Sharks fall to Coyotes in Shootout

In a game that was a rousing 0-0 through 65 minutes of play, the Sharks fell to the Coyotes in a shootout. There were a few chances, but not many, all night. Phoenix seemed to have more of the run of play, outshooting the Sharks 30-26.

As a game to watch, I found it boring. Phoenix is currently playing a very defensive style, which makes me think of The Trap. I was wondering if their new coach was Jacques Lemaire or not. There was a fight in the second period between Jody Shelley and Paul Bissonnette. It was fairly even, with each throwing many short lefts. Shelley when down after missing with a big right, with Bissonnette landing on top. Bissonnette isn't considered a heavyweight, but is listed only 5 pounds lighter than Shelley and held his own pretty good there. I think both guys were trying to get their teams going a little with this fight.

Ryane Clowe had a tough night, taking a penalty at the offensive blue line, seeming to hold on to the puck too much, and just not being too effective. He might be starting to get sawdust out of his stick now since he hadn't been able to contribute anything offensively, having 20 PIMs and a -1 to show for it.

Some of their best pressure came in the second period only after Dan Boyle jumped into the play, and stayed involved down on the left wing halfboards. Despite taking a penalty in the first to kill a power play, Boyle played a good game. He got the only Sharks goal in the shootout.

Steven Zalewski played 8 shifts in his NHL debut for 5:26 of total ice time. He had 1 missed shot and 1 takeaway on the night. Otherwise, he didn't really stand out for me, especially since he only had 1 shift in the 3rd for his last shift of the game. We'll see if they decide to keep him up with the big club and take him on the road or not.

Here's the highlights from NHL.com:


The Sharks now head out on the road for an Eastern Conference road swing. They will be out for 6 games, starting in Washington, DC, on to New York for both the Islanders and the Rangers, down to Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and finishing up in Philadelphia.