Sharks Make it Ten in a Row

Sharks 2, Predators 1

Last night, the San Jose Sharks took their game in hand on Dallas and used it to leapfrog over the Stars in the standings. Thanks to a 2 - 1 victory over the Nashville Predators, Team Teal is sitting 2nd in the Western Conference. Though there wasn't much scoring from either team, there were plenty of highlights.

Highlights:

Sharks came out hot in the first, racking up a number of early scoring chances. However, after not being able to score so easily, San Jose appeared to be let up and Nashville put the pressure on the rest of the period.
After Joe Pavelski was slew-footed into the end boards, Milan Michalek tried to get into it with a number of Predators. I've never seen him so angry; maybe this is a new Milan. It's been obvious that opposing players have been trying to pick on him all season, but Number 9 has never stopped pushing back.
San Jose had a number of powerplay opportunities, but didn't score until 15:32 of the second period. With the puck in the crease, a scrum ensued and Pavelski ended up at the bottom of a dog pile. After a long video review, the goal was counted; it was very tough to see, but the video refs made the right call.
At the start of the third, Michalek used his speed to skate around a lazy Nashville defenseman who couldn't keep up with the Sharks winger. After an initial shot from in close, Milan put in his own rebound, scoring his 22nd goal of the year...it was a great individual effort.
Down by a goal, the Predators were rewarded with a four-minute powerplay as Marc-Edouard Vlasic cut a Nashville player with a high-stick. Coach Barry Trotz pulled his goalie to give Nashville the two-man advantage. Fortunately, Nabby was strong in net. He made two huge saves against Jason Arnott late in the game and earned his 40th win of the season (leads the league).

A San Jose Sharks Blog