Sharks Take Care of Business at Mullett Arena, Shave Yotes 4-2

PHOENIX — The San Jose Sharks visit the Arizona Coyotes in Mullett Arena for the first time. Kevin Labanc and Nico Sturm got the Sharks on the board, Matt Nieto and Jaycob Megna scored, and the Sharks won 4-2

My Thoughts on Mullett Arena

Period 1

1 in: Solid forecheck from Sturm line, looks like Bonino gets a one-timer in the slot.

So close to the action! I always wanted to see an NFL game when the Chargers played where the LA Galaxy play in Carson, this is NHL-equivalent.

#SJSharks first faceoff at Mullett pic.twitter.com/6jw7fDnP7i

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 11, 2023

4 in: Good job by Nieto to come out with puck along wall. San Jose Sharks off to a strong start.

Labanc goal: Good job by Hertl just to put it into the slot, into some feet, where Labanc can find it. On replay, looks like Hertl was trying to hit Meier cross-slot, but pass died, so good job by Labanc to dig it out.

Hayton goal: Karlsson loses blocked shot in his feet, Hayton pounces.

7 in: Good shift by Eyssimont and Sturm on the forecheck, not sure how Eyssimont doesn’t get that in. Nemeth walled off Eyssimont a couple times, Mikey kept going.

Next shift, good puck battle win by Gadjovich versus Brown.

9 in: Labanc had avoided box for a while. Last penalty was Dec. 18 against Calgary.

Fischer goal: Disappointing. Remenda broke it down well, Labanc lets Fischer win the middle. Ultimately cannot cede the center lane like that, someone must be in front of Fischer eventually. Labanc needs to stay stride for stride, best he can, with Fischer.

San Jose Sharks were strong on the forecheck — 3-0 Chances Off Cycle — but need to be better defending rush, like Fischer goal. Coyotes 3-0 Rush Chances.

Bonino led all skaters with 4 shots in the first period

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 11, 2023

Period 2

Lindblom replaces Labanc on power play, Bonino replaced him on top line. We'll see when Labanc's next shift is

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 11, 2023

Sturm goal: Bonino does a great job to find Sturm cutting hard to net, then Sturm just outhustles Bjugstad to loose puck.

8 in: Huge save by Kahkonen on Keller short-handed. Or post?

Labanc just took his first shift of the middle frame. Been on the bench the whole time. My impression is the Fischer mistake might be a mistake of effort, which coaches come down harder on.

6 left: Another big stop by Kahkonen gloves it. Not a huge save, but situationally key. Vlasic had chances for full clear, no one around him, but can’t get it past point.

2 left: Good reception by Ferraro of pass, then he opens up for shot.

San Jose Sharks needed a break, they were hemmed in for most of last 5-10 minutes. Bend-don’t-break D, but that’s not going to win the game.

By and large, Sharks 9-5 Slot Shots, 5-1 Off Cycle at Even Strength, so they’re doing a good job grinding Yotes. But it’s a tied game.

Period 3

Nieto goal: Yup off the forecheck. Barabanov takes advantage of awkwardness in Vejmelka-Valimaki exchange. Then Nieto gets in front of Brown, doesn’t give up position in front. That’s fantastic work by Nieto, he’s giving a lot in terms of height and weight to Brown.

Just one good period to close it out. San Jose Sharks have been here many times this year.

4 in: Good NZ defensive stick by Eyssimont.

5 in: Labanc on top of puck there, good job on FC, gets Gadjovich a chance.

7 left: Another solid grind shift from the Couture line.

What kind of hat trick is one goal, one assist, and one benching?

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 11, 2023

Rarer than a Gordie Howe hat trick for sure. Good for Megna to score one.

3 left: Good effort by Eyssimont, breakaway. He’s looked solid tonight.