San Jose Sharks Don’t Use Scott In Shootout, Lose To Oilers
In one of the most shocking events in San Jose Sharks history (sarcasm), the Sharks fell to the Oilers 5-4 in the shootout. All signs pointed to a San Jose Sharks win. Joe Pavelski continued to play at the level he has all year, netting two goals and coming one toe short of a hat trick winning goal with 2 seconds left. Even Scott Hannan and Matt Tennyson scored to help the Sharks come back! But sadly, it was not to be as the Oilers tied the game up with two minutes to go, and then won in a 13 round shootout, the longest in San Jose Sharks history.
So where did it all go wrong? How did the Sharks lose a game against a team so bad with a lead so late? There are a few reasons.
1. Hertl’s Disallowed Goal
In the final minute of the first period, Tomas Hertl seemed to give the Sharks a 2-1 lead, but the referee’s waved it off for goaltender interference. James Sheppard was not only not in the crease, but did not touch Fasth enough to make Fasth even move. It was one of the worst calls to go against the Sharks in recent memory, and I normally try to look over those.
2. It’s the Oilers
The Sharks were coming off a three game winning streak where they got wins over the Kings, Ducks, and Blackhawks, all top teams. The game before that win streak? A 5-2 loss to New Jersey. The Sharks play to the level of their opponent, and that came out in full force tonight, especially with the way the defense played.
3. John Scott, Nowhere To Be Seen
THE ANSWER WAS OBVIOUS ALL ALONG, TODD! You had 13 chances to use the best player on your roster, and easily the one with the best hands, and you left him on the bench. I don’t think any hockey fan doubts that John Scott would’ve won this game well before the 13th round. In fact, most NHL coaches probably would’ve used him first. For shame, Mr. McLellan. For shame.
4. IT’S THE OILERS
Seriously, you guys should be smart enough to know that no matter what happened tonight, there was no way in hell the Sharks were winning this game.