Scoring Chances: Game 42 @ Chicago

by The Neutral on Jan 16, 2012 9:00 AM PST in Statistical Analysis

The 4-3 final score belies how one-sided an affair this game was. The Sharks have had their struggles with the Blackhawks for years now and they were on display again last night in the Windy City as Chicago clobbered the Sharks in the scoring chance department, doubling up on them with 24 scoring chances to San Jose's 12. In three games against the Hawks so far this season, the Sharks have been outchanced 54-29 at even strength and 66-37 overall. 65.1% of all even-strength scoring chances and 59.2% of all Corsi events (EV shots, missed shots and blocked shots) in those games have been in Chicago's favor. If you're getting a head start on your list of teams that the Sharks should look to avoid at all costs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Blackhawks should be at the top.

Best EV Forward: Torrey Mitchell (+2)

Worst EV Forward: Logan Couture (-8)

Best EV Defenseman: Dan Boyle (-3), Jason Demers (-3), Justin Braun (-3)

Worst EV Defenseman: Douglas Murray (-5), Marc-Edouard Vlasic (-5), Brent Burns (-5)

Period	Totals		EV		PP		5v3 PP		SH		5v3 SH
1	2	8	2	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	4	7	4	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	6	9	5	8	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Totals	12	24	11	23	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0

Team	Period	Time	Note	SJS						Opponent
CHI	1	18:36	Shaw	8	19	22	31	44	64	2	7	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	1	18:24	Brunette	8	22	26	31	44	64	5	6	15	36	39	50	5v5
CHI	1	16:48	Kane	12	29	31	39	61	88	4	8	19	25	50	88	5v5
SJS	1	14:56	Winchester	10	28	31	57	60	61	5	6	22	29	50	67	5v5
CHI	1	13:49	Kane	22	29	31	39	44	78	2	5	19	25	50	88	5v5
SJS	1	13:35	Ferriero	22	29	31	39	44	78	2	5	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	1	10:45	Hossa	3	29	31	39	78	88	2	4	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	1	9:33	Kane	8	12	19	22	31	44	7	8	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	1	1:31	Hossa	8	12	19	22	31	44	2	7	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	1	0:21	Goal - Stalberg	3	10	29	31	39	88	4	8	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	2	18:56	Toews	3	29	31	39	78	88	4	8	19	25	50	88	5v5
SJS	2	18:18	Goal - Pavelski	8	12	19	22	31	44	2	7	16	50	65	81	5v5
SJS	2	17:52	Goal - McGinn	17	31	57	60	61	64	5	6	15	36	39	50	5v5
SJS	2	17:37	A. Murray	10	26	28	31	60	61	4	8	22	50	67	81	5v5
CHI	2	16:42	Stalberg	22	29	31	39	44	78	2	8	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	2	15:02	Bolland	3	29	31	57	64	88	4	8	15	36	39	50	5v5
CHI	2	12:54	Goal - Toews	8	12	22	31	39	44	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	2	10:55	Hossa	19	29	31	60	61	78	5	6	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	2	9:22	Stalberg	8	12	22	31	39	44	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	2	7:31	Kane	8	12	19	31	60	61	2	7	19	29	50	88	5v5
SJS	2	3:31	Thornton	12	19	29	31	44	88	4	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
SJS	3	19:02	Pavelski	8	12	19	22	31	88	4	6	19	22	50	67	5v5
CHI	3	17:26	Kruger	10	26	28	31	60	61	2	5	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	3	17:24	Shaw	10	26	28	31	60	61	5	6	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	3	17:23	Goal - Shaw	10	26	28	31	60	61	5	6	16	50	65	81	5v5
CHI	3	14:29	Shaw SH	8	12	19	22	31	88	2	7	19	50	65		5v4
CHI	3	10:02	Mayers	12	19	31	57	60	88	2	7	22	29	50	88	5v5
CHI	3	8:57	Toews	3	8	12	19	31	88	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	3	7:28	Hossa	17	22	31	44	57	64	5	6	15	36	50	81	5v5
SJS	3	6:41	Pavelski	8	12	19	31	60	61	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	3	6:19	Toews	8	12	19	31	60	61	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
SJS	3	4:57	Goal - Wingels	17	22	31	44	57	64	5	6	15	36	39	50	5v5
SJS	3	4:36	Marleau	8	12	19	22	31	44	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
CHI	3	2:58	Stalberg	31	39	44	57	60	64	2	7	19	25	50	88	5v5
SJS	3	1:27	Wingels	17	22	31	57	60	64	4	8	22	36	50	67	5v5
SJS	3	0:13	Pavelski 6v4	8	12	19	22	39	88	2	7	36	50	81		5v4

