, so will be flying in after that game for Saturday’s game. Ryan Getzlaf is expected to return from appendectomy for Friday’s game. They won the game, with three goals being first for the season for the respective players.

Last season, the Sharks owned the Ducks. So far, the Sharks are 1-0 over the Ducks. Anderson played Friday, so it could be KHUDOBIN for Saturday’s game in net for the Ducks.

Update: Jones starting for Sharks.  Brown back in the lineup. Stollery assigned to Barracuda; Cundari recalled.

Sharks vs Panthers 151105

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Pavelski did score two goals against the Blue Jackets, but the Sharks have yet to score a power play goal at home this season.  Columbus got a few lucky bounces, and never gave the Sharks a lead all game.  Jones was pulled after giving up 4 goals in two periods; Stalock gave up no goals in his relief period.

The team sent Barclay Goodrow and Karl Stollery to the AHL Barracuda on Wednesday. The team did not get on the ice Wednesday for practice.  On Thursday, Nikolay Goldobin and Micheal Haley were recalled from the AHL Barracuda. Stalock is scheduled to start.

Today, the Florida Panthers (5-4-3) come to the Tank. They lost last night in a shootout 3-2 in Anaheim. Luongo played last night, so Montoya is the expected starter. Seemingly ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr is the player to watch for Florida. Or the former Shark Brian Campbell on the blueline.

Sharks vs Blue Jackets 151103

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After splitting back-to-back games over the weekend, the Sharks return home and host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Burns scored two and the team needed the ENG Pavelski scored as the Avalanche came back late and scored to make it a one goal game.

The Sharks had an optional practice on Monday with Jones, Stalock, Torres and Smith on the ice, under the watchful eyes of Hedberg and Marchment.

Tuesday will be the first (of 3 scheduled) game(s) that the team will wear the 25th anniversary Heritage Jerseys.

The Blue Jackets flew into San Jose early on Sunday.  On Monday, (new) coach Tortorella refused to indicate who his starter would be against the Sharks, nor who the scratches might be. Their confidence is being questioned. What/how can you fix things, when everything seems to be broken?

Even though Columbus is 2-10 for October, their worst month in franchise history, and at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and the entire league in standings, the Sharks are not taking the team lightly.  Injuries pulled them down last year, and on paper they have a much better team this season.

Patrick Marleau is sitting at 996 points.  Teammates and coaches are impressed with his long career.

Sharks @ Avalanche 151101

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Sharks played Dallas on Saturday; Sunday in Denver.

With Stalock playing against the Stars, Jones is scheduled to start against the Avs.

The Avalanche return home after ending a three-game road trip Friday in Carolina with a 2-3 loss.

Former Shark Brad Stuart has been a healthy scratch for all but two games this season.

Sharks had some success with special teams on Saturday, scoring two PPGs and a SHG, but also let in a SHG and two PPG.  DeBoer used his time out to challenge a goal (offsides), but was unsuccessful in the challenge (but like the previous unsuccessful time, did give the team a chance for a “longer” timeout to regroup).

Sharks @ Stars 151031

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Sigh.  Wednesday’s game showed they can fight and be competitive, but they weren’t able to get more than one behind Rinne.  Jones is taking blame for the loss.

The Sharks hit the road for back-to-back games before returning home next week.  On Saturday, they’re in Texas; Sunday Colorado. Sharks recalled Bryan Lerg and Dylan DeMelo to bolster the roster as they’re traveling.

Dallas is leading the Central division with 16 points.  They are on a two-game winning streak.  Jamie Benn is leading the league in points and goals. Dallas is 2nd in PP (27.3%); 10th in PK (85.7%). Sharks are 25th in PP (11.1%) and tied for 16th in PK (80%), in comparison.

Sharks will be facing former Sharks Jason Demers (traded for Brendan Dillon last fall) and Antti Niemi. Niemi is 5-1 this season and has won his last four starts.

DeBoer did not tip his hand which goalie will be starting in Dallas, but with back-to-back games, it’s likely both Stalock and Jones will get starts this weekend.

Sharks vs Predators 151028

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Sharks got the day off on Sunday, and had practice Monday and Tuesday heading into Wednesday’s game.  Lerg, McCarthy and Mueller were returned to the Barracuda, leaving exactly 20 on the roster. And everyone’s healthy, so everyone dresses for the game tonight. (Late update: Mueller recalled per AHL transactions)

The Predators have been forced on the road due to the CMA awards and are facing all three California teams on this trip. Sharks are up first.

