Sharks lose stinker in Chicago

by Matthew_Taylor on Mar 14, 2011 7:57 PM PDT in Sharks Game Recaps

In the grand scheme of things, "moral victories" only mean so much. That's doubly true in today's NHL, where winning games is the ultimate indicator of whether or not a team is successful.

Lately, the Sharks have not earned themselves the results, despite the fact that they have been the dominant team. After an impressive streak which saw San Jose earn 18 of a possible 20 points from mid-February to early March, the Sharks dropped back-to-back home games in the shootout against Vancouver and New York. The losses were qualified by those surrounding the team, deemed "moral victories". It's hard not to get caught up in that kind of talk.

Still, two points were lost, and in the extremely tight Western Conference race, the two points are all that's important.

The types of games the Sharks lost can still be used as building blocks to progress, but only if the players are committed to continuing the effort.

Tonight in Chicago, it didn't seem as if they were.

Patrick Sharp had four assists in Chicago's five-goal onslaught in the second period as the Sharks were out-played and out-worked for the balance of the middle frame. It was an extremely disheartening effort for a team who looked to be putting the pieces together as they approached the playoffs.

There were countless issues with the Sharks' overall play tonight, but perhaps what stands out the most was the team's sloppy play which led to penalties. After earning themselves a two-man advantage early in the night on questionable calls, the Sharks should have been aware that the game would be a tightly called affair. Even still, San Jose seemed eager to send the Blackhawks to the power play, committing five minor infractions in the first forty minutes of the game. Chicago would score on two consecutive power plays early in the second, erasing San Jose's one goal advantage and earning themselves their own lead shortly thereafter.

The Blackhawks would not look back from there, scoring another against Antti Niemi on Jonathan Towes' 30th goal of the year. Niemi, who had his former team's number all season, was pulled after that goal. His main weakness tonight was the five-hole; Chicago pounded the puck through Niemi's pad throughout the evening. Niemi, who has gone 17-3-3 over his last 23, is granted an off night now and again. It's just unfortunate that off night came against his former team.

Antero Niittymaki, who entered the game in relief, didn't fare much better. With the score 4-2, the rusty Niittymaki allowed a goal on a shot from the point by Niklas Hjalmarsson that found its way through heavy traffic.

Down by three goals, Logan Couture would score his 26th of the season to give San Jose a shot of confidence. That confidence was short lived, as Patrick Kane would give his team another three-goal lead as they headed into the third.

The third period was mostly a formality; Chicago simply went through the motions of a blowout victory. San Jose held the shot advantage during the period, but any advantage other than that on the scoreboard is inconsequential in the third.

Games like this illustrate the danger of relying on moral victories. As has been said countless times this season, tangible victories should be the only concern. The Sharks are no exception to that rule, and now see a 1-2-2 record over their last five games staring them in the collective face.

As a result of this recent lull, San Jose now holds a tenuous three point lead over Los Angeles and Phoenix for the Pacific Division lead and just a four point lead over rival Dallas. The Kings and Stars hold a game in hand over San Jose, whose division lead seems tenuous at best at this point in the season. In addition, the continuance of this slump could see the Sharks in danger of falling out of the playoffs altogether.

That's why tomorrow night's game in Dallas is crucial, to say the least. Just twelve games remain on the docket for San Jose after the loss to Chicago. 100 points is likely necessary to win the Pacific Division, so the Sharks will have to win seven of their final twelve to feel comfortable.

A 7-5-0 record (or any combination of wins and overtime wins to equal 14 points) seems doable for San Jose, but consider this: nine of these final twelve games see the Sharks face a Pacific Division opponent, while eleven come against a team fighting for a playoff spot.

The fact of the matter is that none of the final twelve games of the season, including next Saturday's home game against St. Louis, will be an easy for San Jose.

Perhaps that's a good thing for San Jose, a team which is used to a cakewalk into the playoffs over the last quarter of the season. Adversity though, like the moral victories discussed above, can be a double-edged sword. If adversity comes at the expense of points, then there's not much benefit for a team fighting for their playoff lives.

It was assumed that Niittymaki would get the start against Dallas, but after the events of tonight's game, it's unclear if that remains the plan.

If San Jose doesn't turn their game around, though, it won't matter who's in goal.

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I’ll never really know if I’m right, but I feel like this was another case of the Cocky Sharks coming to play. They saw Chicago having dropped three, having to play yesterday, and having been dominated by this team all season and said to themselves “Hey, we can go half speed and win. We’ll only need a goal or two.” I don’t think it’s everyone on the team, but it’s enough of them that it’s a problem.

