NHL's Best Penalty Kill Lets Two In

Sharks 2, Stars 4

On Saturday afternoon, the San Jose Sharks got off to a strong start against the Dallas Stars. As both teams went to the body early, the game became more and more chippy. Unfortunately, Team Teal's penalty kill, which has been so strong all year, had a busy night. On six powerplay opportunities, Dallas scored twice which was the difference in the game.

In the first period, Devin Setoguchi got things going on the powerplay. Down low, the rookie winger received a pass from Joe Thornton. With a quick stride toward the top of the crease, Setoguchi put a backhander on net which deflected off of a Dallas defenseman and past Marty Turco.

In the second period, at 4:52, the Stars got on the board and tied the game. The goal was Brenden Morrow's 12th of the season. Fortunately, 45 seconds later, San Jose regained the one goal lead thanks to Patrick Rissmiller. Skating behind the net, Number 34 put a backhand towards the feet of Turco and somehow scored his second of the season. Unfortunately, that would be the last San Jose goal of the game.

At 10:20, the Sharks found themselves down two men with both Christian Ehrhoff and Matt Carle in the penalty box. The Stars made quick work of the situation and scored at 10:44. Then six minutes later, Dallas scored on the powerplay again. With Patrick Marleau in the box serving a double minor for highsticking, the Stars were able to redirect a shot past Evgeni Nabokov. At the end of 40 minutes, the score was 3-2.

In the third, San Jose didn't get much going. Putting five shots on net, Team Teal didn't really threaten to erase the one goal lead.

It's frustrating to see a four point swing go Dallas' way; if only we could have stayed out of the penalty box, maybe the Sharks may be the one on top of the Pacific Division. Well, tomorrow, San Jose will get tested again as they face the Anaheim Ducks who are currently only four points back.

A San Jose Sharks Blog