Watching the Sharks play the last week has been a difficult sight to watch. Monday, San Jose recorded their third loss in a row. Each loss has been to a team that is below them in the standings. San Jose’s recent loss streak has dwindled their Pacific division lead from nine points down to just four over the Anaheim Ducks.
On the other side, Dallas has had a forgettable season with a record of 29-33-10. With almost no hope of making the post-season, the Stars are playing for pride and a seat on the bench next year. It was clear that the Stars’ pride overcame the Sharks’ drive in Monday night’s game.
Sharks can shoot but have no chance at scoring
The San Jose Sharks boast some of the most potent offensive threats in recent NHL history, but the Dallas Stars weren’t fazed in the least. The Dallas defense stifled all the chances the Sharks could muster. Even in the closing moments of the third period when San Jose was bringing the house, the Stars laughed and ejected the Sharks time after time.
The times that San Jose was able to worm through the defense they were met by a wall that would make Donald Trump proud. Kari Lehtonen took advantage of the spotlight to make a strong case to be Dallas’ number one goalie. Watching Lehtonen play Monday was like watching a masterpiece come to life right before your eyes.
Sharks’ Aaron Dell shines despite loss
The night wasn’t a complete disappointment for the Sharks. Rookie goalie Aaron Dell proved that any team will have a tough time overcoming San Jose no matter who is in goal. Dell recorded nineteen saves in the loss, but only allowed the one goal. Dallas dominated the scoreboard and the ice time, but Aaron Dell made sure the Sharks would have the best chance to stay in the game.
At one point in the 2nd period, Dell shut down a two on one with a magnificent glove save, followed by a starfish impression that closed off the Dallas rebound.
Dallas’ Curtis Mackenzie snuck in the lone goal at 14:54 of the second on a tip off of Adam Cracknell’s shot from the point. Mackenzie managed to elude Sharks’ Joel Ward and tip the puck past the extended blocker of Aaron Dell.
The single blemish on Dell’s performance didn’t overshadow his outstanding performance, even with the loss.
The Sharks battle Western Conference rival Minnesota Wild on Tuesday at 5:30 PST. San Jose trails Minnesota by only one point for second place in the west. The Wild are on a five-game skid, which they hope to end. The Sharks were handed their third straight loss Monday by Dallas. Both teams will be battling like cornered beasts to establish dominance in the west and break free of their respective losing streaks.