I’m honestly very worried about the game with the Stars tomorrow. If the Sharks aren’t careful, Dallas is going to hand us our asses. I’d like to see Braun play over Wallin, but who knows if that’ll happen.

In the effort to avoid an ulcer, I’m going to try and focus on the positives. Boyle seems to be physically recovered, if not quite back to full-form mentally. Couture finally passed Falloon. Mitchell didn’t regress too far from his much improved form. Niemi got a break, even if it was the wrong way, and Nitty got to get into a game. Pavelski scoring was big. There are foundations to go back to the winning ways. Just gotta build on them.

Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!

by Auth0r on Mar 14, 2011 8:07 PM PDT reply actions

I’m a little nervous about whoever is in net tomorrow, and our PK is a concern. But I think we’ll bounce back with a statement win. In my opinion, it’s always best to get right back out their the day after a loss, especially after an ugly, embarrassing, disgusting, horrible one like the one tonight.

by Rhapsody in Teal on Mar 14, 2011 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

right back out there

by Rhapsody in Teal on Mar 14, 2011 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

The PK is turning into a serious concern. I do not understand why they’ve been having so much trouble clearing pucks. Come on—it’s reaching an embarrassingly pathetic level now.

The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo

by Timorous Me on Mar 14, 2011 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I don’t know if this was the Cocky Sharks (if you want to think of that in a dirty way, it would make for a hell of a photoshop job, AuthOr) as much as it was just due to happen eventually. The last two games were teases of this, I think—the Sharks getting complacent due to their success, Niemi clearly being overworked, and some fundamental issues simply breaking down.

If I want to be positive about this (which is hard because I have lots of final essays to grade and this was supposed to be a break from that tedium), I can say that this came at just the right time for the Sharks. Hopefully they can snap into gear tomorrow and Nitty can play well (and not as rusty as if he didn’t play tonight).

I’m also pleased that the Sharks have a couple extended breaks coming up over the next two weeks—first at the start of next week, then at the start of the following week. The schedule has kind of been a grind since the start of February, and with those fundamentals lapsing, a mental break and a chance to get back to basics in practice (practice?!) is probably a good thing heading down the stretch.

The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo

by Timorous Me on Mar 14, 2011 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions

The Rangers were an “easy target” as well…

Just got shelled by the Ducks prior to coming here…And if the Ducks can do it should be cake for the Sharks….Or so the “Cocky Sharks” were thinking…

"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"

— Lubomir Visnovsky

I rec’d that shit.

by Steven Hida on Mar 14, 2011 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Blackhawks fan here.

It’s interesting reading the FtF comments. They could easily be lifted from the comments written at SCH after many of the Hawk losses this season. I don’t think you need to worry too much. I expect the Hawks and the Sharks will see each other again in the next six weeks.

39 years of pain (1971 loss to Habs) vaporized by one OT goal.

by Badgerdano on Mar 15, 2011 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions

would make for a very interesting 7 game series again

if only the opposite outcome this year

by Indiana Titan on Mar 15, 2011 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Just looked at your profile. Quite an eclectic group of sports teams you follow.

I agree, a Hawks-Sharks series would be interesting but I would be in favor of a similar outcome as last year… LOL

39 years of pain (1971 loss to Habs) vaporized by one OT goal.

by Badgerdano on Mar 15, 2011 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, i know

Being out here in Indiana, in nowhere land, We really dont have ANY teams to follow,( I dont count the colts as a team or the pacers, HA HA) so, what can you do? Most of the teams i followed growing up and stuck with them through the years, Different teams for different reasons

by Indiana Titan on Mar 15, 2011 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Good article and critiques, + Sharks at 70 Games

Sometimes I just wonder why the Sharks fall asleep in the games. And I still wonder, as many have and are still wondering, why can’t the Sharks put someone in front of the opponents goalie? Way too many scoring chances passes up because no one was there (or close) when another player has the puck with all-the-time-in-the-world to make the feed.

Sharks, game 70 2010-11: 3-6 loss
game 70 2009-10: 2-3 loss
game 70 2008-09: 3-2 SOWin

Sharks, at 70 games, 2010-11: 39 – 23 – 8 / 86 pts.
at 70 games, 2009-10: 43 –17 – 10 / 96 pts.
at 70 games, 2008-09: 46 –14 –10 / 102 pts.

