Jan 24, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) faces off against San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) but is unable to score during the third period at HP Pavilion. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Today the San Jose Sharks welcome into town for the second time this season the Phoenix Coyotes.  The Sharks last faced the Coyotes during their home opener back on January 24 that featured a 5-3 final.  In that contest, the Sharks took an early 1-0 lead when Logan Couture connected on the power play in the first period.  The Coyotes responded by scoring three goals over the span of the second and third periods.  Late in the third period, the Sharks mounted the comeback as Patrick Marleau scored twice and Havlat and Thornton scored goals of their own.

San Jose is ridding a three game loosing skid after winning their first seven.  Their most recent loss was this past Tuesday when they face the Chicago Blackhawks.  That contest saw a combined six goals scored in the games opening period.  The Sharks finally received contributions from both Handzus and Wingels in that wild period.  However, the Blackhawks took over when Patrick Kane connected with two tallies and Chicago defeated San Jose by a 5-3 final.

For the visiting Coyotes, they too recently lost the Chicago Blackhawks by a final score of 6-2.  The two goal scorers for Phoenix were Martin Hanzal and Raffi Torres.  Torres scored his first goal of season since coming back from his lengthy suspension that started back in the first round of the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

As of today, the San Jose Sharks are currently in 2nd in the Pacific Division and 4th overall in the Western Conference 7-2-1 record and 15 pts to their credit.  For Phoenix, they are 4th in the Pacific Division and 10th overall in he West with a 4-5-2 and 10 pts.

Tale of The Tape:

Sharks
Goals per game: 3.20 (4th)
Goals-against per game: 2.00 (3rd)
Power play: 24.5 percent (7th)
Penalty kill: 88.9 percent (4th)

Coyotes
Goals per game: 2.82 (13th)
Goals-against per game: 2.91 (21st)
Power play: 22.7 percent (10th)
Penalty kill: 81.4 percent (14th)

***Tale of The Tape Report courtesy of Kevin Kurz.***

Official Link: http://www.csncalifornia.com/blog/kevin-kurz/sharks-coyotes-glance

Who’s Hot: Coyotes forward Radim Vrbata has at least a point in seven of the past eight games, and 11 in 11 games total. Seven have been on the power play. The Sharks have killed off 31 straight power plays.  Forward Michal Handzus had a goal and an assist Tuesday, his first points of the season.

Injury Report: The Coyotes have been without defensemen Rostislav Klesla (lower body) and David Schlemko (upper body), though both are close to returning. Center Matthew Lombardi (upper body) is still at least a couple of weeks from playing again.  San Jose is without defenseman Brent Burns (lower body), though he could return as early as Saturday.  Center Andrew Desjardins missed Friday’s practice due to illness.

***Who’s Hot/Injury Report courtesy of the San Jose Sharks.***

Official Link: http://sharks.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2012020159&navid=DL|SJS|home

Today’s contest has a 1:00p PST puck drop and can been seen on Comcast Sportsnet California HD and can be heard on 98.5 KFOX.  Tonight’s contest will also be televised on the NHL Network in the United States.

LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!

Be sure to follow all of your BoT staff on twitter!!!  

@KingShark49 @81Bayer

Blades of Teal: Tape to tape “WITH THE PASS” of expert analysis on San Jose Sharks, Worcester Sharks, and San Francisco Bulls hockey

Mar 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) and Phoenix Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) battle for the puck during a faceoff in the third period at HP Pavilion. San Jose defeated Phoenix 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks fan faithfuls have waited patiently for this special day to happen for a long time.  Tonight the Sharks welcome into town the Phoenix Coyotes for the second straight year for their home opener.  Last season’s opener, the Sharks defeated the Coyotes 6-3 on October 8, 2011.  In that contest, both Pavelski and Desjardins lit the lamp twice, while Handzus and Clowe each chipped with a goal of their own.  The winning goalie of the night was Thomas Griess in which he stopped 26 of 29 shots he faced.  To not discount the goaltender for Phoenix, Mike Smith was the busier of the two as he turned away 46 of 52.

Tonight’s matchup will be the first of five meetings scheduled between these two clubs.

San Jose could have a new in their lineup tonight as the Sharks organization and veteran player Scott Gomez agreed to terms on a 1 year deal as of yesterday.  With two years remaining on his contract with the Montreal Canadiens, Gomez was bought out by them before the start of the new season and ultimately became a unrestricted free agent.

