Game Day Report: Blackhawks @ Sharks
By Ryan Bayer
Nov 23, 2011; San Jose CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) battles against Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) during the second period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Today the San Jose Sharks welcome into town the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time of the season. This matchup is one of three scheduled meetings between these two Western Conference powers. When these two clubs last faced one another, San Jose defeated Chicago 5-3 on February 10, 2012. In that contest the Sharks received a balanced scoring effort by both the defense and offense. Former Sharks Jamie McGinn and Benn Ferriero lit the lamp, while Joe Thornton, Dan Boyle, and Justin Braun pitched in on the scoresheet with goals of their own. San Jose’s net minder Antti Niemi was able to turn away 27 of 30 shots his former club fired at him. In addition, Sharks defenseman Brent Burns recorded three assists on Braun’s, Ferriero’s, and McGinn goals that night. For the Blackhawks, Marcus Kruger scored twice, Patrick Sharp recorded an assist on both of Kruger’s goals.
Last night the San Jose Sharks were handed their first regulation defeat courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks by a 2-1 final. San Jose had 6 opportunities on the power play and came up short on all of them. The good news for the Sharks was that they killed off all 6 of Anaheim’s power plays and extended their penalty killing streak to 27 straight kills that dates back on January 26th against Colorado.
For the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, they are coming off of a 3-2 shootout victory over the Calgary Flames this past Saturday. In that contest, Blackhawks Marian Hossa scored the game tying goal with three seconds left in regulation that sent the game into overtime. In extra time neither would score as the game went to the shootout competition. The hero for Chicago was Patrick Kane who recorded the only goal in the shootout.
Despite loosing to the Anaheim Ducks, the San Jose Sharks still maintains their first place spot in the Pacific Division and their second overall position in the Western Conference with a 7-1-1 record and 15 points to their credit. For the Blackhawks, they currently lead both the Central Division and Western Conference with a 7-0-2 record with 16 points. They are also the last remaining club without a regulation loss.
Tale of The Tape Report:
San Jose Sharks
Games Played: 9
Wins: 7
Loss: 1
OT: 1
PTS: 15
Winning Percentage: 0.833
G/G: 3.22 (6th)
GA/G: 1.67 (T-1st)
PP%: 26.0 (5th)
PK%: 87.8 (6th)
S/G: 30.4 (9th)
SA/G: 28.7 (14th)
FO%: 57.3 (2nd)
Chicago Blackhawks
Games Played: 9
Wins: 7
Loss: 0
OT: 2
PTS: 16
Winning Percentage: 0.889
G/G: 3.00 (8th)
GA/G: 2.00 (3rd)
PP%: 20.6 (14th)
PK%: 94.4 (1st)
S/G: 27.9 (22nd)
SA/G: 28.6 (13th)
FO%: 50.5 (14th)
April 5, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture (39) during a stoppage in play against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Who’s Hot Report: Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in nine games, while Marian Hossa is 6-4-10. Four Sharks have already reached double digits in scoring – Joe Thornton (3-11-14), Patrick Marleau (9-5-14), Joe Pavelski (4-8-12) and Logan Couture (6-5-11).
Injury Report: Chicago has been playing without defenseman Michal Rozsival (lower body) and forward Daniel Carcillo (knee). Dave Bolland missed Saturday’s game at Calgary with a lower-body injury. San Jose remains without defenseman Brent Burns, who is on injured reserve following offseason hernia surgery.
Official Link: http://sharks.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2012020137
2011-2012 Season Series Statistics: San Jose Sharks tied Chicago Blackhawks 2-2
Today’s contest has a 7:30p PST puck drop and can been seen on Comcast Sportsnet California HD and can be heard on 98.5 KFOX. Tonight’s contest will also be televised on the NHL Network in Canada.
LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!
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