Category: NHL

San Jose Sharks Lose 5-2 To The Arizona Coyotes In One Last Home Game Before Christmas

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The Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller (9) scores on San Jose Sharks goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (29) in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks host the Arizona Coyotes in the SAP Center following the Sharks loss to the Kings on Tuesday. After a trying first 11 games to start the season in which SJ went 0-10-1 to open the campaign, the Sharks have rebounded with a nearly -.500 record over the team’s last 21 contests, but since the calendar flipped to December, the Sharks are 4-4-1 with three of those five losses coming by one goal. The Sharks lost on home ice on Thursday night to the Coyotes for their fourth straight loss 5-2 at SAP Center.

Smooth first period for the Sharks both defensively and offensively. Similar flow to the last game, San Jose getting great scoring chances as well as stopping the opposition for the duration of the period. SJ outshot Arizona 12-7 was a display that the Sharks had their foot on the necks of the Coyotes, but the goalies were on point keeping it scoreless. 

The second period was a more electric period, but not necessarily for the Sharks. The first goal for Arizona was from Michael Kesselring on a quick wrist shot past Mackenzie Blackwood to make it 1-0.

Immediately following the Coyotes goal, the Sharks responded with a breakaway goal off Anthony Duclair and the crowd was right back in it, 1-1. Two minutes later Arizona responded with a unassisted breakaway goal of their own courtesy of Clayton Keller on a backhand shot, 2-1 Arizona.

The Coyotes knew they couldn’t take their foot off the gas and got another goal when Alex Kerfoot snuck one past Blackwood on a deflected shot, 3-1 Desert Dogs. The ending of the period was rough and chaotic, but no goal for the Sharks and the period ended 3-1.

The feeling of last game was still in the air, but since it’s the holidays the San Jose crowd was clearly still enjoying themselves, but they wouldn’t mind a win before Christmas, especially if at this point a win meant them scoring four goals and this crowd would get free tacos. 

26 seconds into the final period, Filip Zadina poked in the puck and it was a quick goal to make it 3-2 and the crowd had high hopes. Well those hopes were squashed and decisively. A beautiful setup on a power play created a great array of passing that led to a Nick Schmaltz goal, 4-2 Arizona.

There were still high hopes in the SAP Center, but that disappeared when Lawson Course hit a snappy wrist shot that killed the crowd and put a nail in the coffin of this game with a score of 5-2 for the Coyotes. The final seconds ticked away and a chorus of boos hit. 5-2 Coyotes and that’s the holiday send off the fans were left with.

This season for the Sharks hasn’t been easy, but for the Sharks fans it’s been something they’d like to forget or at least drown out with some eggnog. San Jose’s next game will be in Vancouver against the Canucks the day before Christmas Eve.

The Sharks hit the road on Saturday night in Vancouver a 7:00pm face off and head to Los Angeles to face the Kings on Wednesday night. The next home game for the Sharks won’t be until Thu Dec 28th and these fans hopefully can get a late Christmas gift from the boys in teal with a win back at home.

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Vilardi’s goal and 2 assists stand up in Jets win over Wings 5-2; Strome gets power play goal in Caps OT win; plus more NHL news

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The Winnipeg Jets Gabriel Vilardi (13) gets the puck in the back of the net in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings goaltender James Reimer (47) at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Wed Dec 20, 2023 (Canadian Press via AP)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Len, Gabriel Vilardi led the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday scoring in his fourth straight game. Vilardi picked up two assists to help defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. Jets goal tender Connor Hellebeck did a job in net.

#2 The Washington Capitals Dylan Strome scored on a power play goal at 1:41 into the overtime as the Caps edged the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena in DC. Strome has become the go to guy.

#3 Len, right after the Los Angeles Kings defeated the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night 4-1 the Kings got handed a one goal loss by the Seattle Kraken whose goaltender Joey Daccord stopped 42 shots and allowed just one goal in the 2-1 win for Seattle on Wednesday night. Kings are not playing well at home but got a key win on home ice.

