One of the benefits of the Sharks' 7-0 start seemed like it was going to take some of the pressure off a tricky six-game road trip that loomed in mid-February. And sure enough, at least as of Saturday afternoon they regained the Pacific Division lead by a game (edit: Anaheim's shootout win in St. Louis later Saturday put the Ducks back in first). But now, in such a condensed schedule, San Jose's four consecutive games without a victory before heading out out of town shifts at least some urgency back into the fold as the team prepares for its (last?) tennis trip. This will be quick recap of Saturday afternoon's 1-0 shootout loss to Phoenix. The Sharks shook off a very shaky first period to mostly control the play against the Coyotes, outshoot them and outchance them. Ryane Clowe played his best offensive game of the season, which the Sharks can use while both Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau continue to be shut down. But the Sharks' power play continues to be a bugaboo...
...For a team that frankly is nowhere near as scary when it's struggling to score goals with a man advantage. Granted, Phoenix goalie Mike Smith smells blood whenever the Sharks are swimming in his waters. But his fourth shutout of San Jose since last season was particularly aggravating considering the Coyotes were short-handed three times in the third period (one penalty had carried over from the last minute of period two). But the combination of a suddenly sickly San Jose power play -one goal in the last 25 chances- and Smith's recent domination against this team sent the teams to overtime...
...And then the shootout, when Smith denied both Michal Handzus and the curious two hole choice of James Sheppard for his first career attempt. Phoenix quickly gained the extra point when both shooters got pucks past Antti Niemi. So while the Sharks got better as the game went on and threw a lot of pucks at Smith in the second and third periods thanks in part to the surplus of power plays, it wasn't a very productive day at HP Pavilion, save for the much-awaited and needed return of defenseman Brent Burns. More on the road trip Monday. Because there really wasn't much else to point out from Saturday's loss.
...For a team that frankly is nowhere near as scary when it's struggling to score goals with a man advantage. Granted, Phoenix goalie Mike Smith smells blood whenever the Sharks are swimming in his waters. But his fourth shutout of San Jose since last season was particularly aggravating considering the Coyotes were short-handed three times in the third period (one penalty had carried over from the last minute of period two). But the combination of a suddenly sickly San Jose power play -one goal in the last 25 chances- and Smith's recent domination against this team sent the teams to overtime...
...And then the shootout, when Smith denied both Michal Handzus and the curious two hole choice of James Sheppard for his first career attempt. Phoenix quickly gained the extra point when both shooters got pucks past Antti Niemi. So while the Sharks got better as the game went on and threw a lot of pucks at Smith in the second and third periods thanks in part to the surplus of power plays, it wasn't a very productive day at HP Pavilion, save for the much-awaited and needed return of defenseman Brent Burns. More on the road trip Monday. Because there really wasn't much else to point out from Saturday's loss.
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