For the first time in franchise history, the San Jose Sharks have won consecutive games against the Buffalo Sabres. Yes, you read that correctly. They beat the Sabres 3-2 on Thursday night and picked up their first win of the season in the process.
The Sharks wasted no time on their first power play opportunity of the night. A beautiful feed from Kevin Labanc set up Tomas Hertl in front for an easy tap in goal. This got the crowd up and running early.
Kevin Labanc banks in a goal off Tomas Hertl’s stick. Perfect positioning by 48. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/4YlZSnpnDi
— Zachary DeVine (@zakkthebear) October 13, 2017
About 10 minutes later, Buffalo answered with a goal of their own. Jason Pominville went unnoticed in the Sharks zone and snuck a one timer past Jones. With the game tied at 1, San Jose knew they needed an answer quick, and they got one. Behind the net, Joonas Donskoi gave an unreal pass to Tierney in front to put the Sharks up 2-1.
Another look at that redonkulous pass from Donskoi. Tierney knows who made that happen. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/unZM3gc4L2
— Zachary DeVine (@zakkthebear) October 13, 2017
Early on in the second, Jason Pominville scored his second goal of the game for the Sabres. A quick rush in to San Jose territory and a feed from Jack Eichel gave Pominville the finish and a tie game for Buffalo.
As the second period was nearing an end, Timo Meier gave the Sharks some comfort heading in to the intermission. He popped in a rebound past Robin Lehner to give the Sharks another lead. His first goal of the season couldn’t have come at a better time.
The third period was a back and forth battle of possession. No goals were scored, and San Jose defended well and managed to hang on for an important 3-2 victory.
Notes
- Sharks’ defenseman Joakim Ryan made his NHL debut tonight. He finished with 1 shot on goal and 21:10 minutes of ice time.
- Tim Heed also made his season debut tonight after playing in just 1 game last year.
- Martin Jones had a much better night in net, stopping 23 of 25 shots he faced. /
All in all, the Sharks looked a lot more impressive tonight than the first two games. They have tomorrow off before taking on the Islanders on Saturday.