Jones makes 27 saves in Sharks’ 2-0 win over Ducks
Two games into this young season, the Sharks are smiling ear-to-ear about their new acquisition, who was acquired from Boston in the offseason after spending the past two seasons as backup to Jonathan Quick with the Los Angeles Kings.
Inside the newly redesigned Sharks locker room is a plaque mounted on the wall that reads: “Exceed Expectations”.
The Ducks opened the 12-13 season against the Canucks at Rogers Arena, spoiling the hosts opening night with a 7-3 win on January 19. After an eventful offseason, all I could expect was a fresh start. He had just 19 last season, his lowest over an 82-game slate since 2007-08.
Goalie Martin Jones endeared himself to the sellout crowd in his first start at SAP Center on Saturday night.
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The Sharks can outplay the size and speed of Anaheim.
The Ducks are not an old team, and their youthful defense is likely to be one of their strongest assets.
The Canucks look to add another win to their resume to start the season as they earned three out of four points against the Flames int heir home and home session but head into Anaheim to face the Ducks.
“Both teams played well, but we didn’t get enough traffic in front of the net”, Boudreau said.
The Sharks did a pretty good job keeping up with the physicality. Bieksa played 24-plus minutes in the opener, trailing only Hampus Lindholm (25 minutes 16 seconds). Their depth wore down the Ducks, and if not for a few highlight saves from Andersen, this one could have been a much different game. Tommy Wingels and Brendan Dillon, for example, can definitely lay out the big hits and glass-rattling checks.
The Ducks are a favorite to take the Pacific Division and the fact that the Sharks were able to outplay them and dominate the SOG 44-27 is significant, even this early on.
– Four Ducks made their official debut.
San Jose couldn’t have won this game without their newcomers. Joel Ward had two assists, while Logan Couture picked up the other one.
To boost the overall speed he acquired winger Carl Hagelin – who skated alongside Getzlaf on Saturday – and went to the free-agent market for Mike Santorelli, who was on the fourth line with Patrick Maroon and another free agent find, veteran center Shawn Horcoff.
Similarly, blueliners Paul Martin and Brent Burns were a solid defensive pairing for the Sharks. I think the guys are feeling good about what we’re doing.
Martin Jones got the shutout. But Marleau got a second chance in the slot and buried the 457th goal of his 18-year career with a wrist shot over Andersen’s right shoulder.The goal snapped a string of close calls for both teams.
Two nights later, they coughed up another third period lead to the Ottawa Senators, playing a passive style of hockey that looked like a replica of the debacle against the Red Wings. “I think our game is getting better every day”.
“I felt good. Saw the puck well”.
The move didn’t lead to any scoring, in large part because of Jones.
Jones’ smooth and clean style is a relief, especially in contrast to former Sharks starter Antti Niemi’s more erratic play. He potted two on Saturday, and almost completed a hat trick with a couple good chances on San Jose’s only power play late in the game.
“The Sharks are back and we’re for real this year”, new coach Peter DeBoer said. “Not surprised. He’s in great shape”. “I’m sure the window doesn’t last forever, but at the same we’re not thinking ahead”.
“I remember when he came into league and everyone was going, “Who is this guy” and all of a sudden he’s playing in Olympics and All-Star games”, DeBoer said. Thornton was already more of a complete player than he gets credit for, but he’s clearly leading by example and showing he has total buy-in. I can’t wait to see more.