Next 10 games, games 71 – 80 2009-10: 6 – 3 – 1 going:
L, L, W, W, W, W, L, W, OTL, W

games 71 – 80 2008-09: 7 – 2 – 1 going:
W, W, SOL, L, W, W, W, L, W, SOW

Sharks Magic Number to make playoffs = 10
Sharks Magic Number to win Division = 12 (that’s the rest of their games).

Sharkstistics have been updated, and the NHL Magic/Tragic Numbers will be updated after all of the games are finished for the day.

Only a dozen games to solve all of your problems, Sharks! You can, you have before. We want our winning Sharks back!

If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
"Take a deep breath sometimes, a break, and play some hockey. Hockey is a great way to take a pause from day-to-day hard work." -- Lt Gen. D.H. Huntoon Jr. (paraphrased)
Shameless plug for my music.

by Soloact on Mar 14, 2011 8:54 PM PDT reply actions

Tough loss tonight.

I missed the first period, but caught the last two and the Sharks looked much sloppier than they did in their two previous “losses”. Poor penalty killing and Niemi not being his sharpest help do us in. Nitty looked rusty, but I don’t think the first goal was his fault at all. The second he allowed is one he’d very much like to have back. It’s tough to see the team struggle after their recent hot streak, and especially frustrating to see them play this way against a team that I absolutely cannot stand. I think they’ll be able to bounce back tomorrow against Dallas with a four-point swing on the line, but it’s going to take a much improved effort.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.

by SharksFanEst.1994 on Mar 14, 2011 9:10 PM PDT reply actions

That second period was almost enough to make me swear of watching hockey

for the rest of the regular season. After a decent first period saw them with a lead, the Sharks came out and just got their asses handed to them. No other word but embarrassing. There’s something about playing in Chicago recently that just makes this team freak out and fall apart sometimes. I don’t know if it’s that horrible fucking goal song or their awe of Patrick Kane’s mullet-growing abilities, or the fact that they want the get the eff out of the Garfield Park area (you would too, trust me), but there’s just something about playing here. I considered trying to get tickets to the game, and I’m really glad I didn’t.

Sorry about the rant, but it just pisses me off when I go in to work after games like this and have to defend my team that just took a dump on the ice and then tried their hardest not to skate into it all night. If Chicago weren’t such a great damn city, I’d really hate this place.

by Chicago Shark on Mar 14, 2011 9:18 PM PDT reply actions

Eh, it gets kind of nanny state at times, but it does have alot of perks.

But yea, I mentioned in the gamethread I got really tired of replying with snark to my hockey friends who proceeded to barrage me with comments after last year’s sweep. I was actually considering tickets as well, but then I realized I didn’t want to not only be surrounded by the bandwagoners who try to act like they always liked the team, but the mark-up of regular season tickets.

I also agree with the UC comment. I don’t know what it is either, but every time I see the guys enter Illinois, they just seem to never figure out a way to counter-balance the Hawks’ speed.

It sucks being a Shark in Hawk country, I tell you. Especially now…

"Release the stone of shame!"
"Woo-hoo!"
"Attach the stone of triumph!"
"D'oh!"

by Alex Houston on Mar 14, 2011 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Trust me

I don’t want to be anywhere NEAR Garfield Park. I’m glad my wife decided against going to this game. She took shit from some bozo who hadn’t been to a game in 40 years last time. It kept going until the guy realized 2 things

1: She knew more about hockey than he did

2: She knew more about the Hawks than he did (I’ve converted her to the point where she roots for the Hawks when they aren’t playing the Sharks) (she’s a bigger person than I am)

As a season ticket holder, people like that are the reason I’ve sold more games this year than I’ve gone to.

Anyways, as an outside observer (but one who enjoys your site), I wouldn’t worry too much about this game if I were the Sharks. Seemed to me to be one of those games that happens once and awhile in March after a hard stretch in Jan and Feb. You guys will be fine come April.

Also: How’s about we trade you Hjalmersson and a draft pick for Pavelski? Seems fair…\

Also Also: Coture is a beast.

El Scorcho. Rock N Roll!

by AirTrafficAJ on Mar 14, 2011 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions

pooponastick

"You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain Kent Huskins!" - Randy Hahn 2/13/11

by pooponastick on Mar 14, 2011 10:04 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

I'm going to have to agree with this post

"This is a good time to come together and raise our middle finger in the air." - Dan Boyle

by TheSoundOfHockey on Mar 14, 2011 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Me too…. thats how I feel this morning…. like a big old pooponastick!

