The Sharks played their best game of possession hockey I've seen this year. Granted I haven't been able to watch a whole lot of games, but they looked very strong on the puck and in the corners. It just didn't translate into shots on net in the first. They had several great chances, but the puck seemed to skip over every Shark stick in those situations. The Sharks looked quick on the Power Play, and I am guessing they will get one later on tonight they way it is looking right now. The period was also incredibly physical. Vlasic nailed a King behind the Sharks net, and the Kings made Couture's like very difficult, nailing him in the boards several times. The second Couture hit gave way to a Sharks PP, but once again they could not score. 

The second was characterized by both teams really opening up the offense. After twelve combined shots in the first, the two teams nearly doubled it with twenty-three in the second. The checking was still up and both teams finally got on the board. Couture's goal was an absolute beauty. His one-timer from the high slot area was a snipe with an incredible release. Benn Ferriero is playing the best hockey I have seen from him. He is showing speed I have not seen from him yet, and he is getting into the right positions on the ice to make plays. It is exactly what we need to see from him since Havlat will be out at least 6 weeks. The Kings tied it up with a minute left in the period, following a cross-ice pass to Mike Richards on the PP.

Finally, the third was more of the same. Hard-hitting, fast, playoff style hockey. Both teams had their chances, and both Niemi and Quick rose to the challenge. Vlasic continued one of the strongest games of his season, and he rightfully finished with the first star of the game. The intensity continued into overtime and then into the shoot-out. Clowe scored the only goal, using Quick's own knowledge of his Clowe against him.

That was the most entertaining game of the year in my opinion. Yes, even better than the game against the Lightning on Wednesday. Both teams brought it, there were plenty of chances on net, and both goalies brought their A+ game. The Sharks still have a handful of games in hand on most teams in the league, so hopefully they will finish this home stretch with 45 points.

Quick Hits

-Since when did Curtis Brown get on the Sharks intermission report!?! I still want Mark Smith back. He can play me sweet guitar tunes while I figure out whether the Stars or not.