The San Jose Sharks returned to SAP Center for a one-game pit stop, following a lengthy and successful road trip that caught the attention of the entire NHL. Hosting the Winnipeg Jets, who entered this game 16-8-2 and on a four-game winning streak, San Jose gutted out yet another impressive victory. This one had a different storyline from the miraculous wins over the New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings, but it gave another level of credibility to its winning streak. Winning 2-1, the Sharks improved to 4-0-1 in the team’s last five home games and to 6-2-2 in the last 10.
The Sharks took the Jets by storm in the early going. It seemed that the ice was tilted in San Jose’s favor as the home team built up a 12-1 lead in shots on goal nearly 7 minutes into the first period. You can see that huge burst in Natural Stat Trick’s gameflow chart showing Corsi differential in all-situations.
The confidence this group has developed over the past two weeks has done wonders. They really do look like a different group of skaters. Working as a unit of five, especially in that first period, San Jose controlled puck possession and chances over a team that is legitimately in the running for tops in the Western Conference this season. After multiple shifts building momentum in the offensive zone and testing Jets goaltender Laurent Brossoit, Justin Bailey finally broke through with his first goal as a San Jose Shark. Even better, this was Bailey’s first NHL goal since March 10, 2018. It was well worth the wait.
The Sharks’ impressive play of late has been built on a ceaseless effort to climb back into the game despite trailing. Tonight was different, San Jose showed it can build up a lead, play solid defense and escape intact. It was more akin to a playoff-style win and showed that the team has diversity in finding a winning formula. After Bailey’s goal, the game showed its scrappier edge. Mackenzie Blackwood, who was stellar, got busy as Winnipeg began its pushback but remained steady throughout. Former Shark Brenden Dillon tied the game with a point shot 16:09 into the first frame, but that would be the only time the red light flashed behind Blackwood’s goal.
New ways to win
After a tight but ultimately scoreless second period, the intensity picked up. San Jose hasn’t had too much experience entering the third period in a tie this year, so it was interesting to see if the team would fold or rise to the occasion with the inevitable pressure it faced.
The Sharks arrived to this test early in the third. Mid-play, Blackwood lost his skate blade, causing a scramble in the defensive zone as Winnipeg desperately tried to capitalize on the goaltender’s immobility. Trying to act fast and relieve his team after a long and dangerous shift in its own zone, rookie defenseman Henry Thrun misfired the puck over the glass and took a penalty for delay of game. This could easily have been a turning point in the wrong direction for Team Teal, but the players came together and played excellent on the penalty kill.
Back and forth action for the majority of the period solved nothing, but then, with 6:26 left in the game, San Jose got its own power play chance. That’s where the promising young forward William Eklund showed his clutch performance yet again. Scoring on a one-timer, Eklund potted what would become his fourth game-winning goal of the season. Keep in mind, the Sharks now only have nine wins – that’s a huge portion of Eklund difference makers.
It’s hard not to also notice players like the aforementioned Bailey, Mikael Granlund and Mario Ferraro creating a spark both offensively and defensively. Bailey and Granlund, in particular, have been key centerpieces of the Sharks’ good play in December.
Justin Bailey, where have you been all this time?
Bailey is having a moment. Since the Sharks signed him eight games ago, the forward has now scored five points and is a plus-4. He’s doing all this with an average ice time of only just over 11 minutes per game. He’s been using his breakout speed to rush pucks up and out of the Sharks’ defensive zone and has been using fast decision-making to contribute scoring once in the offensive zone. Will he be able to keep this play up? The most games he’s ever played in an NHL year was 32, back in 2016-17. He’s already achieved a career-high in points in a season, though. If he keeps using his legs the way he has, it’s not hard to imagine Bailey continuing to help the Sharks win.
Eklund is a game-changer
The Sharks faired well in Las Vegas, roaring back from behind in the third period to earn a point before losing in the shootout to Jack Eichel and company. But Eklund’s absence was felt. He electrified Sharks fans with his three-point clutch performance at UBS Arena in Long Island. In Detroit, he contributed an assist on the Sharks’ way to its second consecutive comeback win. His crafty skating and dogged forecheck could have certainly been useful against the heavy-hitting Golden Knights.
Back in the lineup after that one-game absence at T-Mobile Arena, Eklund showed the home crowd why he is so critical to this team’s future. Before he snapped in the game-winning goal, Eklund generated chances and helped his team escape defensive trouble all game long. He is a joy to watch and an inspiration to fans who might find this rebuild excessively gloomy. The way this kid is firing, though, the Sharks might not have to worry about losing for much longer.
Highlight
How can we not entertain you with this evening’s selection of sweet William Eklund ek-cellence? Here’s a look at the late third period winner with a classic Randy Hahn call:
Next, the Sharks head back on the road to play the Arizona Coyotes, who have impressed many this year, on Friday, Dec. 15 at 6:00 PM PST.
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