Moral victories mean nothing in the standings, but the Kings played a far better game against San Jose than the Sharks’ recent opponents. The Sharks had scored a total of 15 goals in their previous three games, but thanks largely to the efforts of goalie Jonathan Quick, the Sharks were held to one goal. Bottom line, though, is that the Sharks extended their winning streak to four games and pulled another point ahead of the Kings in the Pacific Division. Here’s how the San Jose Mercury News covered last night’s game, followed by some additional postgame quotes from the Sharks’ locker room…
San Jose Mercury News’ Sharks coverage
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COACH TODD MCLELLAN
(on the Kings…) “I expected a tough game from them. Even without the coaching change, they have always played us hard. (It always) seems to be a one-goal game. They are a very good defensive team. Shots and chances were at a premium, and I didn’t expect any different from them. I’m happy we were able to find one in the shootout.”
(on the goalies’ play…) “I thought both goaltenders were really sharp. You don’t see a lot of 1-1 games that are that tight, and they both played well and both goaltenders performed well in the shootout. Ours was lucky enough to get one more save than theirs.”
(on the penalty that led to the Kings’ goal…) “In my opinion, Logan established his ice and (Dustin) Brown ran into him. The question that I would have is, if Logan went down, would Brown get a penalty for hitting Logan?”
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JOE THORNTON
(on the game…) “Our fans get into these kinds of games and so do we. It was an all-around good game. I think in the third period we probably outplayed them a little bit, but (a) good 65 minutes by both teams.”
(on the Sharks’ offense…) “We had some good chances we just didn’t finish but the chances are there and as long as we keep shooting the puck it will eventually go in.”
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LOGAN COUTURE
(on his goal…) “(The Kings) are a great defensive team they don’t really give up many chances. To find a soft spot like that doesn’t happen very often. (Ryane) Clowe made a great feed to me and I was able to get a lot on it.”
(on the low-scoring game…) “Every game is like that. They are a great defensive team. They’re good on the forecheck, they play hard, (and) we expect to battle like that every time if we are in their building or in ours.”
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RYANE CLOWE
(on beating Quick in the shootout…) “I’m not sure how many times I’ve went against him; I think he might have stopped me once and I’ve scored on him once, but I went to the same move. I felt pretty confident on that forehand move because of the fact it’s worked a couple times this year.”
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Kings Fans!!! I hope everyone enjoys this time with family and loved ones and Rich thank you very much for all you do.
Cheers!!
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I like McLellan. Gives credit where it’s due. Seems to do a good job with his team. Other than hoping his team loses every game they play I wish him well.
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Agree with McLellan that San Jose controlled the third, especially towards the latter part. Logan establishing his ice by forearming Brown not so much. Dang, Brown can draw penalties…
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FdoFmFull Reply:
December 24th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@BringbackButchGoring, Agree with McLellan’s overall assessment. He tells it like it is.
Regarding the Brown/Logan penalty, I agree with McLellan’s view. It was a straight-forward sholder-to-shoulder incident in which no penalty should have been assessed. This is exactly what pisses off NHL pros, the simulation when there’s no need for it. Glad to see Brown stepping up his game lately, hurray! But he’s got to stop with this diving BS…
Merry Christmas!
GkG!
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Merry Christmas To the King players Rich, the announcers, and all the Kings fans on this blog who like me and hate me!
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Well kind of a good game last night, way to go Quick! but teams in the NHL have started to figure out score more then 2 to 3 goals against the Kings then play the D and the other team has a good 70% chance of winning!
This has to change…
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Rich,
Merre Christmas Sir and thank you for this awesome blog!
The Kings are the right line of ascension and need to keep improving game by game.
Top priority is to get that PP unit to click ASAP! Personally, I’d swap Penner for Brown and ask Penner to park his double-wide in the goalie’s facemask. Spend 2 hours watching Holstrom highlights and you’ll be good to go. The other adjustment, not just fot the PP but for play in the OZone in general, learn to go to the high slot for a pass and 1-time shot. Exhibit 1 is Mike Richards’ play. That’s how Couture scored last night also. One last wish, faster breaks out of the DZone will do this team wonders!
Merry Christmas!
GkG!
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I like Mclellan alot, he sees and tells the game as it was. Reading Sutters comments remimded me of another past coach. Thank`s Quick for another fine game, without you the past three years we would have been in the cellar.
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