#4 Jaromir Jagr may no longer be in the NHL but he hasn’t hung up his skate at 51 years old as he starts his 36th season in professional hockey playing in the Czech Republic with Klando in a 4-3 loss to Pardubice. Played 26 games last year at 50 years old. Jagr picked up an assist it’s just incredible that Jagr is still going strong still playing professional hockey.

#5 Len, they’re talking about big and the NHL, media and the fans are looking forward to the next 2024 Discover Winter Classic outdoors as the Seattle Kraken prepare to host the Vegas Golden Knights at T Mobile Park the baseball home of the Seattle Mariners. The outdoor game is scheduled for New Years day at 12 noon PT.

Join Len for the NHL podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Lose To Their Rivals From So-Cal Kings 4-1; LA goalie Rittich holds SJ to just one goal

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The Los Angeles Kings defenseman Andreas Englund (5) congratulates goaltender David Rittich (31) after defeating the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Dec 19, 2023 (AP News photo)

Tuesday, December 19th, 2023

By Troy Ewers 

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks have played in six consecutive one-goal games over the club’s last seven contests, earning points in four of the last five (3-1-1) as part of the team’s hot December run. Following San Jose’s 1-0 loss Friday at Arizona (Dec. 15), the Sharks got trounced by the Avalanche 6-2 and hope to turn it around before the holidays as they face the Los Angeles Kings in the SAP Center. 

The Sharks and Kings went almost the whole period scoreless, but even in almost every category. That stalemate between these two rivals finally came to an end when the Kings were able to generate a smooth line of offense that resulted in Arthur Kaliyev getting the puck behind the net and he found Anza Kopitar in the slot area with a wide open wrist shot past Kaapo Kahkonen. 1-0 Kings.

The period was majority even until the goal 18 minutes in, but after that it the Kings held the lead on the scoreboard and in the shots on goal stat line with 12 compared to the Sharks’ five. 

Sharks couldn’t generate anyhing going in the second period, especially compared to the Kings. Four minutes into the period, Trevor Moore assisted by Kevin Fiala, who now has 23 assists and Phillip Danault who now has 12. 2-0 Kings.

A minute later the Kings continued their assault as a shot from Kopitar was deflected by Alex Laferriere in the net and it was 3-0. The Sharks looked out of it in the second period, but the crowd was still in it and rooting for their boys in teal no matter how ugly it looked. 

The air was sucked out of the room during the period. The only time the crowd came alive was when the puck looked like it was going in the net, but Kings goalie David Rittich gloved it right before it crossed the line. Another time the crowd came alive was when Fabian Zetterlund looked like he was about to get the Sharks first goal of the night, but the puck hit the post and it went right back to a silent night ironically.

The time kept ticking, but the score stayed the same for the majority of the period. An empty net goal from Trevor Lewis made it 4-0 and immediately after that the Sharks finally got one on the board with a slap shot by Jacob MacDonald, his fifth of the season. 4-1 and that was the final score as the final buzzer sounded.

The Sharks take another crushing loss this season and their next game will be on December 21st, back in the SAP Center and the Sharks have a lot to evaluate before they go into the holiday break.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Troy Ewers: Sharks host Kings tonight; San Jose looking to rebound from loss in Colorado

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The Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (right) battles for the hockey puck as the San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (left) tries to get a stick on the puck on defense at Ball Arena in Denver on Sun Dec 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Troy Ewers:

#1 Regardless of winning or losing the San Jose Sharks played six straight one goal games they did win three of six on their last east coast six game road swing. They lost a close one to the Arizona Coyotes on Friday night in Tempe. Then the Sharks were crushed by the Colorado Avalanche on 6-2 on Sunday.

#2 In the loss to the Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and had two assists which help lead the Avalanche to their out scoring bid on the Sharks.

#3 The Avalanche had plenty of help with Mikko Rantanen, Ryan Johansen, Valeri Nichushkin and Miles Wood each with a goal. It gives you an idea how potent the Avalanche offense is.

#4 The Sharks goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood was blitzed by the Avalanche facing 33 shots and allowing five. For Blackwood was this a matter of not getting the protection up front or was this an off game for Blackwood.

#5 Sharks host the Los Angeles Kings (17-6-4). The Kings have won six of their last ten games although they’ve lost three of their last four games. The did win their last game against a very sound Seattle Kraken team with a one goal win 3-2 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Troy, how do you see this contest between the Kings and Sharks tonight.