There are three games on the schedule tonight, and the Sharks-Predators is the only night game, and on national TV.

Jones scheduled to start for the Sharks.  Guessing it’ll be Rinne for the Preds.

Sharks vs Hurricanes 151024

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Last game, the Sharks looked like their energy was still on the road as they could not solve backup Enroth, and fell 1-4 to the Kings on Thursday. Ward had the lone tally; Sharks were 0-5 on the man advantage and gave up two PPG in four kills.  And there was a big scare with Jumbo tripped up where he hit his head, and wobbly headed back to the bench; he missed the rest of the period, all the intermission and the beginning of the next in concussion protocols, but did return to play, to the relief of all Shark fans.

Next up: Carolina Hurricanes.  On Friday, they faced the Kings and lost 3-0.  They are 2-5-0 and 7th in the Metropolitan Division.  In seven games, they’ve only scored 12 goals, while giving up 20.  May be a cure for breaking the Sharks’ three game losing streak.

Martin and Donskoi, as well as Smith, may return to the line up Saturday night.  Further updates may be available after morning skate.  Haley was returned to the Barracuda Friday; Lerg and Mueller are still with the Sharks.

Update: John McCarthy recalled; Donskoi, Smith confirmed still out. Martin returns to lineup.

Sharks vs Kings 151022

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Sharks return home from their four-game road trip, trying to reverse their two-game losing streak, and overcoming the list of injuries.  Couture is out for another 3-5 weeks; Martin returned to practice, but won’t be available tonight; Donskoi also has returned to practice, but is another still out.

Lerg was recalled from the Barracuda.

Jones will be facing his former team for the second time, first time on his (new) home ice.  Christian Ehrhoff will be patrolling the blue line for his new team, returning to former home environs.

One major topic of discussion on the concourse tonight will be the traffic heading to Levi Stadium for a Thursday football game that fans had to avoid to get to SAP Center.

Sharks @ Rangers 151019

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Against the Islanders on Saturday, Stalock got the start on the second game of back-to-backs; DeMelo made his NHL debut. But the team only played (strong) 40 minutes, going off the rails in the third, losing 6-3, including an empty netter.  D Martin out with lower body injury (after skating 30+ minutes the night before).  Smith hit in ear by (Vlasic) slap shot and did not return to play. Hearing that Bryan Lerg has been recalled (I guess for Smith).

Rangers played the Devils Sunday afternoon, so the Sharks are the “rested” team going into Monday’s game. Former Shark Dan Boyle not surprised has been a recent healthy scratch, but pundits now bemoan the contract, cap hit, and NMC. The Rangers have lost their last three games including a 1-2 OT loss to the Devils. Stoll returned to the lineup Sunday, but that was not enough of a spark.  The only player not being criticized is Lundqvist; there is some thought that Lundqvist may get the start on Monday, even though he played Sunday (and all games thus far), but Raanta could be the starter, against the “Jumbo Shrimps”. At 3-2-1, the coach does not want his team to go below 0.500.

Morning skate update: Martin Jones vs Antti Raanta tonight.  Paul Martin, Joonas Donskoi, Ben Smith out.

Sharks @ Islanders 151017

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Friday night, while Martin Jones was setting a new Sharks shutout record at 234:33, enroute to a 2-1 SO win, the Islanders were at home on the couch. Nikolay Goldobin made his NHL debut, and Ben Smith made his season debut. The Sharks perfect PK record ended as well.  (The Sharks are leading the Pacific Division as of Friday night.)  (Couture has returned to California and is set for surgery on Saturday to repair his broken leg; out 4-6 weeks.)

Islanders are 2-1-1 on the season. (2-0-1 at home) Former Shark Thomas Griess, signed as an UFA this summer as the back up goalie, has been holding down the fort while #1 goalie Jaroslav Halak has been recovering from an upper body injury suffered during training camp. Halak may make his season debut Saturday, based on how Friday’s practice went. The Islanders claimed G Berube off waivers who has backed up Griess thus far; they plan to keep three goalies on the roster for now.

Given the back-to-back games, Stalock may be starting for the Sharks.

(May update after morning skate)