Game #11 LIVE: Period 1 Notes, Donato & Ferraro Underrated Heroes

Another fading superstar defenseman Doughty has clear possession to exit and not heavy forecheck pressure from Hertl, but Doughty lets himself get eaten up by forecheck regardless. Doughty has easy plays in front of him at first, looks like he’s scanning for “home run” options, and then all his options evaporate so he passes his problem off to Mikey Anderson. Besides the pass to Meier, it’s Donato’s surprising forecheck on Anderson that leads to a San Jose Sharks’ keep-in.

Like Donato initiating contact with MacDermid.

Knyzhov has such a quick first step, surprising for a big man. If he can hit that first pass 99 percent of the time, that will go a long way toward solidifying his San Jose Sharks’ future.

Marleau with a nice shift about five minutes left. Tonight and last game, showing why he belongs in an NHL line-up, not just, he’s okay, we’ll put him in.

This is probably the San Jose Sharks’ best forechecking period this year. Maybe something to do with the opponent?

Ferraro doesn’t get an assist, but he’s big reason why Sharks score there: He pinches to keep in, then he eludes Kempe from point in to continue possession.

Bob will like this: Per SPORTLOGiQ, Sharks held 2:14 to 1:04 OZ Possession Time edge in opening frame, all situations.