On Jumbo Joe Thornton’s special day, a close game occurred between the Sharks and Buffalo Sabres, but Team Teal coughed up its lead in the third period and wound up losing 4-2.
I first want to begin with the most important and significant event and milestone that occurred before this game, which was the Joe Thornton jersey retirement ceremony. It was a simply incredible, epic, and spectacular moment that will be immortalized in Sharks franchise history as the second player to ever have his jersey number retired by the Sharks besides Jumbo’s longtime teammate Patrick Marleau. It was certainly a heartwarming, amazing, and at times emotional ceremony, which also brought out many of Joe Thornton’s former teammates, with my favorite appearance being that of Joe Pavelski. Speaking of Little Joe, he needs to be the next player that the Sharks honor with a jersey retirement ceremony. In addition, Jumbo Joe’s family and a few of his former coaches were in attendance as well. Besides Pavelski’s appearance, I enjoyed the speech that Joe Thornton gave during his ceremony with his full uplifting personality on display. What a great way for San Jose to honor a franchise legend and one of the greatest playmakers in NHL history, and I am looking forward to seeing Thornton’s no. 19 hanging in the rafters at SAP Center at my next Sharks game, hopefully sometime this season.
Onto the game itself versus the Sabres, Fabian Zetterlund opened the scoring for the Sharks in the first period with his eighth goal of the season, assisted by Jake Walman and William Eklund. Soon after, Peyton Krebs scored to even the game at one for the Sabres. The Sharks retook the lead early in the second period on Luke Kunin’s fourth goal of the season, with assists from Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg. In addition, I must give credit where credit is due, as former Sharks goalie James Reimer made an absolutely unreal diving glove save in the middle frame to rob Macklin Celebrini of a goal to keep the Sharks’ lead at one.
The Sabres scored twice early in the third period via Dylan Cozens and a shorthanded rally from Alex Tuch to gain their first lead of the night. Lastly, as time was expiring in regulation, Buffalo placed the nail in the coffin, as Rasmus Dahlin scored an empty-netter to give the Sabres a two-goal lead and put this one away for good.
Mackenzie Blackwood was back in net for the Sharks against the Sabres, registering 27 saves on 30 shots against.
An interesting fact I heard as to why it all made sense for Joe Thornton’s jersey retirement ceremony to be held ahead of tonight’s game against the Sabres is that Jumbo’s first game as a Shark during the 2005-06 season was against the Sabres. The final point I want to state about this game specifically is that despite not getting the win for Jumbo, it was a great, competitive, and toe-to-toe game between these two clubs until the very end. The Sharks’ current homestand continues on Monday when they face their rival in the Los Angeles Kings for the third time this season at 7:30 pm PT.
Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App
Discover your next favorite outfit at the CPF Store! With our wide selection of stylish and comfortable clothing, you can express your unique style while feeling amazing. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe with the latest trends and timeless classics. Don't miss out - embrace fashion that speaks to you at the CPF Store by clicking the link here: CPF Store
No comments:
Post a Comment