#	Player	EV			PP			SH
3	D. MURRAY	16:18	0	5	0:00	0	0	0:42	0	0
8	J. PAVELSKI	17:36	4	9	2:54	1	1	0:22	0	0
10	B. WINCHESTER	8:16	2	4	0:00	0	0	0:00	0	0
12	P. MARLEAU	16:30	5	9	3:07	1	1	0:30	0	0
17	T. MITCHELL	11:35	3	1	0:00	0	0	0:20	0	0
19	J. THORNTON	16:40	5	8	3:07	1	1	0:26	0	0
22	D. BOYLE	22:47	6	9	4:29	1	1	0:00	0	0
26	M. HANDZUS	11:06	1	4	1:35	0	0	0:00	0	0
28	A. MURRAY	7:04	2	3	0:00	0	0	0:26	0	0
29	R. CLOWE	17:24	2	8	1:22	0	0	0:06	0	0
31	A. NIEMI	54:09	11	23	3:22	0	1	1:22	0	0
39	L. COUTURE	15:23	1	9	2:29	1	0	0:26	0	0
44	M. VLASIC	20:43	5	10	0:00	0	0	0:08	0	0
57	T. WINGELS	12:14	4	4	0:00	0	0	0:00	0	0
60	J. DEMERS	17:00	5	8	0:47	0	0	0:32	0	0
61	J. BRAUN	13:06	4	7	1:04	0	0	0:44	0	0
64	J. MCGINN	14:32	3	5	0:00	0	0	0:00	0	0
78	B. FERRIERO	13:29	1	5	0:00	0	0	0:08	0	0
88	B. BURNS	18:24	2	7	2:38	1	1	0:38	0	0

Head-to-head scoring chances:

Joel Quenneville's gameplan from the drop of the puck in this one was to send Jonathan Toews over the boards whenever Logan Couture was on the ice. It paid off big time for the Hawks, to the tune of Couture's worst scoring chance differential of the season as Toews, Patrick Kane and the surprisingly effective Viktor Stalberg skated circles around the Sharks. The only bright spot of this game was that the Sharks' makeshift third line of Jamie McGinn, Torrey Mitchell and Tommy Wingels, assembled at the start of the second period, drove results in the right direction against the Dave Bolland line, accounting for two of the Sharks goals and being the only line to tie or win the chance battle against a line other than the Hawks' fourth.

More stats from the game: Corsi/Fenwick, Shift Charts, H2H Ice Time, Zonestarts, Play-By-Play, Box Score

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Comments

Match ups

It was pretty apparent from the drop of the puck what Coach Q was planning to do – it was also pretty obvious that Couture is not ready to take on the Toews of the NHL on his own. Thornton also looked pretty horrible last night.

I’m a bit surprise that McLellan didn’t try to move Marleau to center and away from Thornton to play against the Toews line, or at least to see if he could get one center that might win a match up with one of the Blackhawks top 2 lines.

It was an ugly game for the Sharks.

by milanahalek on Jan 16, 2012 9:12 AM PST reply actions

Yikes

I was hoping it would be one of those “eyes deceive” things with the Sharks actually leading in chances….

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 !!

by idunno723 on Jan 16, 2012 9:26 AM PST reply actions

Better teams

It’s like when the sharks play Columbus or some lower echelon teams, the difference in overall team skill is blindingly apparent. The team has looked pathetic against the hawks and the canucks so far; these problems are always there and never get truly addressed. It’s funny to suggest that fans hope they avoids the hawks; what about vancouver? What about the next team that comes along with the sharks number? Somehow the sharks needs to learn how to beat the best without it seeming like god has intervened on their behalf.

CH:So are you going to sleep with me or what?

Woman: No I am not going to sleep with you. I hadn't thought about sleeping with you actually.

CH: It's because I have a cabbage for a head, isn't it?

Woman: Um, no I don't judge people on their race, creed, or colour.

CH: Unless they have a cabbage for head, which I do.

by Montyburnz!...1 on Jan 16, 2012 9:30 AM PST reply actions

Better Teams List

I have been talking with friends who follow the Sharks about the same thing… teams occasionally catch lightning in a bottle and carry the energy all the way to a championship but not very often. For the Sharks to win the Cup this year they have to be ready to have answers for:

Chicago
Vancouver
St. Louis
Detroit
Boston
New York Rangers
Philadelphia (?)

A month ago I wrote during the depth of their December slump that the team had until the end of December to turn things around else either the coach would be on the bubble or roster changes would happen. They’ve been on a tear and had they fired McLellan it would have been because they couldn’t trade the on-ice leadership of the team away.

Notwithstanding the improved record, I don’t see the return of Havlat when that happens as the difference-maker that gets the Sharks past the above teams in the playoffs. At least not if his productivity is the same as before he injured himself.

