A San Jose Sharks Blog

In the first period, the rough stuff started early with both teams going to the body. Fortunately, it was San Jose that got on the board first and it was thanks to Jonathan Cheechoo once again. On the play, Campbell sent the puck over to Joe Thornton who then shot a crisp pass over to Joe Pavelski for a one-timer. Little Joe's shot was on net and redirected in by the scorching hot Cheechoo. This goal was his 19th of the season and 8th in the last nine games. Unfortunately, the Blue Jackets tied things up roughly eight minutes later and the first 20 minutes ended in a 1 - 1 tie.

In the second period, things got even rougher. For some odd reason, Rick Nash decided to drop the gloves and scuffle with an unsuspecting Campbell. Brian never got his gloves off and was being roughed up quite a bit before Douglas Murray came in to pull Nash off of his new defense partner. On the play, Nash was given two minutes for roughing and the Sharks were granted a powerplay.

At this point in the game, it was tied at two goals apiece. Fortunately, during the man advantage, Thornton found J.R. at the backdoor who was able to put in his 10th goal of the season. Soon after the goal, the Blue Jackets' tough guy, Jared Boll, dropped the gloves with Murray who apparently ticked Columbus off for jumping on Rick Nash just a few moments earlier. It was a long tough scrap that seemed to end in a draw as both players got some big shots in. Before the period ended, Pavelski extended the lead to two with his 13th of the season.

The third period was relatively uneventful...just more pushing and shoving from a frustrated Columbus team. In the end, San Jose walked away with it's third consecutive win making this long road trip seem a little less dreary.

Notes:

• Overall, Campbell had a very exciting night of hockey. Not only did he assist on Pavelski's goal in the second period and grapple with Rick Nash, but he also had a big open-ice hit in the neutral zone.
• Both Marleau and Carle, who had been rumored to be potential trade bait all season long, had strong performances. Both players chipped in assists and seemed to be skating very well.
• Thornton's two assists put him in a tie with Boston's Marc Savard for the league's lead.
• Nabby earned his 34th win of the season which is one behind New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, the league leader.