San Jose Sharks add to Chicago Blackhawks woes with 5-3 victory -NHL Update
San Jose took advantage of the depressing phase Chicago is currently going through as Sharks thrashed the Blackhawks, 5-3, on Friday night, February 10, 2012, at the sold-out HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, United States.
As much as Chicago was looking forward to a sigh of relief when facing off with San Jose, they were handed down their seventh straight loss and having won their last matchup back on Friday, January 20, 2012, it certainly has been a long time.
Chicago is continuously declining in the ratings as they stand at number six now with 65 points and a 29-19-7 record.
San Jose’s top rookie, Logan Couture, came out strong in the opening period and kept San Jose's momentum high by assisting two straight goals by Justin Braun and Dan Boyle on power plays, as the pressure on Chicago continued to rise with both teams roughing each other up on numerous occasions.
Sharks failed to maintain the momentum coming into the second period, but luckily held on to the lead as Marcus Kruger of Chicago added two goals straight to level the match, midway through but the Blackhawks added one on their own net, as Joe Thornton got credit for a tip in by rookie defenseman, Dylan Olsen.
Chicago tried hard to grasp on to the match during the final 20 minutes of regulation as Bryan Bickell added his fifth of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, but San Jose rallied with two straight by Benn Ferriero and Jamie McGinn during the power play, overpowering Blackhawks for an easy win.
This was also Chicago’s fifth straight loss on the road, in their nine-game trip to other cities, which also puts the remaining four at unfavourable odds.
They will be facing off against Coyotes in Phoenix on Saturday.
San Jose, on the other hand is standing at number three in the Western Conference with 66 points. Sharks will be kicking off a nine-game road trip of their own against St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
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