After losing a close game to the Dallas Stars last week, the San Jose Sharks got their revenge with a 3-2 victory and extended their win streak to three.
The opening period was a quiet one, which is surprising considering the offensive talent both teams have. Despite that, they could only muster up a combined total of eight shots. With shots low, so were the scoring chances — both teams generated only three, so it was a tough period for those who love offense.
In the second period, there was a bit more offensive action, primarily on the Stars’ side, as they opened the scoring, courtesy of Radek Faksa. The Stars generated 12 shots for and 12 scoring chances. On the other hand, the Sharks were still struggling to come up with their share of opportunities. However, Timo Meier helped tie the game at one late in the period after firing the puck into traffic and past Anton Khudobin.
The offense came alive for the Sharks in the third, when they notched the first two goals of the period, including a second straight two-goal night for Timo Meier. Although the Stars were down two goals, they were able to cut the deficit via a goal from rookie Miro Heiskanen. Nonetheless, the Sharks held on and swept their two-game homestand.
Pregame
Closing out a quick two-game homestand, the San Jose Sharks will welcome in the Dallas Stars, who got the better of them last week, walking away with a 3-2 victory at American Airlines Center.
With a top heavy line that features Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alex Radulov, the Stars have plenty of firing power to help motor their offensive attack.
In 31 games, they’ve put together 73 points, and they’re the only players on the team with 20 or more points. If the Sharks see a push back on offense, expect it from this line. However, after their first line, the Stars’ offensive output begins to thin out. Add to it that Dallas is coming into SAP Center on the back end of a back-to-back after losing in Anaheim last night, and things might be a little slower than usual.
Meanwhile, the Sharks will counter with their own trio of Logan Couture, Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl. That line helped generate a good portion of the offense against the New Jersey Devils, with Meier netting two goals. The Sharks also have the advantage of rest — the Stars who arrived to the Bay Area late last night, while San Jose had the night off.
Lines
For the Sharks, it looks like no changes are being made to the lines. Joe Thornton was considered a game-time decision, but it looks as though he will be in the lineup. On defense, the pairings look similar to what Head Coach Peter DeBoer rolled out against the Devils. In net, Martin Jones will once again man the crease.
Third time’s the charm, right? #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/b8DaVUXeqU
— Fear the Festivus ❄️ (@fearthefin) December 13, 2018
As for the Stars, Sean Shapiro of The Athletic Dallas-Fort Worth tweeted out how the forward lines will look, while the defensive pairings are a game-time decision. After playing against the Anaheim Ducks last night, Ben Bishop will get the night off, leaving backup Anton Khudobin to start.
Stars lines for tonight:
Benn-Seguin-Radulov
Nichushkin-Faksa-Pitlick
Shore-Spezza-Ritchie
Janmark-Dickinson-ComeauHonka is in for Bayreuether. D pairs still TBD but will be lefty-right. Monty said Bayreuther should be in Saturday
Khudobin in goal
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) December 13, 2018
Where to Watch
Puck drop from SAP Center is at 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and can be watched NBC Sports California and be heard on 98.5 KFOX. For those out of the Bay Area market, tonight’s game is the free game on NHL.TV. Check back for updates and live reaction.
Hello Sharks Territory, Eddie here and I’ll be joining you for tonight’s liveblog coverage
First Period
20:00: Let’s drop the puck!
19:22: Brent Burns test Khudobin with a shot from the blue line
17:41: Fourth line with a scoring opportunity but Khudobin is there for the save
9:56: Martin Jones with a quick right pad save as the Stars generate their first real scoring threat
8:00: The loose puck finds Honka’s stick and he fires it from the blue line but Jones gobbles up the puck
6:32: Braun didn’t appreciate Radulov trying to pry the puck loose from Jones’ glove which leads to him and Benn sharing some words
4:38: Nichushkin with a scoring chance but Jones denies him with the blocker
1:16: Sorensen drives to the net but is unable to get a shot off
Second Period
16:25: Goal. Radek Faksa opens up the scoring after the puck goes off the bar and shoots the rebound past Jones
12:27: Jones goes way out of the net to help prevent a Stars scoring chance
11:55: Khudobin denies Goodrow who drives to the net but is unable to get the goal
8:17: Power Play. Shore receives a penalty for delay of game and it’s a Sharks power play!
6:19: Brent Burns with a shot late in the power play but Khudobin is able to prevent a rebound with Meier near by
6:17: The Stars are able to kill off the Shore penalty
3:40: GOAL! Timo Time! Meier shots the puck through traffic and gets by Khudobin and it’s a tied game
Third Period
17:10: GOAL! A three-on-one leads to another Meier goal as he gets his second straight two goal night.
13:01: Braun gets a good look coming in from the blue line but Khudobin is there to make the save
12:04: GOAL! Joe Thornton makes it 3-1 who is at the right place at the right time to beat after Simek’s shot turns into an assist.
10:13: Evander Kane with another Sharks scoring chance but Khudobin makes the save
7:36: Goal. Miro Heiskanen makes cuts the Sharks lead to one.
1:39: Empty net and an extra attacker for the Stars
:45: Puck rolls through Jones crease but the Stars cannot generate a shot
Final: Sharks 3, Stars 2
As many of you know, Fear the Fin is an independent site run by Sharks fans for Sharks fans. Help keep Fear the Fin independent by contributing to our