Notes #28: Karlsson Stars as Sharks Edge Dallas 2-1

The San Jose Sharks welcomed back Joe Pavelski to the Tank. The Sharks scrapped out a 2-1 victory, led by superior Erik Karlsson and Timo Meier performances.

Period One

Jani Hakanpaa runs Kevin Labanc into the cornerboards hard. Labanc slowly went to the bench afterward. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/rwqxLPAhwf

— Michael Gutnick (@michaelgutnick) December 12, 2021

Seven in: Brilliant Karlsson to Meier feed. Meier is due.

Hertl goal: Good strongside forecheck. Especially by Hertl, who takes advantage of Lindell fumbling puck. Lindell also can’t handle Hertl’s size.

Ten left: Ferraro with reckless abandon to loose puck in corner. He’s fun to watch.

Eight left: Karlsson, after turnover, catches breaking Kero and forces offside. He’s got just a little more consistent pop with his feet this year.

Six left: Don’t know if coaches told Barabanov to shoot more, but I think he’s had more of a shooting attitude tonight.

Five left: Karlsson let the rim go, the Stars skater tripped getting it, Karlsson can’t believe the call.

Three left: Reimer has made some big stops to start — but he also seems to be having a little trouble hanging onto pucks so far. Then after penalty ends, Ferraro makes a goal-saving stop on cross-slot pass from Seguin.

Minute left: Gadjovich wins a puck in the neutral zone, but can’t get it over to a quicker teammate. Like his physicality and do-anything willingness for his teammates, but the feet still need work. Then a poor execution clear by Weatherby into stands, penalty. There wasn’t that much pressure. San Jose Sharks lucky to be after first period, they haven’t been fully engaged.

Period Two

Couple SPORTLOGiQ first period stats that stand out: #TexasHockey 6-1 Slot Shots, 17-4 Controlled Entries. Stars have had the puck A LOT more than #SJSharks so far, Sharks incredibly fortunate to have a lead

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 12, 2021

San Jose Sharks have a bit more pop in this period, earning a PP and a couple quality chances to start. Would guess they got the riot act read to them after a feeble first.

Six in: Another Karlsson bullet. He’s been the most dangerous San Jose Sharks player tonight.

Eight in: Nieto gets the call, but I had liked his effort covering for Burns, tracking back hard on Stars counterattack.

Ten in: Hakanpaa has been a thorn in San Jose’s side all night, but Meier gets his revenge on forecheck.

UPDATED: Labanc Out for 1-2 Weeks

One left: Karlsson looks effortless tonight. What a game. Love how he blocks pass, then pushes attack forward.

Period Three

One in: Good battle between Ferraro and Robertson in front. Ferraro ties him up.

Two in: Good defensive instincts from Karlsson to jump pass.

Four in: Alert Simek stick short circuits Dallas slot pass. He’s had a solid, active game tonight.

Six in: Burns shoots it right into Gregor in the high slot, that seems ripe for a Dallas counterattack, but I like how Gregor recovers, uses his feet to wheel around the net, and tries to make a play (intercepted) cross slot. Small things like this though, doesn’t lose possession in a tough moment, wherewithal to use his asset (his speed), I like a lot here. Turnover, but below the dots, can live with it. Then after draw, superior individual effort by Gregor.

Seven in: Seguin has a little daylight, but Simek does a nice job keeping up, forcing Seguin into a tough shot.

Eight in: Love that Meier play, Sekera has it in NZ, but Meier pressure forces Sekera into a hurried pass and turnover.

Nine left: Meier loses it in NZ, but like his compete to deny Stars counterattack.

Seven left: Total Luis Mendoza shift from Gregor. I mean that in a good way — he’s alone because of his speed, but he slips — but most important is he’s getting chances.

Four left: Big shot block by Gregor.

Two left: Very nice puck battle win by Middleton over Pavelski.