Quick Bite: Sharks and Ducks Battle it out in Anaheim
John Gibson and the Anaheim Ducks shut the door on the San Jose Sharks and their seven-game win streak on the road. After a 40-minute defensive battle, Anaheim outplayed the Sharks in the third to win 1-0.
The Sharks win streak on the road was snapped tonight in a 1-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Mike Santorelli scored the lone goal of the game.
Peter Deboer released the goons tonight to challenge the size and physicality of the Anaheim Ducks. Michael Haley, Mike Brown played on the fourth line centered by Dainius Zubrus. The heavy physicality San Jose expected from the Ducks was definitely there, and it's good that they came prepared, but it wasn't enough to give the Sharks the victory. After two periods of 0-0 hockey, the Ducks offensive dominance emerged in the third period to shut down the Sharks and seal their 1-0 victory.
The Sharks energetic start against the Ducks was highlighted by some key saves by goaltender Martin Jones and Haley's early scrap with Chris Stewart, but no goals from either side.
Haley vs. Stewart in the 1st period:
sorry, wrong file... Here's the Haley and Stewart bout from earlier in the first. #SJSharks #SJSvsANA https://t.co/oUAOprP6hM
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 5, 2015
After a fast-paced, scoreless first, the Sharks charged into the second with just as much gusto. San Jose had some good looks and a couple of power play chances, but the defensive battle continued through the second and the game remained scoreless after 40-minutes played.
Unfortunately for San Jose, Anaheim saved their best hockey for the final period of the game. 2:49 into the 3rd period, Anaheim's fourth line broke through to put the Ducks up 1-0. Mike Santorelli took advantage of some Sharks defensive miscues and put a slapshot past Jones to give the Ducks the goal advantage. Anaheim snatched control of the game from there and stifled the Sharks offense. Anaheim held San Jose to just 2 SOG in the 3rd period.
Santorelli's goal:
The Arizona Coyotes loss to the Buffalo Sabres earlier today prevent the desert dogs from overtaking the Sharks in Pacific Division standings, but San Jose is going to have to win close games like these if they want to stick close to the first-place Los Angeles Kings.
Sharks Goal (Assists): Nothing to see here. Come back tomorrow.
Sharks Saves: Martin Jones - 25
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Fear the Fin Three Stars
1. John Gibson
3. Martin Jones