Detroit Delivers Another Blow to San Jose Sharks
Feb 26, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Teemu Pulkkinen (56) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks continue to find new ways to add to their levels of frustration. San Jose dropped a gut-wrenching 3-2 decision against the Detroit Red Wings, which drops the Sharks three points behind the Minnesota Wild for the final wild card spot.
San Jose is a maddening team to watch. One moment, such as the first period when the Sharks took the game to Detroit and outshot the Red Wings 14-4, they look as though they can dominate the game. Their passing, movement and chances generated resembles the Sharks team most are accustomed to seeing.
However, the next moment, they can barely get the puck out of their own zone, or they’d rather just hand the puck to the other team. Detroit amazingly outshot San Jose 31-8 over the final two periods on the road. The Sharks wilted and sat back, while wave after wave of Detroit pressure came at them.
If not for the standout performance of goaltender Antti Niemi, who made 32 stops including several highlight reel saves, this game could’ve easily been a Detroit rout.
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It’s pretty evident that this Sharks team has lost their confidence. Whenever another team pushes back or makes the game difficult, San Jose sinks and rarely bounces back. The Sharks, and their dwindling playoff hopes, are being held together by a thread and it’s not taking much for the opponent to break through.
It’s desperate times for team teal who missed a golden opportunity on Thursday night to gain ground on those around them in the playoff chase. With only 20 games left, it’s time for San Jose to stop feeling sorry for themselves and show a determination and will to win.
As Sharks’ broadcaster Randy Hahn said just as the game had ended, “The Detroit Red Wings put a dagger into the hearts of the Sharks and their fans here tonight.”
Sums it up perfectly.