1/18 SHARKS 5, phoenix 2

No powerplay goals, no CuJo, no problem. On a night where 5 goals were scored by 5 different Sharks, a change of goaltenders couldn't stop the Teal. Curtis Joseph, who has about 3 thousand career wins against the Sharks, was given the night off after having played the night before, allowing Mikael Tellqvist to get the start. Just like last game, Tellqvist was challenged early and often, facing 32 shots on the evening.

As stated above, each of the Sharks 5 goals was scored by a different player. Matt Carle scored his second goal in 3 games since returning from Worcester of the AHL, Patrick Marleau recorded his team leading 22nd, Milan Michalek stuffed home a rebound for his second goal in his last four games, Ryane Clowe redirected a Joe Thornton pass off an amazing set up for probably his easiest goal ever, and Thornton added an empty netter with 29 seconds left to seal the victory for the Sharks. Vesa Toskala continued his solid play by stopping 23 shots for his 6th consecutive victory, giving him 20 wins on the year.

The Sharks have been solid as of late, winning four straight, and 7 of their last 8 games. On this evening, the Sharks were able to exact a bit more revenge on the Coyotes, the team that could be credited with lighting the new found fire under the men in teal with the 8-0 wiping of the Sharks just three weeks ago in Phoenix.

Since the lockout, attendance has been a problem in several cities, but, despite a couple non-sellouts (read 3) early on, the Sharks faithful have come out in full force each and every time their boys put on the skates and play in the barn at 525 W Santa Clara (address of the Tank). Several times this season I've had the pleasure of sitting next to non-Sharks regulars, either fans from out of town, or just general out of towners. On this night I had the pleasure of sitting next to a few people from Wisconsin, honorary Sharks fans for the evening because of Wisconsin boy Joe Pavelski (held pointless).

The Sharks will play their final game before the All-Star Game tomorrow night when they host the St. Louis Blues (7:30 pst). The Blues are hardly having what would be considered a great year from looking at the standings, but since the firing of Mike Kitchen and the hiring of Andy Murray a month ago, the Blues are a much improved team, going 11-4-4 under Murray, winning 7 of their last 10 games, and riding a 2 game streak. The season series reads 2-0 for the Sharks, who have taken games in San Jose (5-4 OT) and St. Louis (2-0).

Go Sharks (again I must say, aawwwwwwwwoooooo)
-Jess






Two pictures of Sharkie, again in my neck of the Tank. Didn't realize I had my Sharkie magnet turned on.