Game #9 LIVE: Period 1 Notes, Sharks Dominate Ducks

The San Jose Sharks look brand-new, but it’s not just the break. What a difference playing a bad team makes. Key stat, per Natural Stat Trick, San Jose 8-1 High-danger at 5-on-5.

Gambrell line looks fast and has chemistry, but Meier and Gambrell had ugly-looking neutral zone turnovers in the opening frame. One of my few criticisms of this San Jose Sharks period. They need to be better with puck.

Sorensen does a nice job outwaiting Deslauriers on 2-on-1 to get it to Nieto.

Nieto a dervish tonight. That might’ve been the best period of his NHL career.

Chmelevski (55) has looked good from the jump tonight, beginning with a conscientious backcheck on the late trailer Shattenkirk (22). That will endear him to Boughner.

On Sasha: Remember how great Leonard looked first game. He’s a rookie, he will have a drop-off. Regardless, nice to see a lot of potential here. Skating and strength still need work long-term.

Nice job by Jones to suck in rebound, Sharks really needed a stoppage there

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 6, 2021

Noted this: San Jose Sharks goalies are one of the best teams in the league at this, shockingly.

Surprising SPORTLOGiQ stat: Knyzhov led all players with 3 stretch passes. I have questions about his puck-moving ability long-term, but maybe he’s just a youngster that needs more confidence.