"Sometimes the only sense you can make out of life is a sense of humor!"
Lets Go Sharks!!! I still believe!!!!!!! 2011!!!!!!

by Catstoy on Mar 15, 2011 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions

A soft goal went through your 5-hole as you were reading this

We just traded who for who?!

by BawLa on Mar 14, 2011 10:47 PM PDT reply actions

I’m certainly not going to worry about 20 minutes of poor hockey having any affect on the future. The Sharks have been on winning streaks, been on losing streaks, won when they should have lost, lost when they should have won, but overall are pretty much right where we expected them to be at this point in the season. They are going to make the playoffs, and from there we will just have to hope they play at or above their talent level, and the results are consistent with that play.

Looking forward to Dallas, I think the Sharks are due for a comfortable win.

by ruben398 on Mar 14, 2011 10:49 PM PDT reply actions

My biggest source of frustration tonight

The Sharks were very clearly the second best team on the ice, and by a significant margin. We’ve talked ourselves into thinking we lost a pair of tough games because of bad luck but it’s no big deal because we can just go out and win the next one.

I guess that’s the good news. We’ve been reminded that winning is hard work. Let’s hope the Sharks decide to work hard again tomorrow night.

GO SHARKS!

They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn

What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.

by ElvisVF101 on Mar 14, 2011 11:00 PM PDT reply actions

The problem is I don’t even know what happened. We looked good in the first. Not fantastic, but pretty good, and then we picked up the lead close to the end of the period. Then they came out in the 2nd just pretty much like they wanted to leave. It wasn’t really a matter of the Hawks surging out. The Hawks surged because of penalties taken. Stupid penalties. They pulled all kinds of momentum and then the Sharks went to sleep, instead of what goals against usually do, wake you up.

Worst of all, we were still in it when Couture scored. Down by 2 with little less than half the game left. Then immediately the next shift, they came out again with no jump. No momentum. No drive to close the gap. It seemed like they were all like “Alright that was a good one, now lets try to coast into the intermission to catch our breath and come out surging in the 3rd.” And played like garbage and let the 6th goal just walk in.

I turned it off immediately after that. I knew it was the back breaker.

Decent 1st. Fell asleep in the 1st intermission. Got anally raped in bed in the 2nd. Huddled under their covers in the 3rd instead of being pissed off and going on a shooting rampage.

Sad and worrisome for tomorrow. I can only hope they’re shamed into going for redemption. We can’t afford this losing streak. Not with the amount of Pacific div games we have coming up.

by VVhirlwind on Mar 15, 2011 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions

I turned it off after the last goal against too

I figured at that point it was better to watch something entertaining than sit there and be pissed off at my TV for showing me that crap. Oy that was awful, need to come out tonight looking like they’ve learned something from that.

by Chicago Shark on Mar 15, 2011 5:11 AM PDT up reply actions

YEP

What a suckass game. They need to realize that every game form here on out, IS a playoof game, we need to get every point we can now. The last 8 games arent going to be easy, with all division games. We need to coming out playing hard tonight dominating the stars.

by Indiana Titan on Mar 15, 2011 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Logan

scored his 26th goal of the season. Wish he could’ve set the rookie record in a better game

Bleed Teal... Right Now I am puking it - Shadrack (1/14/11)

by fatbabies on Mar 15, 2011 12:40 AM PDT reply actions

Here’s hoping he’ll raise the bar of the record in a better game at least

"Bobby Orr was available, but we couldn’t fit him in under the cap." - Todd McLellan
"BEAT DAT BEAT!!!"

by DownRUpLYB on Mar 15, 2011 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

It's 1 of 82

As frustrated as we all were, and yes the effort was not nearly good enough, I try to compartmentalize it. So I’ll just clean out the clump in the cat litter box and move on. I’m far more interested in how they respond tonight than with what happened yesterday. What makes it even more sad is that they threw up all over themselves on national T.V. Perhaps it’s all part of their master plan to continue to fly under the radar, wanting opponents to take them lightly come playoff time? If I know one thing to be true about this team, it’s that they cannot win without playing like a team (within their framework) and giving max effort. This game was a perfect illustration of that.

by douchebags on Mar 15, 2011 7:30 AM PDT reply actions

Come on Sharks.....

….pull it together! I still believe in you! Stomp them Stars!!!! you can win the next game!
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!
Not that I am sounding a bit on the desperate side here, but….. GO SHARKS!

"Sometimes the only sense you can make out of life is a sense of humor!"
Lets Go Sharks!!! I still believe!!!!!!! 2011!!!!!!

by Catstoy on Mar 15, 2011 7:47 AM PDT reply actions

You guys are all missing the important part!

TCY has been replaced by some beast going by the name of Matthew_Taylor. What kind of devil-monster has underscores in his name? (Or did I miss something?)

