Lose One, Win One...Anyone Surprised?
Sharks 2, Kings 5
Sharks 3, Kings 1
In San Jose's first divisional back-to-back this year, they lost one and won one. Moreover, the loss was at home while the win was on the road. Hmm...can't say that I'm surprised. Through the first month of the 2007 - 2008 season, this has been the trend. Fortunately, the rest of the Pacific isn't doing much better and the Sharks find themselves in first place again.
In the first game of this back-to-back, Team Teal was able to put a ton of shots on net (47), but still walked away on the wrong end of a 5-2 whipping. Many of these shots were low percentage chances, but like The Great One says, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Consequently, I'm pleased that the offense is trying to get something going. However, the Sharks are too good of a team to be letting in five goals regardless of whether or not there's been a shift in focus to the offensive side of the puck.
In the second game of the back-to-back, San Jose regained first place in the Pacific thanks to goals from Joe Pavelski, Jeremy Roenick, and Jonathan Cheechoo. This time around, the Sharks didn't put as many shots on net (28); however, that is all they needed.
In the first period, Pavelski scored his third goal of the season giving assists to Joe Thornton and Cheechoo. Unlike last season, Pavelski appears to be contributing consistently and I couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, roughly three minutes later, former Shark Brad Stuart tied the score by slapping in his second goal of the season.
In the second period, the Sharks took the lead again. JR scored his fourth goal of the season and more importantly, the 499th of his career. I've said this once and I'll say it again, I am very glad we picked up Roenick. Lots of other hockey fans out there probably snickered when the Sharks made the announcement, but the signing of JR has proven to be an excellent decision.
In the third period, the Kings made a hard push to try and even the score. They were able to generate 11 shots on goal, but goalie Evgeni Nabokov was up to the task. With the Los Angeles defense pinching in and taking chances, the Sharks were able to take advantage by scoring an insurance goal. On the play, Cheechoo and Thornton skated in two on one. As expected, Thornton dished the puck to the struggling winger, but this time around Jonathan was able to convert. Cheechoo has been working hard on both ends of the ice, so let's hope that he continues to get rewarded with goals.
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