Sharks Endless Winless Streak in Chicago
Jan 5, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Brent Burns (88) is congratulated by center Joe Thornton (19) for scoring a goal against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) during the third period at the United Center. The San Jose Sharks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks looked to finally get a win in Chicago, where it seemed they’ve either played really badly or a lot of bad luck just took place, and they got it. The Sharks showed that they were not going to be intimidated by the number one team in the League and grinded out a 3-2 win in a shootout. Jason Demers, Brent Burns, Logan Couture, and Joe Pavelski had the goals for San Jose.
“Daddy” Demers Strikes in the First
The Sharks started off the first period and the game well, each player covering their man and and each zone effectively. After hard work getting the forecheck set up in the Chicago Blackhawks‘ zone, Jason Demers (Assists: Logan Couture and Matt Nieto) slapped the puck past Corey Crawford to give the Sharks the 1-0 lead 12 seconds past the half-way point of the period.
Goaltending Showdown
Alex Stalock stayed perfect for the second period as well and denied the Hawks a lot of grade-A chances. Crawford decided after the goal he gave up earlier he was going to match the Sharks’ net minder’s performance and turned in a goalie show of his own. By the end of the second, the Sharks out shot the Hawks 15-12.
Hawks Finally Solve Stalock, but Sharks Have An Answer
When it seemed Stalock would earn his first career NHL shutout, Chicago made sure that would not happen. It took a Hawks face-off win and a screen in front for them to finally tie the game at 1 on Nicklas Hjalmarsson’s 4th of the year (Assists: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp). About three minutes after, Michal Rozsival (Assist: Marcus Kruger) snapped the puck past Stalock on a goal he’d like to have back. The score now: 1-2 Hawks. However, the Sharks would not accept defeat and just kept grinding it out until Brent Burns (Assists: Joe Thornton and Marc-Eduoard Vlasic) wristed the puck past Crawford on a beautiful feed by Jumbo Joe to tie the game at 2.
Shootout Success
Stalock was perfect on all two shooters for Chicago. Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski netted goals to win the game.
Next Game Vs. Nashville Predators
The Sharks will be in Nashville for the second time this season to face off against the Predators, another team which they seek redemption from. This game WILL be televised on CSN-CA. Puck drops at 5 PM. You can also catch the game on KFOX (FM 102.1/FM 98.5), the Sharks radio network.
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