Seriously though, last night’s game sucked. I’m just going to pretend it didn’t happen. Hopefully their performance in Dallas will make that belief more plausible.

by tarlinian on Mar 15, 2011 8:18 AM PDT reply actions

when did that happen? and how many name changes has he gone thru … makes you wonder if he’s in the witness protection program :)

GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin

by Angy on Mar 15, 2011 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Only one more than you have.

Fear the Fin: "I've always said that if you don't have the motivation within you... It's not Doug Wilson's job to motivate me. I've got motivation within myself, especially going through some of the experiences that I had last year." - Nick Petrecki

by Matthew_Taylor on Mar 15, 2011 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

I need to catch up then :)

by Angy on Mar 15, 2011 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

You can change your name here? Hmmm…. Hell, I dont even know how to post a picture here!

"Sometimes the only sense you can make out of life is a sense of humor!"
Lets Go Sharks!!! I still believe!!!!!!! 2011!!!!!!

by Catstoy on Mar 15, 2011 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions

It's not easy

from what I hear.

You have to request it from sbnation or something. I kinda wish I had chosen a more creative name here when I first signed up, rather than going with my initials.

Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.

by PNK on Mar 15, 2011 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmm… well my name here is the start of my email addy! HAHA…. We are all unique in our own little ways!!

"Sometimes the only sense you can make out of life is a sense of humor!"
Lets Go Sharks!!! I still believe!!!!!!! 2011!!!!!!

by Catstoy on Mar 15, 2011 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

So...

should we call you Matt now? Or should we still refer to you as TCY?

"Bobby Orr was available, but we couldn’t fit him in under the cap." - Todd McLellan
"BEAT DAT BEAT!!!"

by DownRUpLYB on Mar 15, 2011 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, what's the process for undergoing a name change?

I’ve been wanting to change mine without creating another account for a while, I was just unsure aboot the process.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.

by SharksFanEst.1994 on Mar 15, 2011 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Wait a minute...

He isn’t really slappy!?!?!

Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.

by Pavsisaninja on Mar 15, 2011 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions

I wonder

If you can put an underscore on a birth certificate?

"Skillet, we just spent $64,000 in that bar. So we're gonna have to get jobs to cover up the fact that we rob banks" -Mouse Fitzgerald

by joe579 on Mar 15, 2011 9:10 AM PDT reply actions

FIFY

I wonder if you can put an underscore on a birth_certificate?

Jon Casey fan since '84
Tweet me or Read me, but you WILL HEAR my opinion, damnit.

by stufflife on Mar 15, 2011 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Sadly, “Matthew Taylor” was already taken by a guy who signed up last year on an MMA board, made one comment, and then never logged back in.

I will miss TCY, but since I was quoted in the SF Chronicle last weekend as “A blogger”, I thought it best to use my real name on here from now on.

by Matthew_Taylor on Mar 15, 2011 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions

How dare they use that slur to describe you!

Also, I understand the pain of the one comment squatter. It’s the whole reason my name on twitter isn’t the same as here.

Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!

by Auth0r on Mar 15, 2011 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Not necessarily a slur, but I’m assuming they use my name if it’s not TCY.

by Matthew_Taylor on Mar 15, 2011 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, more than likely.

I’m just always amused by print and televised media’s awkwardness about blogs, twitter, and other online media. I always picture them stammering and mispronouncing, mostly because that’s what always happens when they bring it up on TV.

Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!

by Auth0r on Mar 15, 2011 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Which is to say… I don’t mean to give you shit, just them.

Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!

by Auth0r on Mar 15, 2011 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions

You’re an editor, SBN should be able to override the one comment dude. Make HIM have the underscore!

American Heroes: Joe Pavelski, Buster Posey, Charlie Coyle
Fear the Fin - NEEDS MORE DOVES

by mymclife on Mar 15, 2011 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Tried… no dice!

Don’t mind the underscore. If you hover over my name, it’s like it’s not even there!

by Matthew_Taylor on Mar 15, 2011 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Probably

If you can put an underscore on a birth certificate?

You can put a hyphen in a name, which isn’t unusual, like with Korean names for example. But a friend of a friend who is a preschool teacher had a student whose name was spelled as “La-shah.” The teacher said “Lashah?”, but the student corrected her and said that her name was pronounced “La-DASH-ah”… how messed up is that?

"Bobby Orr was available, but we couldn’t fit him in under the cap." - Todd McLellan
"BEAT DAT BEAT!!!"

by DownRUpLYB on Mar 15, 2011 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions