Sharks Fall To Hawks In High Scoring Second Period

A disappointing second period from the San Jose Sharks allowed the Chicago Blackhawks to score five, giving them the decisive lead that would carry through all the way until the end of the game. With the final score of 6-3 Hawks, the Sharks were unable to complete their season sweep, ending with a three games to one record this season against the Hawks.

Tomorrow, the Sharks head to Dallas to play in a tough matchup against the Stars at the American Airlines Center.

The game began well for the Sharks, both with skill and fortune, as the Sharks gained a five on three opportunity with two Hawks players in the penalty box early in the first period. Joe Pavelski scored for the Sharks, giving the Sharks their 1-0 edge. Although Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg scored later in the first, the Sharks’ Joe Thornton scored with a minute and a half left in the period, after being set up beautifully by Patrick Marleau. Marleau had first gained the zone, before drawing two Blackhawks players his way and feeding the puck to Thornton, giving him a clear scoring opportunity. With the first period over and the Sharks showing promise, the Sharks entered the second period with a 2-1 scoring edge.

All would change, however, during the second period.

Instead of the recognizably dominant Sharks team from the first period, a visibly weaker Sharks team allowed the Blackhawks to net five goals (two of them on the power play) during the second, bringing their total up to six. High-scoring Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp managed an incredibly impressive four assists during that period, assisting on goals by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane (who scored his 100th career goal), and Marian Hossa (both of them).

Logan Couture ended his short goal drought with his 26th of the season late in the second, although it was not enough to lift the Sharks to a lead.

With no scoring in the third period, the Sharks’ fate was sealed with a 6-3 loss.

The Sharks play again tomorrow night with hopes they can turn around their loss and start solidifying their place in the post-season standings as the season winds down.