Pacific Title is in the Bag

Sharks 3, Ducks 1

With a strong win over the Anaheim Ducks, the San Jose Sharks have locked up first place in the Pacific, second place in the Western Conference, and at least two rounds with home-ice advantage. As expected, it was a tough and gritty game between the two division foes, but in the end, it was a rather convincing win by Team Teal.

As many Ducks fans have pointed out, Anaheim did not have its best team out on the ice given the injury to Perry and Giguere, and Pronger's suspension. I would like to counter that argument with the fact that San Jose was missing Jonathan Cheechoo, Craig Rivet, and Evgeni Nabokov for a number of various reasons.

At any rate, it was an exciting game, filled without a lot of emotion...not surprising given these two teams' recent history.

Notes:

Patrick Marleau continued his scoring ways by posting his 17th goal of the season early in the first period.
Jeremy Roenick scored his 14th goal of the season on the powerplay...and surprise, surprise...Number 27's goal ended up being the game winner.
Late in the second period, Curtis Brown padded the lead with his 3rd goal of the season...glad to see Number 37 getting some momentum after a long period on the shelf.
Joe Pavelski had the primary assist on all three Sharks goals...it really feels like Little Joe is coming into his own.
Brian Boucher made 23 saves to pick up the win...it sure feels good to have a solid backup available. I've got to say this again, smart pick-up Doug Wilson.

A San Jose Sharks Blog