The Sharks’ losing streak has now hit a season-high of six as they fall to the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1.
The biggest theme from the Sharks' current six-game skid is their lack of scoring depth. This was no different especially in Sunday's game against the Golden Knights. The Sharks once again find themselves in a 2-0 deficit through one period of play, allowing goals to Keegan Kolesar and Jack Eichel, which happens to be Eichel's first as a Golden Knight. Vegas extended its lead to 3-0 early in the second period via Max Pacioretty.
For the first two periods, the Sharks could not buy a goal, and their coverage on defense was quite lackluster as well. However, San Jose finally got on the board and avoided getting shut out in the middle of the third on a goal from Nick Bonino, with the assist going to Andrew Cogliano. This goal got the Sharks going for a little bit, but that momentum was short-lived as Chandler Stephenson put this game away with about 30 seconds remaining in the third period with an empty-netter. Frustrations would boil over for both teams in the final seconds of this game before it was over for good. Vegas ends its three-game skid, while the Sharks' longest skid of the season continues.
James Reimer has been given a heavier workload in net since Adin Hill has been out due to injury. As a result, he seems a bit exhausted out there, having made a total of 31 saves on 34 shots against. In addition, the Sharks tend to play down to and crap the bed against rookie goalies, allowing Logan Thompson of the Knights to win in just his second NHL start.
Rudolfs Balcers was back in the lineup Sunday, but I don't fully understand why Jonathan Dahlen was demoted to the fourth line beforehand.
On the other hand, some fans, media, and team personnel were stuck inside SAP Center for a few hours as police responded to reports of a suspicious package in the bag lockers outside the arena. Luckily everything was cleared and those who were stuck in the area were able to leave safely.
The Sharks hit the road for their next game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday at 7 pm PT. There will be a special, more personalized, and more in-depth post regarding the Sharks' next game as I will be in attendance at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Tuesday night. Hopefully I can be the spark than turns things around for this Sharks team, and I cannot wait.
Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App
No comments:
Post a Comment