Puck Ponderings

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Sharks scored 4 unanswered goals, including three in the third, to win in LA 5-3 before the break. Pavelski had two goals, and an assist. Burns and Thornton each had a goal and an assist. Jones gave up a couple of goals early in the game, but got stronger, and the D kept the puck out of the zone more as well.

Sharks then had five days before this game. Practice on 12/26 and 12/27 before getting back at it in a double header 12/28. Couture and Ward have returned to practice, but Couture is still out.

The Avs hosted the Coyotes Sunday (losing in OT), before heading to San Jose. MacKinnon has been on a goal drought and lost his “Nine Line” wingers. Iginla scored his 599th goal. Avs are wary of new captain Pavelski, who seems to come up big against them.

Barracuda vs Checkers 151228

Fast turn around from Sunday evening game to Monday afternoon.

Doremus, Timmins and McLaren were out injured yesterday and probably won’t be in the line up today. With Grosenick staring Sunday, Dell maybe getting the start Monday.

Fifth of 13 Barracuda-Shark double headers today.

Charlotte is without a goalie and defenseman who are in Europe for the Spengler Cup. They are starting a six-game California road trip. They are on a five-game point streak, but historically have had issues after holiday breaks. Checkers are eyeing a “crossover” playoff spot which would be replacing the Barracuda in the playoff race, if it started today.

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After 40 minutes, the Barracuda were up 1-0. But 4 unanswered goals in the 3rd dashed hopes of seeing the team in a playoff position.

Barracuda vs Heat 151227

Break over, time to get back to work.

Mark Cundari has been loaned to Team Canada for the Spengler Cup. (Runs December 26 through 31.) (Former Sharks James Sheppard and Manny Malhotra are also on the team.) Rick Pinkston has been recalled from ECHL to fill in.

Heat will be without their captain Johnson, who is also in Europe for the Spengler Cup. And coming in late from Saturday night game in Bakersfield, losing 3-5. Mitchell Heard has been recalled for game.

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Barclay Goodrow scored two, which was more than enough to beat the Heat on Sunday. Three additional goals were scored by Emmanuelson, Lerg and Parkes. Barracuda were 1 for 5 on PP and only gave up one goal on PK in 6 opportunities. Barracuda are now one win away from a playoff spot in the division.

Back at it on Monday afternoon as the Barracuda host the Charlotte Checkers.

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.

Barracuda vs Heat 151220

Barracuda have this final game before they get the week off for Christmas (back to practice on Saturday 12/26). Goodrow assigned to Barracuda.

Heat are coming off the first AHL California outdoor game (they won). Rescheduled from Friday night to Saturday afternoon due to rain.

Guessing it might be Grosenick in nets today. Check twitter for updates.

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Barracuda fell behind 0-3, and then scored in bunches (including 3 goals in 50 seconds) — totally five straight, Grosenick made a save-of-the-year candidate (made top 5 on ESPN, notice on Sportsnet and The Hockey News). Barracuda win 5-4. McLaren had a rock-em-sock–em fight in the first (broken nose); did not return to the game.

Now the team has off until 12/26 (practice). Next game 12/27 against these same Heat.

Sharks @ Blackhawks 151220

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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.

Barracuda @ Gulls 151218

Long haul down to San Diego for a single game; but the guys got to fly, not drive this time (actually cheaper than driving without stops in Bakersfield or Ontario). Will the pattern of the road team winning this series continue?

Ben Smith and Barclay Goodrow were recalled to the Sharks. Timmins is out (injured).

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Barracuda opened scoring in 2nd, fell behind and managed to tie it up before the end of regulation. But Gulls win it.

Barracuda back at it on Sunday afternoon (hopefully against a tired Stockton team as their outdoor game was delayed a day).

Sharks @ Senators 151218

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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

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