Sharks vs Sabres 160226

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Former Sharks on opponent: Jamie McGinn, Josh Gorges; Seamus Kotyk, scout

Sharks are back home after their 3-1-1 five-game road trip.  They had the lead twice, and tied it up to force OT, but no shooter was able to get past Pickard in the shootout, and Jones couldn’t keep the ones he faced out. Polak and Spaling made their Sharks debuts; Dillon returned to the lineup.

This week, Scott Hannan officially announced his retirement.  Played for the Sharks last season.

Next up, the Sabres, on a one-game homestand.  They were shutout 0-1 by the Ducks Wednesday night.  The Sharks hope that their previous meet up against the Sabres this season is a precursor to breaking a home losing streak.

The Sabres backup goalie Johnson may be on the trade block and is expected to be the starter either Friday or Saturday.

With the  recent acquisitions and good health of the team, DeBoer has more options/depth to put a roster on the ice that is matched for each opponent.

More after morning skates.

Sharks @ Sabres 151114

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Friday night, the Sharks get a 3-2 win over the Red Wings, breaking a losing streak.  But still didn’t score a power-play goal in two attempts.

Saturday, they’re in Buffalo to play the Sabres. Each team has an 8-8-0 record. Major changes to the Buffalo organization over the summer include the hiring of coach Bylsma and drafting of Eichel #2 overall.  Lots of excitement in the city.

The Sabres are on a three-game winning streak.  The Sharks are at a 1-game winning streak (and haven’t put together back-to-back wins since the first four games of the season).  Doesn’t look like Bogosian is ready to return to the lineup against the Sharks.

Since Jones played Friday against the Red Wings, it’s likely that Stalock will get the start against the Sabres.

Update: Former Shark Jamie McGinn expected to skate for Sabres (and former Sharks Josh Gorges). Sabres looking for their first “winning” record since 2013 tonight.

141118 – postgame Sharks @ Sabres

4-3 record on the trip.  Sigh.  A disappointment that it’s below 0.500.

But the guys got out of town Tuesday evening, a bit of a miracle given the snow fall around the region.  They get Wednesday off and then face the Panthers, to hopefully take revenge for another loss on this trip.

Disallowed goals disappointed. End of a shutout streak.  And continued concern with all the blueline. And lack of offense.

Have to think there will be changes of one kind or another soon.  (And not “36 days until Christmas” soon either. Under/over before/after US Thanksgiving?)

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SBN: Die by the Blade

141118 – pregame Sharks @ Sabres 4:30pm — GAME ON

One last stop on the road trip.
One last stop on the road trip.

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Trip record: 3-3-0.  How this trip will be viewed long term will depend on one or two points from this final game.  Now, the fact that the Sharks have gotten 16 of their road games in their first 21 is a new NHL record, but without a win, the trip will not seem a great success.

There’s an old saying about “The Horse Sees the Barn”, where the horse is hard to contain as he runs back home.  The team will have to have some restraint and control to focus on these last 60+ minutes in Buffalo (one of their worst locations) and get some revenge for the win the Sabres got last month in San Jose to be able to have a good showing.

Sharks had Monday off after their weekend back-to-backs.  (And they’ll have Wednesday off on their return from the road before facing the Panthers on Thursday.)  So energy depleted by travel should not be a factor.

Focus and play.

The weather in Buffalo is often a factor, but the Sharks are in town and the the officials may be as well, so regardless of the weather (and the ability of fans to attend the game), the game may be played (as rescheduling can be crazy).

Nieto missed Sunday’s game after a hard hit into the boards on Saturday.  Unclear if he’ll be available to play.  Stalock, Brown, Torres on IR.

NOAA satellite image of lake effect snow
How close is snow to First Niagara Center (where Sabres play)?

Sabres had optional morning skate.  Looks like Grosenick will start for Sharks.

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141025 – Sabres @ Sharks postgame

Pregame notes

Sharks were great at giving away the puck, and managed one goal.

But Sabres took that puck and netted two goals in the 3rd.

All scoring took place in about two and a half minutes of the third.

And the Sharks sell out streak ended.

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141025 – Sabres @ Sharks 1pm pregame

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At Sharks practice on Friday, John Scott dressed as a defenseman, and both Barclay Goodrow and Tyler Kennedy were in teal (not non-impact orange); Jason Demers did not skate. Sharks assigned Eriah Hayes to Worcester. Stalock expected to start.

Sharks have lost three in a row (to Eastern Conference teams), and now face another.  Sharks have not won against Buffalo in San Jose since 2010!  Meanwhile, Sabres are finishing up their California death march, and looking for a little respectability to break a three game losing streak of their own.

Someone’s gonna break their slump.

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  • Sharks look to bump slump against struggling Sabres

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SBN: Die by the Blade