San Jose Sharks What To Watch For: The Clash with the Kings

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Joonas Donskoi #27 of the San Jose Sharks handles the puck against Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Joonas Donskoi #27 of the San Jose Sharks handles the puck against Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
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SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 03: Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center on October 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 03: Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center on October 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Martin Jones

Martin Jones was severely outplayed by Ducks net minder John Gibson. He let a goal in on the Ducks first shot of the game, and was also got caught sleeping on a Brandon Montour backhand. Jones faced 15 shots overall and only encountered 15 scoring chances during the entire game.

I would not worry about his performance. Goalies are strange individuals and Jones doesn’t veer away from that stereotype. He’s a quiet guy and doesn’t show much emotion on or off the ice. This laid back attitude is extremely comforting for the other guys on the ice. Jones has experienced some volatile moments during his tenure as Sharks goalie, but the man has been in some big spots and usually comes up big.

Jones is still getting used to a newly composed defensive pairing in front of him. The addition of EK65 makes the defense much better but it might take some time to work out the kinks. But still don’t be surprised if the coach Pete DeBoer has Martin Jones on a short leash. Luckily the Sharks have a very competent back up in Aaron Dell.