You could tell this was both a meaningless game and the last regular season game the Sharks will play this year. While a strong shutout performance from Martin Jones was a great thing to see heading into the first round, all minds are on the upcoming playoff series. The Sharks opponent in that series is entirely up in the air after the Kings blew a three goal lead in Winnipeg tonight.
The Sharks were handed a lot of power plays in the game’s first period, and it showed in possession numbers, which you can see below. The Sharks didn’t convert on any of their man advantage opportunities, and the Coyotes didn’t have any luck on their one power play either.
Halfway through the period a small brawl broke out between a number of players on either side (it wouldn’t be the only one in this game) and led to a fight between Roman Polak and Coyotes’ captain Shane Doan. Fights in meaningless games are what the people want.
The Sharks got off to a bit of a slow start in the second period, but they were able to hold the Coyotes off throughout the period. After two the teams were still tied at zero.
About a quarter of the way through the third period, the Sharks were given a two man advantage and Joe Pavelski didn’t let it go to waste. It was all the Sharks would need to win this one, as Martin Jones made 19 saves for the shutout.
The Sharks’ playoff opponent will be determined tomorrow. If Anaheim beats the Capitals, they’ll win the Pacific Division and the Sharks will face the Kings. If Anaheim loses, the Kings win the division and the Sharks will face the Ducks.
[Fancy Stats] – [Coyotes Reaction] – [Event Summary] – [Faceoff Report] – [TOI Log] – [PBP Log]
Fear the Fin’s Three Stars
1) Martin Jones
2) Joe Pavelski
3) Joe Thornton
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