San Jose Sharks Roll To 4-1 Victory Over Arizona
The San Jose Sharks returned to the friendly confines of SAP Center for their first preseason action of the 2015-16 season. The Sharks squared off against the Arizona Coyotes and continued their string of strong play during the exhibition portion of their schedule.
The San Jose Sharks rolled to an easy 4-1, technically overtime, victory over the Coyotes as San Jose improved to 2-0-1 through three games in the preseason.
Brenden Dillon kicked off the scoring at 4:26 of the first period with a wrist shot past Anders Lindback, with assists going to Tommy Wingels and Dylan DeMelo.
San Jose would strike again in the second, as who else, but Joe Pavelski tipped one home on the power play to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead. It was a familiar sight for Sharks fans last season to see Pavelski light the lamp with the man advantage, and they’re hoping the trend continues into this season.
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Arizona would cut into the lead with just 29 seconds remaining in the second on a tip-in goal from Antoine Vermette on the power play. It was the first goal the San Jose Sharks have allowed in regulation thus far during the preseason as their defensive work has been solid to this point.
Joonas Donskoi continued his strong training camp by re-establishing San Jose’s two-goal cushion, firing home his first career goal, albeit in preseason, with assists from Joe Thornton and DeMelo. Donskoi was given a big opportunity from Peter DeBoer as he was placed on the top line with Thornton and Pavelski.
He didn’t disappoint as he was named the second star of the game after registering one goal and one assist with six shots on goal in 18:12 of ice time. Donskoi has been one of the pleasant surprises and continues to make an impression every time he takes the ice.
Despite San Jose’s 3-1 lead after the full 60 minutes, the two teams continued to try out the new 3-on-3 overtime format. The Sharks would score one final time as Ben Smith deposited one with four seconds remaining for the 4-1 margin of victory.
It was a dominating performance from San Jose who have improved in each game throughout the preseason. The Sharks outshot Arizona 40-28 and went 2-for-4 on the power play.
Alex Stalock continued San Jose’s strong goaltending performance by making 27 saves on the night. DeBoer’s defensive focus and improved 5-on-5 play has been put into action as the Sharks have looked like a more sound outfit all over the ice.
Another positive sign was the return of Raffi Torres, garnering third star accolades in his 10:01 of ice time. The Sharks will want to be cautious with Torres to ensure he’s fully capable of making it through the rigors of an NHL seaon.
DeMelo took home first star honors, recording two assists in 19:43 of game action. DeMelo is another one of San Jose’s young players who has had a solid training camp to date. He’s in the mix for the final two spots on the Sharks’ blue line, and it wouldn’t be a surprising development to see him make the opening night roster.
San Jose is right back at it tonight as the Sharks get their first look at the defending Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks at 6 p.m. at SAP Center.
Next: San Jose Sharks Deserve Newfound Optimism