“Everyone who plays in the NHL, you challenge yourself every day and you want to prove that you can contribute,” Gomez told the Mercury News on Wednesday. “But the main things is I want to come here, I want to help out and I want to win another Stanley Cup.”

San Jose is coming home with back to back wins on their recent western Canada road trip.  They defeated the Calgary Flames by a 4-1 final and steamrolled over the Edmonton Oilers to a decisive 6-3 victory.  Marleau and Couture each scored two goals apiece, while Boyle and Vlasic each scored in their win over the Oilers.  As for the visiting Coyotes, their season has not started on the right foot as they took back to back losses from both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Dallas Stars.  They did in fact turn that around by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1.  In that contest veteran forward Steve Sullivan scored a hat trick and young star defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson tallied a pair of goals.

Mar 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau (12) warms up before the game against the Phoenix Coyotes at HP Pavilion. San Jose defeated Phoenix 4-3 in shootouts. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Who’s Hot Report:

Besides Sullivan and Ekman-Larsson, four other Coyotes also have three points through the club’s first three games – Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata, Antoine Vermette, and Mikkel Boedker are the others. Couture, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau each have five points through San Jose’s first two games.

The Injury Front:

Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith was forced to leave early in Wednesday’s game due to a lower-body injury.  The Coyotes termed the injury minor and said after the game that Smith will make the trip to San Jose. He’s listed as day-to-day, but the Coyotes will bring up Chad Johnson from Portland of the AHL as an emergency call-up.

To make room for Gomez on the roster, the Sharks placed defenseman Brent Burns (lower body) on the injured reserve list Wednesday.  Forward Jason Demers is out with a wrist injury.

2011-2012 Season Series Statistics: Phoenix Coyotes defeated San Jose Sharks 4-1-1

Tonight’s contest has a 7:30p PST puck drop and can been seen on Comcast Sportsnet California HD and can be heard on 98.5 KFOX

LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!

Be sure to follow all of your BoT staff on twitter!!!  

@KingShark49 @bluelineboomer @81Bayer

Blades of Teal: Tape to tape “WITH THE PASS” of expert analysis on San Jose Sharks, Worcester Sharks, and San Francisco Bulls hockey

Mike (San Jose Sharks, Blades of Teal, @bluelineboomer): People might think I’d say the Kings or Coyotes, but I’m really terrified of the Stars.  The older bodies in San Jose should have a tough time with physical play in general.  I can’t STAND Brenden Morrow but think he has the potential to beat up our best players in the corners.  Him alone would scare me enough but whole roster Nieuwendyk has put together is a tough one and the offseason additions of Rome and Roy…egad.  If Jagr brings back his glorious hairdo from the 1990s we could be in for a long set against Dallas.

Dec 21, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Brenden Morrow (10) checks Philadelphia Flyers left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Flyers defeated the Stars 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Troy (Phoenix Coyotes, Howlin’ Hockey, Troy’s feed): First I will state the obvious then maybe not so obvious. Kings for sure. Gritty team that emulates our Coyotes pack mentality. Tough on the blue line and a lot of offensive fire power to keep you on your heels. When you do get it going and are able to maintain the puck….you still have Quick in net who can beat you by himself.

June 11, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) is presented with the Conn Smythe trophy by commissioner Gary Bettman (left) after defeating the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in game six of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals at the Staples Center. The Kings won the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Not so obvious is Anaheim. Hiller also has that Mike Smith/Jonathan Quick ability to take over a game. The Ducks are so talented they can win 10 in a row. Same team can lose 5 in a row. Just look at the top 10 names on their stat sheet. Looks like an All-Star bench or an Olympic team.

Jake (LA Kings, Rink Royalty, Jake’s feed):  I expect the Kings to be the class of the Pacific Division this year. In terms of worst matchup though, LA tends to struggle with Phoenix, and I expect that to continue this year. Dave Tippett always has his team prepared to play, no matter the disparity in talent that they face. Resigning Shane Doan was huge for them because they kept the face of the franchise as well as one of the best overall hockey players in the league.

Losing Ray Whitney might end up being a huge blow for a team that is always goal-starved, but getting Zbynek Michalek back from Pittsburgh and steady play from Mike Smith make Phoenix a really good defensive squad.  Having clarity in the ownership situation, something that has not been the case in the last few years, should provide an added boost to the Coyotes as well.

