Sharks shut out Jets in hard fought battle
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 12, 2012 9:11 PM PST
in Sharks Game Recaps
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After a game in Minnesota which the San Jose Sharks lacked intensity for the first fifty minutes a solid, determined effort is exactly what the Sharks needed.
That's exactly what they got.
Although the game remained scoreless until the second period, battles were fought, positions were won and the anger of coaches and fans was quelled, at least for an evening. The Sharks played what I consider one of their best games all season, and while it came against one of the league's weaker teams, the effort level was undeniable.
Every line clicked tonight, whether it was Joe Thornton making creative passes and dominating the offensive zone with his linemates, or Logan Couture and his group getting in the right positions to create offense. The third line of Michal Handzus, Jamie McGinn and Torrey Mitchell delivered a strong performance, forechecking to perfection on some shifts. Finally, the fourth line, complete with Manitoba native Andrew Murray, contributed positive play and a goal.
The Sharks led the physical game in hits 28-19, a rare feat this season, thanks mostly in part to Douglas Murray, who was a man possessed to check. They crushed Winnipeg in the face-off dot, winning almost 66% of the draws. They blocked more shots, put more pucks on net... the Sharks truly were the dominant team.
What's most impressive to me is the way that they prevented shots tonight, allowing only 24 in total and just six (six!) in the third period with Winnipeg fighting to get back into the game. Another crazy shot-based stat? How about this: In two shorthanded situations, the Sharks surrendered just three shots against.
Let's get to the goal scoring though. The first goal was a beautiful play, practically the epitome of what the Sharks wanted to see from Brent Burns when they traded for him in the offseason. Burns led the rush and streaked into the zone, put the puck in a place where he could retrieve it, used his size, speed and strength to beat a defender and then looked up to find Logan Couture, in excellent offensive position as he usually is. Burns hit the newly-minted all-star forward with a beautiful pass which Couture put past Ondrej Pavelec.
Pavelec played well tonight, but was victimized a second time by San Jose in the third period. This time the fourth line held the zone and moved the puck around the net to Brad Winchester who put the puck home to continue his stellar campaign with San Jose. Although some (including myself) pooh-poohed the move in the offseason, he's been a revelation on the fourth line.
Pavelec's opposing netminder, Antti Niemi, was good but not as great as his shutout would suggest. He stopped 24 shots, but gave up some rather frightening rebounds and was bailed out by a sound defensive effort. However, when the Sharks have needed him this season to bail out the defense, he's been up to the task. Tonight, the defense returned the favor.
Not much more to say about the game tonight, only that I hope there are more like this going forward.
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ESPn's trade rumors are up
Says Sharks are shopping Nitty. YAAAY
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jan 12, 2012 9:27 PM PST reply actions
Tampa gave up another 5 goals
How have we not traded a goalie or 4 to them yet?!
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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Ottawa could use a backup instead of Alex Auld
by Briceratops on Jan 12, 2012 11:18 PM PST up reply actions
Tampa and Columbus need real goaltending
It’s a joke that neither GM has addressed the issue yet.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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I figure Ottawa is pretty serious about making a playoff run
They might need someone to spell Craig Anderson who can get a SV% over .890.
by Briceratops on Jan 13, 2012 10:55 AM PST up reply actions
Could we get?
Ted Purcell for Nitty? Seems like wishful thinking.
Ottawa has done a great job managing their cap, so they have plenty of space to sign Nitty. Perhaps for a pick, although I’d love to have Chris Neil. Again, wishful thinking on my part.
I’m sorry, but I just don’t think we’re going to get anything for Nitty. A low-level prospect or low-round draft pick is the best to expect. Remember, in this matter, the Sharks have no hand, and other GMs know that. Plus there isn’t exactly a shortage of goalies to go around. Nabby is still an Islander, after all, on a salary much lower than Nitty’s.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
I’d agree more on the Sharks have no bargaining position than tje non shortage. If there were quality FAs i think the teams in trouble would have tried something by now. Because the Sharks essentially have little leverage, since GMs know we dont want to carry 3 goalies the whole season it lowers the price.
On his own, Nitty won’t likely yield anything higher than a 3rd round pick. Remember that we got Ian White for “just” a 2nd round pick, and not even one from the “next” year.
So if the Sharks are going to try for some 3rd liner, it’ll prob be some Nitty + Mitchell deal or something.
