Thoughts on Sharks’ Opening Victory

It was a pretty good opening night for the new-look Sharks, as they defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 6-3. Joe Pavelski clocked in this year with 2 goals, and scrappy forward Andrew Desjardins also netted 2 goals. Overall the Sharks cashed in on the power play 3 times: 2 by Pavelski, and once by big Ryane Clowe. Making Sharks GM Doug Wilson look even smarter was the newly acquired Michal Handzus, who scored the Sharks’ second goal.

There is one thing that needs to be improved…

The penalty killing!

All 3 of the Coyotes’ goals came on the power play. Granted, the Sharks already had a healthy lead by the time Phoenix started to find the back of the net… but giving up 3 power play goals in one game usually won’t allow you to be a successful team. Remember that our penalty killing was supposed to be improved this year with the addition of Michal Handzus.

The Shark Tank was rocking again last night and the Sharks didn’t disappoint, producing the highest scoring season opener in franchise history with 6 goals. The Sharks were relentless as they managed 52 shots at Coyotes’ new starter Mike Smith, with 19 coming in the first period.

Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss played a solid game for his first ever victory on opening night. He made 29 saves in the effort.

The Sharks won’t be in game action until Friday, October 14th, when they meet the Ducks in Anaheim.

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