Troy Ewers is a San Jose Sharks beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Buried by Avalanche 6-2 in Denver, Studnicka Makes Sharks Debut

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Colorado Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon gets congratulated by the Avalanche bench after scoring in the second period against the San Jose Sharks at Ball Arena in Denver on Sun Dec 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks were defeated 6-2 by the Colorado Avalanche Sunday. Colorado goals came from Valeri Nichushkin, Mikko Rantanen, Miles Wood, Ryan Johansen, and two from Nathan MacKinnon. Alexander Georgiev made 27 saves for the win. Tomas Hertl scored twice for the Sharks and Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves in the loss.

The Sharks’ newest player, Jack Studnicka, made his debut Sunday. Studnicka was acquired Friday from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Nick Cicek and a 2024 sixth-round pick. Sunday he had one shot, three hits and won 4 of 16 faceoffs in 12:18 time on the ice.

After the game, he described his performance as “Just okay. I didn’t really have my legs, it’s kind of been a whirlwind. That’s no excuse but it’s been a lot of travel recently. Some ok moments, some good moments, some moments I’ve got to work on.”

Sharks Head Coach David Quinn said, of Studnicka’s first game: “Tough game to be thrown into, you know, I’m sure he’s just glad it’s over with. Didn’t really think he had a lot of pop in his skating tonight which usually he does. So it’s a tough situation to be put into but I thought he was fine.”

Less than three minutes into the game, Sharks defenseman Jacob MacDonald was called for boarding Sam Malinski. Malinski seemed to catch his skate and was off-balance before MacDonald hit him. Malinski was injured and bleeding. He missed a substantial amount of time in the first period, but returned to play before the period ended. MacDonald, however, was given a game misconduct.

During the ensuing five minute penalty, Colorado scored once. The Sharks penalty kill held the Avalanche off for 4:30. In the final seconds, Jonathan Drouin found Valeri Nichushkin next to the net for a tap-in goal. Assists went to Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon.

The Sharks were back on the penalty kill at 10:37, and Colorado scored at 12:15. Mikko Rantanen deflected a shot from MacKinnon, again late in the power play. Assists went to MacKinnon and Devon Toews.

Miles Wood made it 3-0 with a sharp angle shot at 18:20. Assists went to Ross Colton and Jonathan Drouin. Nathan MacKinnon made it 4-0 at 3:44 of the second period with an unassisted goal.

Tomas Hertl scored on the power play to make it 4-1 at 9:01 of the second. Hertl deflected a shot from the blue line by Mikael Granlund. The secondary assist went to Alexander Barabanov.

Ryan Johansen made it 5-1 at 9:01 of the third period. A rebound off of a Caleb Jones shot went right to Johansen with an open net in front of him. Assists went to Jones and Andrew Cogliano.

Hertl scored his second of the night, again on the power play. Right in front of ther net, Hertl gathered up a rebound after William Eklund took a shot. Assists went to Eklund and Granlund.

Nathan MacKinnon scored his second of the night at 15:11, into an empty net. The Sharks pulled their goaltender with five minutes left in the game.

The Sharks did well in shot count for the game, just one behind Colorado’s 29. In the face-off circle, the Sharks struggled again, winning only 38.2% of the draws.

The Sharks started the game missing several veteran players. Apart from the injured players, Anthony Duclair was a healthy scratch. After the game, David Quinn declined to share details about that decision and said only that Duclair would be back.

Sharks next play on Tuesday back in San Jose at 7:30 PM PT against the Los Angeles Kings.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Sharks look to rebound after getting shutout in Arizona; San Jose faces Colorado Sunday night at Ball Arena

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The Arizona Coyotes left wing Matias Maccelli (right) puts the puck in the net for the game’s only goal against the San Jose Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (36) in the second period at Mullet Arena in Tempe on Fri Dec 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks were shutout 1-0 by the Arizona Coyotes Friday. Matias Maccelli scored the only goal in the game and Connor Ingram made 21 saves for the shutout win.