Yeah, I just look at Nitty (who I like as a good backup overall) as someone who hasn’t played but a few AHL games in the past year, so how highly will anyone cherish him? No more, I’d guess, than any decent prospects who could be brought up to play from their AHL affiliates.
It’s not Nitty’s fault he’s been hurt for so long and Greiss essentially took his job, but it really makes him hard to move.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Tampa
They need a permanent solution in goal and the Sharks don’t really have a goalie like that to offer.
If they think they still have a shot at the playoffs they may trade a pick for Niitty but they’ve had him before and know what he brings. I think they may just wait til the offseason and take a run at Bernier, Schneider, or maybe Harding.
It was my understanding
They have some prospects they really like and just need a shorter term thing. Maybe just the next year or two.
Columbus needs the long term guys.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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They have one goalie who may be an NHL caliber goalie in Tokarski but he’s still not ready to be a starter. Unless something has changed with Janus or Nagle that’s all they have.
Columbus also needs long term help, yes.
I think Niitty will probably go to a team that wants to strengthen their goaltending for the playoffs – like Ottawa, Detroit, possibly Florida if their guys don’t get healthy.
Maybe a forward to play in Worcester.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
by Timorous Me on Jan 13, 2012 12:54 AM PST up reply actions
I know the team is important for the city and the future… but I care little about improving Worcester for this season.
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 Jan 13, 2012 7:46 AM PST up reply actions
If we're trying to trade Nitty
He’s gonna need to play sometime this season first no? No one will take a goalie who hasn’t played a single minute all season.
by CK Sharks Fan on Jan 13, 2012 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
Gotta play him to trade, I would think
1 or 2 starts should do it. Perfect opportunity on Saturday against the BJs.
I want to be one of the few
Who thought signing Winchester wasn’t a bad move, especially after I saw him in preseason. I was dubious when he was brought into camp, but once I saw him play I was sold.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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Agree
I was worried about not resigning hot head eager, But Brad has impressed and I would consider him a solid upgrade to this point, he plays hard every night and I think that whole line deserves more ice time. Good win tonight
Me too
I was pretty happy with the invite and the signing, thought he was a pretty good upgrade over Eager.
Now, if McLellan would quite scratching A. Murray! I don’t know how or why Murray/Desi/Winchester work so well together but they do. Move any one of them off the line and it’s just not the same.
They do a LOT with the minutes they’re given.
Most surprising of all
is they actually get decent minutes. Talk about a group that has to go above and beyond to earn a couple minutes of ice time. I can’t think of any 4th liners before that have gotten minutes.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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Game 40
Can you believe that after 1 more game the Sharks will be at the 1/2-way point this season? Oh how time flies when the team is doing well!
Wpg put up a good game, so no knocks against them. Their announcer sounds like he’s calling an horse race, but they weren’t homers and were complimenting the Sharks quite a bit. Nemo’s play was much improved from the previous game.
Am wondering when Nitty will be showcased. Can’t rely much on his WorSharks rehab stats as a showcase performance.
Game 40 this season: Win 2-0 at Wpg (1-day-off-game)
Game 40 last season: loss 3-4 vs Vanc
at 40 games this season: 24-11-5 / 53 pts, 118 GF – 94 GA
at 40 games last season: 21-14-5 / 47 pts, 118 GF – 112 GA
Next 10 games, games 41-50 last season: 4-5-1
Going: L, L, L, L, L, W, W, SOW, W, SOL
Sharks now 9-6-3 in 1-day-off-games, with 48 GF – 43 GA, and have 30 remaining 1-day-off-games this season. Next up is another 1-day-off-game on Sat. at Colum.
Sharks continue to lead the West (+ 3), and are 3rd in the league, in the Potential Points Standings, behind Bos (- 4) & NYR (- 3).
Repeated Note: Potential Points Standings are due to be posted during the All Star break, and will be the running-charts as was done last season. Magic/Tragic #s will be posted when they reach M10 or T10.
These, and the rest of the January Sharkstistics have been updated.
Sharks, playing better, now score more! And keep Winning!
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)
"He doesn't miss many of those!" --Randy Hahn
Shameless plug for my music.
Can someone explain to me why Winnipeg fans booed Thornton?
I read one of the articles over at Arctic Ice at they said they should because he is related to Shawn Thornton…….. which is completely wrong because he isn’t. He is related to Scott Thornton not Shawn Thornton. Does Winnipeg just need to boo somebody?
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
Good job Giants, now win 3 more world series titles and then you just might be worthy of being mentioned in the same league as the A's.
