Sharks vs Kings - 3.27.07
Marleau back on track
San Jose, CA - On Wednesday night, the San Jose Sharks defeated the Los Angeles Kings by a final score of 3 - 1. Thanks to captain Patrick Marleau and his two goals, Team Teal was able to collect two more points in the standings. With only five games left, the Sharks are quickly running out of time in their pursuit of first place Anaheim who is currently two points ahead. Fortunately for San Jose, tonight's win clinched a playoff berth regardless of whether or not they win the Pacific Division.
Over eight minutes into the first period, Marleau broke the scoreless tie; it was only his second goal in his last 15 games. On the power play, Christian Ehrhoff ripped a shot from the blueline that rebounded out to Marleau who was all alone. From roughly 20 feet out, San Jose's captain slapped the loose puck up into the top left corner of the net for his 31st goal of the season. Though there was a lot of physical play throughout the first, it ended with a score of 1 - 0.
In the second period, the Kings were able to get one back. Brian Willsie, on the power play, received a great pass from Patrick O'Sullivan on the rush. Cutting across the front of the net, Willsie let loose a one-timer that beat Evgeni Nabokov who was slightly out of position. Like the first period, there was only the one goal scored.
Nearly five minutes into the third period, the Sharks scored a pretty goal off of Bill Guerin's stick. Marleau started the play by carrying the puck into the zone with a lot of speed, giving him space to drop the puck back to Ehrhoff. Without delay, the German defensemen sent a pass between two LA Kings all the way down to the slot where Guerin was waiting. After settling the puck, the Sharks winger snapped one home for his 36th goal of the season. Kings goalie, Sean Burke, didn't have much of a chance as the play happened so quickly. Five minutes later, Marleau scored his second goal of the game giving assists to Milan Michalek and Ehrhoff. The goal ended the Kings' chances of a comeback as the Sharks shut things down from there on out; Nabokov stayed strong posting 24 saves on 25 shots and the defense continued to keep the front of the net clear of any rebounds.
Overall, it was a solid win for San Jose. Unfortunately, along with Marleau's good fortune came an end to Joe Thornton's scoring streak (10 games). This puts him nine points behind Sidney Crosby for the scoring title. Though he looked very good all night, Jumbo Joe didn't make it on to the official score sheet. However, like many other Sharks fans out there, I'm more concerned about preparing for the playoffs...so it's good to have Marleau scoring again.
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