The Sharks are supposedly still in the giving spirit this holiday season. They gave the Anaheim Ducks a night to remember Saturday, thrashing their way to a 5-2 victory, their fourth straight.
The scoring spree started early last night as Patrick Marleau led the explosion in the first period, while collecting a milestone along the way. Marleau netted his 300th career goal just 2:15 into the first period off a rebound from a Dany Heatley shot. He scored again later in the first off of another rebound on the Power Play. Both Marleau goals were assisted by the other 2/3 of the Burger Line (Heated Jumbo Pattys).
After Heatley added a goal in the second, Ryan Clowe got into the scoring when he banked a shot off Scott Niedermayer’s skate for his 9th of the season.
The nicest goal of the night in my opinion was scored 15 seconds later by Jamie McGinn. McGinn skated in on a 2 on 1 and slightly started to veer toward the slot. Once he baited the defender into thinking he was going to pass, he has created enough room on the short side of the net, where he proceeded to rip a wrist shot past JS Giguere.
McGinn’s goal made it 5-0 and at that point the Ducks were fried. They did tally two garbage goals later in the game, but it was not close to enough.
George Parros and Frazer McLaren did get into a little rumble bash after Marleau’s first goal. That was nice to see, especially since the two squared off against one another the previous time these two teams met. I always love when these two teams get physical. This rivalry has really grown into a physical battle over the past several years.
Side Notes:
Ryan Getzlaf left in the second period with a cut to his leg.
The Sharks are now tied with Chicago atop the Western Conference
The Ducks are STILL in LAST PLACE in the Pacific Division
My 3 Stars of the Game:
1st Star: Patrick Marleau – 2 goals including his 300th
2nd Star: Dany Heatley – Goal, 2 Assists, and the GWG
3rd Star: Joe Thornton – 3 Assists
Now matter how you serve them, the Burger Line tastes better ever game