San Jose Sharks’ Miscues Result in Loss to Washington Capitals

The San Jose Sharks scored four goals tonight, but ended up losing 3-2 to the Washington Capitals in a shootout because two of those goals were put in their own net. (Photo: USA TODAY Sports)

The San Jose Sharks scored four goals tonight, but ended up losing 3-2 to the Washington Capitals in a shootout because two of those goals were put in their own net.

Unbelievably, it happened twice on Saturday night. In the first period, it was Justin Braun whose clearing attempt deflected off Matt Nieto’s skate and past Antti Niemi to put the Capitals on the board first. Then in the third, a shot by the Capitals’ Chris Brown took a strange deflection off Scott Hannan, as it bounced up in the air, off Dan Boyle, and into the net. That goal tied the game up 2-2 and gave the Capitals new life in the third period.

The unlucky bounces were surely unfortunate, as the Sharks rightfully earned each of their two goals. Patrick Marleau netted his 30th goal of the season six seconds shy of the end of the first period by getting into good position in front of the net. Then it was James Sheppard, at 5:07 of the third period, scoring a breakway goal after a block on a Jason Chimera shot sent him off to the races.

But alas, it was just not meant to be for the Sharks, whose power play struggles continued as they went on 0-for-3 and failed to convert on a crucial one late in regulation. Instead, the game went to overtime, where they looked sluggish and were lucky just to get to a shootout. The Sharks could only muster one goal to the Capitals’ two in the skills competition, as Nicklas Backstrom scored the game-winner past Antti Niemi.

On a positive note, Niemi played very well for the Sharks, making 23 saves and would have had a shutout if it weren’t for those two careless plays in front of his net. The Sharks do gain a point and now have 100 points on the season, extending their division lead over the Ducks and pulling within a point of the Blues for the most in the league.

This was also the Capitals’ first win in San Jose since 1993.

Tale of the Tape

Sharks:

• Shots on goal: 36
• Power play: 0-for-3
• Hits: 21
• Giveaways: 13
• Takeaways: 6
• Faceoffs won: 45

Capitals:

• Shots on goal: 25
• Power play: 0-for-3
• Hits: 24
• Giveaways: 16
• Takeaways: 8
• Faceoffs won: 20

Quote of the Game

What’s on Tap

The Sharks take on the Calgary Flames on Monday night on the road.