Game Day Report: Sharks @ Blackhawks
By Ryan Bayer
Feb 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) is stopped by San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Today the San Jose Sharks continue their February road trip with another stop to the Windy City to to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. This will be their third and final meeting of the season against the NHL leading franchise. Currently the Chicago Blackhawks lead the season series 2-0 vs. San Jose. The last time these two team squared off against one another was last week on February 15th in which the Blackhawks defeated the Sharks by a 4-1 final. The lone goal scorer for San Jose was Tim Kennedy who recorded his first goal as a Shark. His goal was assisted by Logan Couture whom happened to feed Kennedy a sweet pass. Also getting an assist on Tim’s goal was defenseman Brad Stuart. As for the Blackhawks, they received scoring contributions from Dave Bolland, Marcus Kruger, Andrew Shaw, and Niklas Hjalmarsson.
After winning seven straight games, the Sharks were recently ridding an 0-4-3 record going into Blues territory this past Tuesday. Great news for San Jose was they finally snapped their seven game loosing skid in St. Louis by beating the Blues 2-1. In that contest the Sharks big guns stepped as Captain Joe Thornton tallied his fourth of year, while Tim Kennedy added his second strike of the season. Thornton’s goal was assisted by both Boyle and Marleau. As for Kennedy’s, he was helped by Wingels and Braun. In fact, Tim Kennedy’s goal turned out to be the game winner.
For league leading Chicago Blackhawks, they continue to press forward as they remain unbeaten in regulation with a 13-0-3 record. They are recently coming off of a 4-3 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. The deciding goal in the shootout went to Blackhawks Andrew Shaw.
As of today, San Jose has 8-4-3 record with 19 points to their credit. They are in 2nd place in the Pacific Division and 6th overall in the Western Conference. For Chicago, they are in 1st place in the Central Division, 1st overall in the Western Conference and lead the NHL in points with 29 points.
Tale of The Tape:
Sharks
Goals per game: 2.47 (22nd)
Goals-against per game: 2.13 (4th)
Power play: 18.9 percent (11th)
Penalty kill: 87.1 percent (5th)
Blackhawks
Goals per game: 3.31 (2nd)
Goals-against per game: 1.94 (2nd)
Power play: 18.6 percent (12th)
Penalty kill: 87.9 percent (3rd)
Injuries
Sharks: James Sheppard (lower body) is out.
Blackhawks: Marian Hossa (head) and Corey Crawford (upper body) are questionable. Daniel Carcillo (lower body) and Steve Montador (concussion) are out.
****Tale of The Tape/Injury Report courtesy of Kevin Kurz.****
Official Link: http://www.csncalifornia.com/blog/kevin-kurz/sharks-blackhawks-glance-1
Feb 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) makes a save during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Who’s Hot: If nothing else, the Sharks have learned just how valuable goalie Antti Niemi can be. Niemi was rock solid again against St. Louis, stopping 25 of 26 shots. The Finnish netminder has given up more than one goal just twice in his last six starts. Duncan Keith has five points in his last three games for Chicago.
***Who’s Hot Report courtesy of the San Jose Sharks.***
Official Link: http://sharks.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2012020249&navid=DL|SJS|home
Tonight’s contest has a 5:30p PST puck drop and can be seen on CSNCA HD and can be heard on 98.5/102.1 KFOX. In addition, for US based viewers the game will broadcasted nationally on the NHL Network.
LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!
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