May 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) celebrates with right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Martin Hanzai (11) after scoring a goal during the first period of game four in the Western Conference finals of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs as Los Angeles Kings players Jarret Stoll (28), Trevor Lewis (22) and Rob Scuderi (7) watch at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Matt (LA Kings, Rink Royalty, Matt’s feed): The Coyotes always seem to give the Kings fits and Mike Smith had our number until the playoffs last year.  Also Phoenix will have a little extra motivation after being dismantled by the Kings in the playoffs (although to be fair, LA plowed through everyone).

As far as offseason upgrades, its clear the Stars made the most moves to improve their roster.  Although the additions look good on paper, you never know how the chemistry is going to come together especially with the lockout and players being situated all over the globe.  I bet it will take time for their acquisitions to mesh into a well-oiled unit.

Mar 20, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Michael Ryder (73) and defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and left wing Loui Eriksson (21) celebrate Ryders first goal during the second period against the Phoenix Coyotes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

If Quick can maintain his level of excellence then I think the Kings are in great position to go deep into the playoffs once again.  Sorry if this sounds cocky, but we are the champs until proven otherwise.

Missy (Dallas Stars, Blackout Dallas, @blackoutdallas): I am really scared of the Kings with them winning the Stanley Cup last season. The Anaheim Ducks will be a big force and they are also going to want to win for Teemu Selanne. The Phoenix Coyotes after losing to the Kings in the last around to make the Stanley up round will also be looking to try and make the playoffs again.

February 8, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne (8) controls the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Me being the editor of the Dallas Stars site, I see the Dallas Stars making the playoffs. It all depends on if they can have a great start to the season and not collapse at the end like they normally do. Also a healthy Brenden Morrow can also boost the club. With the additions of Cody Eakins and Derek Roy, the stars will have fire power. It will be interesting to see the club without Steve Ott in the lineup.

Mike: You guys are all real pieces of work for saying the Sharks will fair so poorly.  Not one of you thinks they’ll be tough to tangle with?  This is bulletin board stuff, I hope Coach McLellan is paying attention.

Missy: I also forgot to add the San Jose Sharks as they are going to be a big force with Logan Couture. The Sharks will also be looking to fight a playoff spot too.

Dec 1, 2011; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Ryane Clowe (29) celebrates with center Logan Couture (39) and right wing Martin Havlat (9) after Clowe scored a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at HP Pavilion. San Jose won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Mike:  THANK you.  For the love of Nolan I thought we weren’t going to get any praise over here.

Missy: hahaha I knew I forgot one team. Sorry about that, Mike.

Troy:  I almost forgot about the Sharks. We plan on making tuna fish sammiches!  That should give you some bulletin board. Coyotes are a hard working bunch. Now they tasted past the first round look for them to add onto that. The commitment from Doan and Jamison will resonate through the organization and there should be quite a buzz every time Brown, Morrow, or Thorton get squooshed into the boards.  Getzslapped too.

Gloves off boys. It’s Hockey season. I’m wicked excited and not even from Boston.

Kris Hill (Anaheim Ducks, Ducks Daily Blog, @thekrishill): As far as the Ducks are concerned, I say our toughest match-ups would be in this order: Stars, Kings, Sharks, Coyotes

The Stars will be toughest due to Morrow, the additions of Roy and Eakins and I see Jagr to be back to his old ways.  Our neighbors in LA are the defending champs and need to be given their due. There will be a bit of a hangover, but Brown and Co. will still be strong.  The Sharks will be tough but we can trap them.  As far as the flea bitten desert mutts, Mike Smith will slump and with Whitney gone, so goes the scoring.

Respectfully, Kristopher A. Hill

Troy: Coyotes on last? This obviously came from a Duck fan who stops following hockey at the All-Star break when their team is eliminated.  :)

Kris: Two words for my hatred: Raffi Torres

Mike: Everyone hate Raffi Torres. Raffi Torres hates Raffi Torres.

Feb 7, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Raffi Torres (37) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Coyotes defeated the Stars 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Missy: Hmm well I could see this division being very close like it was the past few years.

Indeed, Missy.  Indeed.

~BB

Be sure to follow all of your BoT staff on twitter!!!  

@KingShark49 @bluelineboomer @81Bayer

Blades of Teal: Tape to tape “WITH THE PASS” of expert analysis on San Jose Sharks, Worcester Sharks, and San Francisco Bulls hockey