The Sharks faced off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in their home opener. Before the game started, they unveiled three banners (Pacific Division, Western Conference and President's Trophy). They got off to a slow start, with the top line of Heatley-Thornton-Setoguchi still a little off. The Blue Jackets were able to take the lead when Rick Nash was uncovered as he crossed the face of the net to pick up a loose puck. The Sharks came alive in the second however when Dan Boyle was sprung on a break up ice while the teams were 4-on-4. Streaking down the right wing, he let a shot go for the first Sharks goal of the night to even the score at 1.
A little later, Dany Heatley was able to walk the puck out in front from behind the end line for a chance that was his first goal as a Shark in San Jose. Columbus was able to tie the game at 2 after Boyle tried to jump up to intercept a pass, but it eluded him. This left Jason Chimera able to drive into the zone with plenty of time and space to score. The Sharks countered with a goal from Vlasic where he used the defender as a screen. I'm not sure, but I think Columbus goaltender Steve Mason still hasn't seen it. Late in the second, Boyle was able to spring Heatley for a breakaway up the left wing. Heatley took a shot short side that gave the Sharks a 4-2 lead going into the second intermission.
Early in the third, the Sharks top line was able to click together again, this time from Setoguchi getting on the scoresheet with the goal. This chased Columbus netminder Mason, bringing on Mathieu Garon. Columbus was able to score the only special teams goal of the night later to cut back into the lead with a power play marker. This came from Raffi Torres in the slot, picking up a point drive rebound. San Jose was able to get a three goal lead back when Dany Heatley was sent on another breakaway, this time benig hauled down for a penalty shot. With two goals on the night, Heatley came calmly down the slot, unleashing a wrist shot for the hat trick, and the hats start to rain down. After play resumed, the crowd chanting Heatley's name, quite enamored of the newly acquired sniper. Final score was 6-3, Sharks.
The three stars were Dan Boyle (a 3 point night), Joe Thornton (a 4 assist night), and Dany Heatley with 3 goals and 1 assist. All in all, a nice result, but not quite perfect. There are things to work on still, but they didn't seem to start to play better once Heatley got on the scoresheet.
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