What Started out as a painfully slow game between two teams vying for a wild-card spot developed in to a fun game early in the third. Christian Folin scored his first NHL goal and Darcy Kuemper played well between the pipes, but it wasn’t enough as the San Jose Sharks beat the Wild 2-1 in Regulation.
Good Morning, Minnesota Wild fans. Despite out playing the Sharks for most of the game, the Wild was unable to capitalize on 2 power plays or several 2-on-1 breaks. That being said, I thought the Wild easily could’ve won this game, limiting chances by a high-powered offense. Before we get to my notes, be sure to check out GPWs game preview.
First Period:
The first period was a snoozer for the most part. Possession seemingly belonged to the Sharks, though they had trouble holding the blueline throughout the game.
Zach Parise and Mikael Granlund had a two-on-one break early on thanks to the lack of blueline pressure by the Sharks. Parise couldn’t quite settle the pass down and missed the opportunity to get a shot off.
Nino Niederreiter sent the Sharks to a power play in the 7th minute. The Wild limited the Sharks to one shot and Kyle Brodziak rang a shorthanded bid off the goalpost. A few seconds later, Jason Zucker missed a backhander. Good penalty kill by the Wild, though.
The Wild’s new power play units looked like a hot mess in the first, going shotless on a two-minute bid in the back half of the first. I can’t even think of a shot that looked like it would have made it to Alex Stalock. Fun Fact, Alex Stalock and I grew up a few blocks away from each other. That’s pretty cool.
Speaking of goaltenders, Darcy Kuemper looked really comfortable tonight and easily played well enough to win the game for the Wild.
Shots through one period: Minnesota Wild 5, San Jose Sharks 9
Second Period:
Again, Snoozer at least to open the period.
I counted five 2-on-1 breaks for the Wild, most of them without a shot on goal. Frustrating.
A net front scrum between Ryan Carter and Jamie Mcginn yielded some 4-on-4 play, which was comfortably in control of the Wild.
Around the 14 minute mark, Nate Prosser, who I think has played well lately, took an interference penalty behind the Wild net. Though the Wild managed to clear the puck once, an aggresive move by Stalock at the defensive blue line prevented the Wild from making a change and that led to a power play goal by former Wild Brent Burns.
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Joe Thornton had more than enough time to set up play in the offensive zone and dropped a quick pass to Justin Braun who set Burns up for a wicked one-timer from the left point. Burns’ shot had a bit of wobble on it and may have hit Jared Spurgeon’s skate on the way in. Nevertheless, 1-0 Sharks at 14:51 of the second period.
The Wild responded with some desperation, but looked gassed going in to the locker room.
Shots through two periods: Minnesota Wild 14, San Jose Sharks 23
Third Period:
Christian Folin earned his first career NHL goal early in the third, and what a goal it was.
Although technically unassisted, Folin reaped the benefits of a gorgeous screen by Jason Zucker and aggressive board play by Mikko Koivu. His wrister from the point beat Stalock cleanly on his glove side. 1-1 tie at 01:03 of the third period.
Unfortunately, it only took 45 seconds for the Sharks to respond. In short, the Wild forwards, including Thomas Vanek, had trouble catching up the Sharks top line. Darcy Kuemper overcommitted to a fake by Joe Thornton, leaving Joe Pavelski a wide open net to plant home his 15th of the year. 2-1 Sharks at 1:48 of the third period.
The Wild is good at responding with urgency, and with the exception of a second shotless power play, actually responded well, firing shot after shot at Stalock.
Now, with just over 2 minutes left, Darcy Kuemper was pulled in favor of an extra attacker. The Wild miraculously held the zone for nearly that entire time, but Stalock played great, including this unbeliveable save on Spurgeon.
All in all, the Wild had some amazing shifts to end the game, even preventing an empty netter. It didn’t matter as Pavelski’s third period goal proved the winner as the Sharks beat the Wild 2-1.
Final Shots on goal: Minnesota Wild 19, San Jose Sharks 30
Trembley’s Take:
Kumper played a solid game tonight, posting a .933 save percentage. I imagine he gets the start when the Wild take on the Arizona Coyotes saturday.
Folin looked pretty dang happy to score his first NHL goal. I’m excited for the kid. Speaking of milestones, Joe Thornton’s 2 assists tonight gives him a career total of 1,220 points, moving him to 39th all time in NHL scoring. Congratulations, sir.
Eyes On Isles
This game was super frustrating for me, as the inability to convert with the man advantage and on 6 odd man rushes was horrendous. This was an easily winnable game. Don’t let the shot clock fool you.
Charlie Coyle, who was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Burns to the Sharks, needs to step up his game in a big way. He’s playing top 6 minutes and has yielded very little, including just one shot on goal tonight.
Spurgeon needs to find his game. He’s seemed out of position and a bit lethargic the last few games.
The Wild take on the Coyotes on Saturday. I’ll talk to you then.