THAT IS NABOKOV IN NET NOT NITTYMAKISHUTUP!!!!!!!!!!
San Jose: Being Kept save from ferocious enemies by the Sharks and Earthquakes since 91 and 96.
According to Randy and Drew
every game Jets fans pick a player on the opposing team to boo. It’s usually the team’s best player.
Leslie Knope: "...but it has a lot of heart."
April Ludgate: "That's what people always say when something sucks."
Fear The Fin's Fifth-String Moderator !!
So it is kinda an honor. Or I guess an honour
by WhatsAMataHari on Jan 12, 2012 10:27 PM PST up reply actions
Its actually pretty douchey. The fact that a fanbase feels the need to boo players that haven’t done anything to them simply means they don’t have confidence in their team to be able to handle it themselves.
They're
supposedly one of the nicest fan bases or one of the most welcoming. Thorton didn’t care, he thought it was funny and sort of took as “Am I the best player on the team?”. First year back with no once to really boo, it just gives the fans another excuse to get into the game.
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
BTW
Shawn Thornton hates it when he’s asked if he was related to Joe. Capital-H “Hates.”
Rated M for McGinn.
Only saw the third period
But I loved what I saw from our third line in particular. Mitchell hasn’t looked that fast since before his broken leg IMO
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Jan 12, 2012 10:24 PM PST reply actions
Yea but theres a difference between simple speed and effective speed. Mitchell is having the problems that I ragged on McGinn for like all last year and the beginning of this year, he’s not using his strengths effectively. Mitchell is speeding around but not getting into areas to open up passes to him (like what Patty does), if he uses his speed to get to the puck he cycles or dumps it to some area really fast without actually using his speed to keep positional control. Almost like he’s afraid that if he holds onto the puck for more than 4 seconds that he’ll get it stripped.
Almost like he’s afraid that if he holds onto the puck for more than 4 seconds that he’ll get it stripped.
and probably will…
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 13, 2012 9:34 PM PST up reply actions
Wow I haven't been back here in awhile
But it was one of the few games I’ve been able to watch. It was entertaining to say the least (niemi was awesome).
OT, Did anyone see the shark-o commercial tonight? What is that? Has anyone played?
BLEED TEAL
The Jets
kepts shooting glove side. I guess maybe thinking he’d let another one past him? Got to give it to him though, I’d say this was one of his better games of the year. He seemed to concentrate more on stopping the puck when it was in front of him instead of just kicking it out.
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
They watched the Wild game and were like “man this guy is soft over there, lets score 5 tonight boys!”.
And Niemi was like "Bitch Please!" -Shutout
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
LOL @ Brodie's twitter
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jan 12, 2012 11:07 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Detroit playing the Leafs in the Winter Classic apparently
by WhatsAMataHari on Jan 12, 2012 11:27 PM PST reply actions
Dammit...
Thanks for providing the info though.
by Briceratops on Jan 12, 2012 11:53 PM PST up reply actions
I hope Neil Young will remember
that Sha-arks fans don’t need him around, anyhow.
If all sports fandom is a form of emotional gambling, football is poker and hockey is Russian roulette.
Wait, what?
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
Good job Giants, now win 3 more world series titles and then you just might be worthy of being mentioned in the same league as the A's.
THAT IS NABOKOV IN NET NOT NITTYMAKISHUTUP!!!!!!!!!!
San Jose: Being Kept save from ferocious enemies by the Sharks and Earthquakes since 91 and 96.
by Diamondback15 on Jan 12, 2012 11:50 PM PST up reply actions
I believe this is a reference to the fact that Neil Young used to be a Sharks fan but as a native Canadian converted back to the Jets when they reformed.
by WhatsAMataHari on Jan 12, 2012 11:55 PM PST up reply actions
Plus it is a play on Sweet Home Alabama lyrics
Well I heard mister Young sing about her
Well, I heard ole Neil put her down
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern man don’t need him around anyhow
by WhatsAMataHari on Jan 12, 2012 11:58 PM PST up reply actions
Really entertaining game tonight. The Sharks are playing darn good hockey.
Does anyone else think Marleau is having a great season? It’s like he’s just erased the boneheaded plays defensively from his game, and it’s great to see. The Sharks are answering all the questions and accusations people were having about them a few weeks ago, just like I thought they would.
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 13, 2012 12:02 AM PST reply actions
How about Douglas Murray!
And his amazing hits! Them Jets got crankshafted.
