Sharks Dominate Avalanche, But Can’t Solve Varlamov in Loss

Semyon Varlamov frustrated the San Jose Sharks with 47 saves as the Sharks dropped a 3-2 regulation loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday afternoon. (Photo: USA TODAY Sports)

It wasn’t exactly Ben Scrivens-like, but Semyon Varlamov frustrated the San Jose Sharks nonetheless with 47 saves as the Sharks dropped a 3-2 regulation loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday afternoon.

The Sharks dominated play, outshooting the Avalanche 49-22, including peppering Varlamov with 20 third period shots, but not a single goal was scored in the final frame. San Jose had two power play opportunities in the third period, one of which was a 4-on-3 for over a minute, but could not convert.

It was a few early mistakes that doomed the Sharks. Just a minute and a half into the game, Paul Stastny snuck one by Alex Stalock after Joe Pavelski was out of position. Pavelski would tie the game with a power play goal three minutes later, but then an egregious error by Dan Boyle at the 10:34 mark would give the Avalanche the lead right back. On the man advantage, Boyle attempted to glove a clear attempt by the Avalanche at his own blue line, but missed and instead deflected it onto the stick of Cody McLeod, who skated in alone and beat Stalock through the five-hole.

The two teams traded goals in the second period. John Mitchell netted one on the power play for Colorado, and Boyle scored on a one-timer for San Jose.

But the first star rightfully belonged to Varlamov, who stopped several Grade-A chances and single-handedly won the game for the Avalanche, who clinched a playoff spot with the win.

The Sharks, meanwhile, are putting their chances at winning the Pacific Division in increasing jeopardy. They lead the Ducks by one point, but the Ducks have three games in hand and a much easier schedule down the stretch.

Tale of the Tape

Sharks:

• Shots on goal: 49
• Power play: 1-for-4
• Hits: 11
• Giveaways: 7
• Takeaways: 10
• Faceoffs won: 34

Avalanche:

• Shots on goal: 22
• Power play: 1-for-4
• Hits: 24
• Giveaways: 5
• Takeaways: 12
• Faceoffs won: 29

Good to Know

What’s on Tap

Edmonton comes to town on Tuesday as the Sharks take on the Oilers at SAP Center.