Niemi, Sharks stone Stars 3-0 at Shark Tank (Recap 3/31):
Recapping the game from Saturday March 31st:
Antti Niemi posted 22 saves to record his sixth shutout of the season as Joe Pavelski provided two goals, including one just 58 seconds into the game as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Dallas Stars 3-0 before another full house at the Shark Tank this past Saturday Night. Jason Demers added the Sharks second goal of the evening late in the first period to give the Sharks a two goal lead through one period of play. Palvelski’s second goal was a tip in of a slap shot from the point by Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Demers also made a huge defensive play as he was able to deflect a point blank tip in attempt by the Stars Michael Ryder, preventing what seemed at the moment to be a certain game tying goal.
The win for the Sharks moved them up to 8th place in the Western Conference Standings with 90 points for the season. The Sharks traded places with Dallas in the standings as the Stars moved down to 9th place with 89 points. Phoenix’s win over Anaheim in the desert (4-0) kept the Coyotes a point ahead of the Sharks for the 7th place position. Kari Lehtonen made 31 saves in net for the Stars. The Sharks on the evening were 0 for 5 on power play opportunities as they could not crack the Stars penalty kill units, even during a 1:12 two man advantage in the third period. For Niemi, the shutout was the 19th of his career.
The Sharks and Stars of course met again Tuesday Night in Dallas with the Sharks coming out on top 5-2 to sweep the home set. The Sharks now will play the Los Angeles Kings in a home and home set starting Thursday night in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. The second game of the home and home versus L A is this Saturday Night at the Shark Tank.
Game Analysis- Niemi turned in a key performance for the Sharks when one was certainly needed after two tough road losses the past week at Anaheim and Phoenix. Pavelski’s early goal helped set the tone for a Sharks team that was clearly very happy to be home even if only for an evening. Demer’s block of Ryder’s almost certain goal was truly the defensive play of the game. The Sharks if they are to advance into the post season will need to make the most of the games at the Shark Tank especially if they find themselves seeded either 7th or 8th. If the Sharks can take care of business and protect the Shark Tank, and play more steady on the road they should have more than just a decent shot at the post season.
GO SHARKS! BEAT LA!!!
The King Shark
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