Sooo true.
I admit I have had somewhat of a personal dislike of D Murray in the past because of the skating and puck-moving abilities he lacks, but he has been playing lights out the last few games. The guy clearly brings it every night and is a great example for everyone else on the team.
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 13, 2012 12:20 AM PST up reply actions
Murray reminds me of...
A good cover corner in football. He’s not the best at playing zone, but if you put him out there with the hope of containing one guy he’s going to do it well.
Love watching Murray against the big guns of the east. He’s shut down Ovie many times.
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 Jan 13, 2012 7:48 AM PST up reply actions
I can see that.
My issue has just been that this team has struggled at times over the years in being crisp with the puck and moving it out of the zone efficiently, which aren’t exactly Murray’s strengths. Can’t argue with last night’s performance though, and like ED says below, Murray matched against weaker competition is a blessing for this team.
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 13, 2012 9:28 PM PST up reply actions
Murray
Has been a monster in the hits department since he came back from injury. I think it’s because he’s no longer paired with Boyle and is against weaker forwards so he can take chances and go for the hits even if they leave him a little out of position.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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If the Sharks are shopping Niittymaki, what could we get for him? Would we need to give up anything else?
by midwestsharkfan on Jan 13, 2012 8:05 AM PST via mobile reply actions
I think we would need to package him with Couture.
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 Jan 13, 2012 8:16 AM PST up reply actions
If we we dumb enough to do that
Then we’d all have to hope the Calgary is dumb enough to let Iginla go for that.
2011-2012 season= Sharktank Redemption
Joke…
And Couture for a rental?
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 Jan 13, 2012 8:38 AM PST up reply actions
Iginla is signed for another season after this one for $7mil. Not that I would ever trade Couture for him.
by milanahalek on Jan 13, 2012 11:33 AM PST up reply actions
Seriously
Couture is the most valuable commodity on the Sharks and one of the most valuable in all of hockey.
by Briceratops on Jan 13, 2012 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Plus Calgary is going for it, man. They have that final piece of the puzzle, a dwarf forward.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
going for...?
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
Like manga, sci fi, webcomics, and Metaphorical Bazookas? Check out http://firework.the-comic.org!
by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 13, 2012 6:00 PM PST up reply actions
Is this..
The Brent Burns we’ve been wanting to see?
http://video.sharks.nhl.com/videocenter/console?hlg=20112012,2,638&event=WPG402
I don't think it's a letdown that he hasn't put up huge point totals.
He clearly has devoted himself to playing stellar all-around hockey and has been brilliant defensively in my view.
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 13, 2012 9:31 PM PST up reply actions
Damn Niemi!
He’s so damn inconsistent. When is he going to make up his damn mind! Is he a SO goalie or a guy who gives up 4 per game? Ha ha ha. You’re lovin’ me now! I’m happy for Wellwood (wish we had kept him) and his 8 goals. Too bad there wasn’t a place for him here. We could trade Nitty for Michalek? Sorry.
This victory is more impressive...
than at first glance. The San Jose Sharks did play one of their best games of the year, in terms of a full sixty minute effort and executing a virtually perfect road game, and though it came against a Winnipeg team that is struggling and not a contender by any stretch of the imagination, the Jets still were a relatively decent 14 – 7 – 1 at home, and usually play very tough and quick on perhaps the best ice-quality in the league.
I am very satisfied with this performance, keep it up Sharks!
We have been swimming these wintry depths for years, succeeding at survival by feeding only upon perennial minnows of sustenance... will we ever get to sink our great white teeth into this so-called Stanely's feast, so that we may finally slay our insatiable hunger in frenzied celebration?
For factual sake...
I suppose it should have been a Winnipeg record of 14 – 6 – 1 before playing the Sharks. ; )
We have been swimming these wintry depths for years, succeeding at survival by feeding only upon perennial minnows of sustenance... will we ever get to sink our great white teeth into this so-called Stanely's feast, so that we may finally slay our insatiable hunger in frenzied celebration?
What an awesome game I missed. I was with family though. I’ll check the highlights. Glad the boys rocked out
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
Like manga, sci fi, webcomics, and Metaphorical Bazookas? Check out http://firework.the-comic.org!
by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 13, 2012 5:48 PM PST reply actions
Awesome game ,,,
Awesome Sharks Showing !!!! Jets were flying and Sharks were the best ive seen awesome brilliant game,,,want to see some of that in the first second third and fourth round this year!!
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