#2 Kaapo Kahkonen made 23 saves for the Sharks. It was the fifth time this season that the Sharks have been shut out. The Coyotes were coming off of a four game losing streak.

#3 The one goal of the game came at 14:45 of the second period. Nick Bjugstad took a shot into some traffic on the right side of the net. Kahkonen stopped that but sent a rebound out to the right, to Matias Maccelli. Kahkonen could not get across in time to stop that one. Bjugstad and J.J. Moser got the assists.

#4 It looked like the game was tied at 7:40 of the third period. William Eklund put the puck in the net off a rebound from a shot by Luke Kunin. However, the Coyotes challenged the goal. On review, contact between Kunin’s leg and Ingram’s stick was seen as goaltender interference and the goal was called back.

#5 The Sharks are in Colorado to face off with the Colorado Avalanche at 5:00pm at the Ball Arena in Denver. The Avalanche have won five of their last ten games and have won two straight. The Avalanche are in first place in the Western Conference. How do you see this match up on Sunday night?

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Fall 1-0 to Coyotes, Two Goals Called Back

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Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram (39) makes a stopping save against the San Jose Sharks left winger Fabian Zetterlund (20) in the second period at Mullet Arena in Tempe AZ on Fri Dec 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks were shutout 1-0 by the Arizona Coyotes Friday. Matias Maccelli scored the only goal in the game and Connor Ingram made 21 saves for the shutout win. Kaapo Kahkonen made 23 saves for the Sharks. It was the fifth time this season that the Sharks have been shut out. The Coyotes were coming off of a four game losing streak.

After the game, Sharks forward Anthony Duclair said: “I thought we just needed some more energy. I think we could have had a better start, I think we just played an okay game. That’s what happens. Obviously they were a desperate hockey team on the other side, losing four in a row.”

Sharks Head Coach David Quinn also commented on the team’s lack of energy:

“To manage just to kind of hang around I think it’s another example of our progress. I think a month ago if we had this type of energy we wouldn’t have been in the situation we were in by the end of the game. So, disappointing we lost, our PK was good, we didn’t draw a penalty which was disappointing but, again, you know, we hung around, had a chance to tie it.”

The one goal of the game came at 14:45 of the second period. Nick Bjugstad took a shot into some traffic on the right side of the net. Kahkonen stopped that but sent a rebound out to the right, to Matias Maccelli. Kahkonen could not get across in time to stop that one. Bjugstad and J.J. Moser got the assists.

It looked like the game was tied at 7:40 of the third period. William Eklund put the puck in the net off a rebound from a shot by Luke Kunin. However, the Coyotes challenged the goal. On review, contact between Kunin’s leg and Ingram’s stick was seen as goaltender interference and the goal was called back.

The game seemed to be tied again at 16:01 of the third period, when Mikael Granlund put the puck in the net. It was a beautiful goal, with Granlund skating through several Coyotes before scoring. But the Coyotes challenged again. The review found that Anthony Duclair was offside and the goal was called back.

The Sharks took four penalties and killed them all but they had no power plays. The shot count was close, 24-21 Coyotes. In the face-off circle, the Sharks struggled, winning just 37.5% of the draws. This was due in part to the absence of Nico Sturm, who was placed on injured reserved Friday.

The Sharks next play on Sunday at 5:00 PM PT in Colorado against the Avalanche.

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Jets lose Connor for next 6-8 weeks with lower body injury; Blues fire Berube, Bannister named as interim coach; plus more NHL news

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Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor is helped off the ice after injuring his knee against the Anaheim Ducks on Sun Dec 3, 2023 at the Honda Center in Anaheim (photo grab from nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Len:

#1 Kyle Connor the forward for the Winnipeg Jets who was placed on the injured reserve list on Wednesday due to a knee injury he sustained in collision with the Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome on Sunday. The Jets won the contest 4-2 and was without Connor on Tuesday night in San Jose Connor’s first game out in a 2-1 loss. Connor is expected out for the next 6-8 weeks.

