What a Game!

Sharks 6, Canadiens 4

After a long eight game road trip, I was worried that the San Jose Sharks would come home tired...too weary to put up a good game against the Eastern Conference leading Montreal Canadiens. Well, it appears that I had nothing to worry about. This game was absolutely amazing...especially if you like scoring...and who doesn't? I know that many coaches don't like high-scoring games because it means that the defense is not having a good night, but I have to believe that Coach Ron Wilson had to be a little excited deep down inside when he saw his squad put on an offensive exhibition.

Though there was a lot of scoring, there were so many other things happening as well. Hitting, grinding, special teams...the game was packed full of exciting events. I really enjoyed watching this one for so many different reasons, so here's my list of highlights.

Highlights:

Joe Thornton - Not only did Jumbo Joe have two goals and two assists, but he had a bit of nastiness going last night as well; illustrated by his hit/elbow. Number 19 was simply flying around the ice.
Jonathan Cheechoo - The Moose Factory native is just ridiculously on fire. I hope those fantasy players held on to him after his slow start because Number 14 is looking unstoppable (*knock on wood*). The move he put on Josh Gorges was simply highlight-reel material.
Brian Campbell - Speaking of highlight-reel material...Number 51's goal was just awesome. Two quick passes led to a one on one scenario and the newest Shark defenseman made the most of it with a goal on a sweet spin move. San Jose fans got to be happy he's wearing teal.
Patrick Marleau - San Jose's captain continues to play very well. Ever since the trade deadline, Number 12 is simply flying. The play in the first period was created by speed; both Devin Setoguchi and Marleau moved the puck up the ice so quickly that Carey Price couldn't stop the puck from going in.
Jody Shelley - First goal of the season...talk about gravy.
Josh Gorges - Poor Josh had a bad night. His team lost, he was hit from behind by Milan Michalek, he was put down on to the ice by a big Marleau check, Cheechoo absolutely abused/embarrassed him when he scored his highlight-reel goal, he was in the box when Thornton scored on the powerplay, and he was a -1 on the night...yikes.
Special Teams - On the night, the Sharks were 2 for 5 on the powerplay. However, the more impressive stat might be Montreal's 0 for 7 with the man advantage. San Jose's penalty kill was able to shut down the NHL's best powerplay for a total of 9 minutes and 35 seconds...very nice.
Winning streak is now at six games...a season best.

A San Jose Sharks Blog