San Jose Sharks Edged Out by Desert Dogs
By Vivian Dang
The San Jose Sharks continue their dismal November, losing 3-2 in a shootout against the Arizona Coyotes.
The atmosphere was an optimistic one. Having traded defenseman Jason Demers to the Dallas Stars for Brenden Dillon earlier in the week, the Sharks hoped for a fast start from their new defenseman.
The lines were a little jumbled as the game started, with Coach Todd McClellan experimenting, going into the game with the starting line of Nieto – Couture – Pavelski.
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The first period was slow, with the Sharks allowing puck possession fully favor the Coyotes. The Sharks couldn’t keep the puck in the zone as every Coyote sprinted past with the puck on their stick. With netminder Antti Niemi taking the heat for the most part, the Sharks’ stonewall goalie broke down, allowing two goals before the end of the period. The Sharks took a couple bad penalties,
The second period saw more light shed on the Sharks squad. Forward Andrew Desjardins saw his first goal of the season, followed shortly thereafter by Tommy Wingel’s short handed goal. Sharks were tied 2-2 headed into the third.
A handful of seconds into the third period, the Coyote’s took the lead again, with Shane Doan’s 7th goal of the season.
On a penalty courtesy of Arizona’s Michael Stone, Joe Pavelski tipped one past goalie Devan Dubnkyk, tying up the game 3-3.
After an exciting overtime, with the Sharks primarily controlling the puck, both teams came up empty and headed into a shootout.
The Arizona Coyotes won on a goal by Antione Vermette. The Sharks fell 4-3.
If there’s anything we can learn from this game, it’s that the Sharks need to regroup. The past couple games, have been a mess and if it’s anytime to put the pieces back together for a veteran team, it’s now.
The Sharks look to pick up the pieces against the Calgary Flames Wednesday, Nov. 26.