#2 The St Louis Blues fired head coach Craig Berube on Tuesday and was replaced by interim coach Drew Bannister. Bannister will be behind the bench in his Blues head coaching debut on Thursday night when the Blues host the Ottawa Senators at Enterprise Arena in St Louis. Berube had lost his fourth straight game on Tuesday night to the Detroit Red Wings 6-4. The Blues are sixth in the NHL Central and 26th in goals per game (2.82).

#3 NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman appeared on ESPN and took questions from fans one who asked about the Washington Capitals moving to Alexander Virginia. Bettman said that no NHL teams are moving but the Alexander move which would be four miles from where the Caps play now would present a new technology experience “that could very special.” Also Bettman was asked about expansion and mentioned  “Atlanta, Quebec City, Houston, Salt Lake City,” however Bettman said things are working just fine with the 32 teams that the NHL has right now. It would be a Board of Governors decision down the road.

#4 Forbes came out with 2023 evaluations of the teams and the league could get giant money to get an expansion franchise and the Phoenix Coyotes are looking to get a better place from where they are now in Tucson.

#5 The San Jose Sharks who were predicted to have the worst record in NHL history looks like they’ve broke out of any kind of slump they might have been in. They improved winning three out of six on their last road trip returned home on Tuesday and edged out the Winnipeg Jets 2-1. What are some of the improvements they you can point to that has put the Sharks on track these last seven games.

Join Len for the NHL podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Win 2-1 Against Jets In The Tank; San Jose wins four of it’s last seven games

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San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund (20) collides with the Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Dec 12, 2023 (AP News photo)

Tuesday, December 12th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – After three straight games that went to overtime, the latest being a shootout loss in Vegas, the San Jose Sharks face off against the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets come in on a four game winning streak which the boys in teal ended 2-1. 

The first period was a hot start for the Sharks as they put up 11 shots in the first five minutes. Filip Zadina went to the floor and hobbled off the ice and wasn’t seen for the rest of the period. The first goal of the game was the first goal of the season for Justin Bailey and it came from the point and was assisted by Mike Hoffman and Jan Rutta, 1-0 Sharks. Brendan Dillion tied it up with a blue line wrist shot, 1-1. 

A very quiet second period for both teams, but that’s thanks to a great performance from both goalies. Mackenzie Blackwood was on full display and blocked 13 shots in the second period. Two penalties, but both were killed off and the period closed with a 1-1 score. 

In the final period the teams played a conservative game, but finally after 15 minutes into the period the stalemate was ended when a power play goal by William Eklund off a slapshot to make it 2-1 Sharks. The goal was assisted by Mikael Granlund and Anthony Duclair. The Jets emptied the net between 1 or 2 minutes left to try to get a tying goal, but the final buzzer hit and the Sharks won 2-1. 

After this win the Sharks head to Arizona to face the Coyotes on Fri Dec 15th and hopefully can keep the fire burning that they ignited on the road trip before this game and it seems like that fire is still as hot as it can be with this victory over Winnipeg.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Troy Ewers: Sharks coming off 3-3 road trip face Oilers tonight at SAP Center

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The Vegas Golden Knights right winger Jonathan Marchessault (81) skates against the San Jose Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun (3) at T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Troy:

#1 The last game on the road trip for the San Jose Sharks (8-17-3) they took an shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights (19-5-5) 6-5 at the T Mobile Center. The Knights Jonathan Marchessault scored twice in regulation and got the winning shoot out goal on Sunday night.

#2 The Sharks are fully aware what a Marchessault can do and he was the difference in this game where the Sharks hung with the Knights in a close game 6-5.

#3 The Sharks were 3-3 on this past road trip and defeated some of the leagues tougher teams on this trip with wins over the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and the Detroit Red Wings.

#4 Troy wanted to ask you about some of the Sharks scorers on Sunday Mike Hoffman with two goals, Calen Addison and Mario Ferraro both with a goal a piece. They made it close against the Knights which is a huge improvement after how they struggled earlier this season.

#5 The Sharks are taking on the Winnipeg Jets tonight, the Jets are on a run they’ve won four straight games and the Jets (16-8-2) in their last game defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 in Anaheim. The Jets are no pushovers but the Sharks have played much improved hockey how do you see this match up tonight at SAP Center.

Troy Ewers is a San Jose Sharks beat writers for http://www.sportsradioservice.com