- The shot attempts probably don’t paint as accurate a picture of the Sharks’ complete lack of offense in this game as the scoring chances. San Jose managed just five chances at even-strength in this game, two of which came off the sticks of fourth-liners in the final three minutes. They didn’t give up a whole lot at the other end but Columbus obviously manufactured all the scoring they needed to win handily.
- Including chances created on the power play, the Jackets generated a whopping ten scoring chances (and three goals) between the Sharks’ first chance in this game and their second. It goes without saying that’s where this contest was lost.
- Odd game for the Pavelski line who managed to finish in the black in possession but gave up an inordinate amount of shot attempts from the scoring area, including a slew of odd-man rushes.
- Doubtful it had much of an impact on the final score but relegating Scott Gomez to the press box seems like a curious decision when a lot of the Sharks’ success over their homestand was predicated on the ability to roll four lines. This version of the fourth line ended up doing fine (although Burish’s failed zone exit led to the Wisniewski goal) but weren’t quite as effective at driving play sans Gomez.
- Nice bounce-back game for Jason Demers although it looks like the coaching staff hedged their bets after his disastrous turn against Dallas, starting Demers 7 times in the offensive zone and just twice in his own end at even-strength. On the road, they obviously had less control over his matchups but Demers largely saw Mark Letestu and Columbus’ third line.
- I’m not sure how anyone could blame Marleau for the Ryan Johansen goal. Thornton misread the play and, presumably mesmerized by the puck, gravitated towards Marian Gaborik rather than covering his man in the slot. Marleau’s responsibility there is to ensure the point man isn’t available as a passing option on the weak side (and to serve as an option himself to exit the zone should the Sharks regain control of the puck) and he did that. Todd McLellan and the coaching staff seemingly agreed, with Thornton seeing just three minutes of even-strength ice time over the remainder of the game while Marleau was on the ice for over nine. Then again, Marleau being blamed for something that wasn’t his fault is the surest sign that it’s spring./
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