Game Day Report: Sharks Vs. Canucks
By Ryan Bayer
Sep 29, 2011; San Jose, CA, USA; NHL linesman Brian Mach (78) drops the puck to San Jose Sharks center Michal Handzus (26) and Vancouver Canucks center Manny Malhotra (27) on a face off during the second period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Today the San Jose Sharks welcome into to town the Vancouver Canucks for some Sunday night hockey. It’s the first of three meetings this season, with two scheduled at the Shark Tank this season. The last time these two heavyweights faced one another was back on January 21, 2012 in which Vancouver defeated the Sharks 4-3. In that contest, San Jose’s Logan Couture knotted a pair of goals, one shorthanded and other on the power play. In addition, defenseman Dan Boyle also saw the scoresheet with a goal of his own. As for the Canucks, young star Cody Hodgson scored two goals, while power forward Ryan Kesler and defenseman David Booth each tallied for Vancouver. Moreover, in that game, the goaltenders did not fair well on stats sheet. San Jose’s Antii Niemi was only able to turn away 26 of 30 shots he faced and came away with a 0.867 save percentage. For Roberto Luongo, he only stopped 23 of 26 and finished the night with 0.885 save percentage.
The Sharks are on fire right now as they have won four in row. They won all three home openers that they played in including their own by defeating the Phoenix Coyotes in come from behind fashion 5-3. Yesterday San Jose defeated a young Colorado Avalanche team 4-0. In that contest, Patrick Marleau made history once again by scoring two goals on the powerplay to make it his 4th straight multi-goal game. In doing that, Marleau tied a record that Cy Denneny of the original Ottawa Senators set during the 1917-18 NHL season. Furthermore, it was also a special day for rookie defenseman Matt Irwin who scored his first NHL goal in rocketed fashion. Thornton also scored a goal of his own. Moreover, another San Jose Sharks player had a special day of his own as goaltender Thomas Greiss recorded his first ever career shutout in the NHL.
For the visiting Vancouver Canucks, they are recently coming off of a 5-0 victory as they spoiled the Anaheim Ducks home opener this past Friday. Four Vancouver players each made contributions in their revenge victory over the Ducks, including Mason Raymond was knotted a pair, veteran forward Daniel Sedin, Zack Kassian and Aaron Volpatti each with a goal of their own.
As of today, San Jose is still leading the pack in the Pacific Division with a 4-0-0 record including 8 points to their credit. They are also in second place overall in the Western Conference just behind the Chicago Blackhawks who are 5-0-0, having defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets last night 3-2. The Vancouver Canucks have a 2-1-1 record and are leading the Northwest Division with 5 points. In addition, Vancouver is in third place, just behind the Sharks in the Western Conference.
Mar 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) defends his goal against the Phoenix Coyotes during the first period at HP Pavilion. San Jose defeated Phoenix 4-3 in shootouts. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
***Lineup check:
(2.33 goals-against average, .927 save percentage) will return to the net for the Sharks, looking for his fourth straight win. Other than that, the San Jose lineup will stay the same.
Former Sharks forward Manny Malhotra, who just welcomed his third son, will not play. The Canucks remain without two key injured players in David Booth and Ryan Kesler.***
***Courtesy of Kevin Kurz.***
Official Link: http://www.csncalifornia.com/blog/kevin-kurz/irwin-impressing-stuart-makes-impact
2011-2012 Season Series Statistics: Vancouver defeated San Jose 3-1
Today’s contest has a 5:00p PST puck drop and can been seen on Comcast Sportsnet California HD and can be heard on 98.5 KFOX
LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!
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