Sharks @ Lightning 160216

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Former Sharks on opponent: Matt Carle; Tony Hrkac, pro scout

After giving Barracuda coach Roy Sommer a fine ceremony honoring his 637th win, setting AHL record that had stood for 72 years, before the game, the Sharks went on to dominate in a 4-1 win over the Coyotes.

Sharks now head out on a five game road trip.  First stop: Tampa Bay.  The Lightning hosted the Blues on Sunday, losing 2-1, their first home loss of 2016. Tampa is fourth in the Atlantic Division and fighting to retain a playoff spot.

But mainly, Tampa has been the home of Steven Stamkos rumors. Toronto pundits (and others) have been speculating if and when he’ll be re-signed to a new deal, and where he might go if not.  Often the leading weekly story in national rumor wrap ups, guessing the status of negotiations and likelihood of his relocation, by the trade deadline or in the sumemr.  It got so crazy, that Tampa GM Yzerman released a statement that Stamkos will not be going anywhere by the trade deadline; perhaps done to remove distractions for the team going forward.

(Stay tuned for morning skate updates.)

Update: looks like it’ll be Jones vs Koekkoek.  Dillon out.

Barracuda vs Condors 160214

Right back at it after the first Barracuda franchise shutout.  Dell in net.  Mueller returned to the Barracuda.

Condors came to play; they got rest on Saturday after winning at home on Friday.

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After two goals Saturday, Smith notched another two on Sunday.  But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Condors, losing 2-4.  Big lack of energy from both teams.

Sharks vs Coyotes 160213

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Former Sharks on opponent: Corey Schwab, prospect goaltending coach

Sharks overcame a three goal deficit, scoring 4 straight, but let the Flames score late to tie it up.  Overtime didn’t decide it.  Sharks scored one in four rounds of shootout; Flames got two.  Ramo was injured late in the third; Hiller came in and only let in the single shootout goal, including a full two-minute 5-on-3 Sharks PP. Stalock got the loss. Martin received an elbow to the head and left the game. Dillon didn’t play due to upper body injury, and is not expected in the lineup Saturday.

Coyotes hosted the Flames Friday night, winning 4-1. Domingue made 26 saves in win.

Sharks stayed off the ice Friday.  Guessing that Jones will start on Saturday. Dillon likely out. Sharks will honor Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer for his AHL record setting win before the game.

Barracuda vs Rampage 160213

Now with Sommer’s record behind them, the Barracuda hope to get things going and add up the points.

Next up: the Rampage.  Arrived in town on Thursday, practiced Friday, and will be ready to go on Saturday.

Cundari and Gallant are out (injuries).  (Mueller was recalled to the Sharks with Dillon out.) Guessing Grosenick may get the start. (Barracuda host Bakersfield Sunday afternoon.)

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Physical game, with Bergman blocking a shot and missing a couple of shifts.  But Dell kept all 30 shows out of his net for the Sharks to win 5-0.

Sharks vs Flames 160211

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Former Sharks on opponent: Freddy Hamilton (AHL)

Sharks had the second successful coach’s challenge this year against Chicago, denying former Shark Mashinter the only puck that got past Jones. Jones had 33 saves for his shutout win.  Marleau scored the first (and game winning) goal, with Thornton getting the insurance ENG. 2-2 on four game road trip is much nicer than 1-3.  That was the first game a healthy Sharks lineup faced the Hawks this season, but Dillon left the game after two shifts in the first period with an upper body injury and did not return.

Meanwhile, in Calgary, three top players were late to practice on Monday, so were scratches for Tuesday’s game, a 4-3 victory with 11 F and 7 D dressed. On Wednesday, the three sheepishly apologized. They have another distraction on Wednesday, with Wideman facing Bettman for his appeal of the 20-game suspension for cross checking linesman (appeal decision could take a while). This is the start of the Flames’ Dad’s trip for the season.

The Sharks PK has been successful 16 of the last 17 man disadvantages.

Update: Stalock in net for Sharks.  Dillon out; Tennyson in.  Mueller recalled.

Barracuda vs Reign 160210

And after losing two in SoCal last week, the Barracuda hope to turn the tables as they host the Reign in NorCal.  The Reign have a 8-0-1-0 record on the line in San Jose.

The Barracuda arrived home early Sunday.  Got on the ice for practice on Monday and Tuesday.

The Barracuda are hoping to (finally) get that 637th win for Coach Sommer, at home, against the best team in the league.  Torres expected to make his Barracuda home debut.

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Dell in nets.  Made 50 saves (52 SOG) — most saves in AHL this season.  Goals from Lerg, Young, Goodrow and Smith.  Barracuda were 2 for 3 on PP, and notched insurance goal short handed.

So, FINALLY, Coach Roy Sommer notches win 637, setting new AHL wins mark that had stood for 72 years.

Reign lost Gravel and Budaj to call ups; emergency 34 year-old goalie backed up.  Houser starting. And even congratulated Sommer on his record.

Sharks @ Blackhawks 160209

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Former Sharks on opponent: Andrew Desjardins, Brandon Mashinter; Jimmy Waite, goaltending coach; Mike Grier, scout; Jamal Mayers, community liaison; Steve Konroyd, TV studio host.

Sharks played OK in Nashville, but Jones could not keep the put out of the net.  2-6. Thornton notched his 200th goal with the Sharks; Couture had the other.  Both were PPGs. In his 400th game, Couture, had a goal and assist for his 300th points.

Crawford starting for Hawks. Hawks return home for four-game homestand, looking to sweep Sharks for season series. Kruger out for rest of (regular) season with wrist injury.

Sharks @ Predators 160206

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Former Sharks on opponent: Carter Hutton; Scott Nichol (Director of Player Development)

Sharks and Blues were without a goal in the first, but the Sharks scored two in the second, and an insurance goal in the third, to take the game 3-1. Shot blocking mentioned as one of the reasons the Sharks won.

Sharks continue their road trip in Nashville. This is their second meeting of the season; the Sharks fell 1-2 at SAP Center earlier this season.

Nashville is looking for their first home victory of the month and have lost their first two games of the month, including giving up six goals to Philadelphia on Thursday (defense, more than goal tender was blamed).  Ribeiro will be playing his 1000th game.  Rinne is 9-5-4 in his career against the Sharks. They’ve tried many combinations but have not found a good option for left win on the top line.

My guess is that it’ll be Jones vs Rinne.

Barracuda @ Reign 160205

The Barracuda get back at it after the ASG, finishing their road trip with a couple of back-to-back games in Ontario.  Tonight is the Reign’s “Pink in the Rink” celebration.

To summarize the recent AHL player movement… Jevpalovs was assigned to ECHL Allen for a couple of games last weekend; now recalled.  Torres cleared waivers and has been assigned to the Barracuda (he’s looking to get back on track with this AHL stint).  Pinkston recalled from ECHL Allen.

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Dell in net.  Barracuda managed 4 shots in first, one in second. A respectable number of shots in third, but the team was shut out.  0-1 loss.