The challenge is to stay healthy, hope some of those teams run into injury problems, and figure out what moves and how many it will take to give them enough. Detroit-St. Louis-Chicago are all going to know each other out down the stretch trying to secure home ice so at least the Sharks have that advantage given the relative performance of Pacific Division teams. But getting past round 2 isn’t what everyone is craving, nor is the 3rd round what everyone has in mind.

It may be sacrilege and I would be sorry to lose his physicality but I’d be part with Doug Murray to get more team quickness (Vancouver and Chicago are WAY quicker). I would stick with the rest of the defense core and address quickness and scoring on the second line by moving Murray and Mitchell to Montreal if it would free up Plekanic (Montreal fans would love Murray and Mitchell grew up there so would also be popular). I would keep Clowe and move him down to the 3rd line to fill Mitchell’s spot and add toughness. If not Plekanic then someone like him who can score and who has speed. Mitchell has speed to spare but is an enigma whose productivity isn’t enough to justify the roster spot.

Likewise I’d try to find a home for Nittymaki and use the salary cap savings for more of the same on the 4th line. I would part ways with Andrew Murray if that as necessary and hang onto Winchester and Desjardins.

by hit 'em on Jan 16, 2012 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

It would take a lot more than Mitchell and Murray for Plekanec.

But yeah, if he’s on the trading block (and I doubt he is) we should definitely be calling.

by Briceratops on Jan 16, 2012 6:48 PM PST up reply actions

Plekanec

Why would you want the Sharks to trade for another player with a long term high $ contract who has worse career stats than Havlat?

All the Sharks need is Havlat to be healthy and they need to upgrade the 3rd line.

The stats that show how good a team is, the Sharks right now are top 5 in GA, 5on5 GF/A – top 10 in GF and last I checked they were at least top 10 in ES SP.

They’ve been moving up in Fenwick and are currently at #7. They consistently outshoot and outchance their opponents.

I find it a bit funny that you think the Sharks need to hope that all the other teams are hurt and tired for them to be able to win.

by milanahalek on Jan 16, 2012 7:21 PM PST up reply actions

Don't underestimate Plecky

His advanced stats are pretty damn good, even if his point totals aren’t as flashy as others.

by Briceratops on Jan 16, 2012 8:28 PM PST up reply actions

I'm not underestimating him

He’s really not any better than Havlat and the Sharks have no need for another high priced forward.

It’s really not even worth talking about because neither team would make this kind of move.

by milanahalek on Jan 16, 2012 8:38 PM PST up reply actions

Agreed

by Briceratops on Jan 16, 2012 8:46 PM PST up reply actions

Tell us how you know neither team would make this kind of move

I didn’t realize this was a site that dismissed fans’ opinions.

The point is he is better than Clowe who is better than Mitchell who struggles to stay on his skates most shifts.

by hit 'em on Jan 16, 2012 9:24 PM PST up reply actions

What it'll take

is for the Sharks to play like they played in game 7 against Det in last years’ playoffs.

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

by Soloact on Jan 16, 2012 11:54 PM PST up reply actions

Entries into the offensive zone have been terrible

on both the PP (this stands out the most) and 5v5 (which can be more subtle). The entries are over-complicated and disjointed; I remember an interview on nhl live with coach Babcock saying that one of the most dangerous things about SJ’s game was their strong, creative entries into the offensive zone. I would say a quarter to a third of the entries this season just look mired in confusion. Where is the dump and chase? This is a grinding team, or that’s how it seems. We need something in between to finish this team off, hybrid-grinder I suppose; A speed demon that hits with the furry of Douglas Murray after he saw the remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I don’t know who this dynamo is or if such a person can even be acquired but if I was DW, my eyes would be constantly peeled.

CH:So are you going to sleep with me or what?

Woman: No I am not going to sleep with you. I hadn't thought about sleeping with you actually.

CH: It's because I have a cabbage for a head, isn't it?

Woman: Um, no I don't judge people on their race, creed, or colour.

CH: Unless they have a cabbage for head, which I do.

by Montyburnz!...1 on Jan 17, 2012 3:36 PM PST up reply actions

I just need to drop by and say

I hope you all appreciate a gem of a name like “Tommy Wingels”.

2010: best. year. ever.

by shinkicker on Jan 16, 2012 11:21 AM PST reply actions

We do.

Oh boy, we do. He’s Fear the Fin’s most beloved 7th grader.

by bezzerkker on Jan 16, 2012 5:22 PM PST up reply actions

Jonathan Toews was the difference in the game

Being a part-Blackhawk fann myself, I have come to find out that Toews has a distaste for losing that is arguably 2nd to none in the NHL. I would compare his intensity to that of former Niner owner Eddie DeBartolo. After the previous letdown against Detroit, he was undoubtedly very pissed and really stuck it to his teammates. I wasnt surprised by the initial scoring outburst from Chicago to start off.

by berge7f9 on Jan 16, 2012 5:58 PM PST reply actions