Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
In the Crease: Sharks look for season sweep vs. Habs
Share This Post
Comments
Saturday, March 8, 2014 - 9:45am
Follow @kkurzcsn

Programming note 
Sharks-Canadiens coverage gets underway on Comcast SportsNet California at 6:30 p.m. with Sharks Pregame Live

Where they stand
Sharks: 40-17-7, 87 points, 2nd Pacific Division, 5th Western Conference
Canadiens: 35-23-7, 77 points, 2nd Atlantic Division, 3rd Eastern Conference

The latest

Sharks: The Sharks’ recorded their 40th win of the season on Thursday, 5-3 over Pittsburgh, thanks to four goals in the third period. Brent Burns scored twice, including an empty-netter, and Patrick Marleau, Justin Bruan and Joe Thornton (game-winner) also found the net. San Jose improved to 23-4-4 at home, and is 5-1-1 in its last seven overall. The Sharks have reached 40 wins for the 11th time since 2000-01.

[RELATED: Important stretch for Sharks' Niemi starts with win]

Canadiens: Montreal concludes a four-game road trip tonight in which they have lost two of three, including in Phoenix on Thursday night, 5-2. Thomas Vanek, acquired from New York at the trade deadline, made his debut for the Canadiens and was scoreless with one shot and a -1 rating. Montreal beat Anaheim the night before in a shootout, 4-3, but lost to the Kings on March 3, 2-1.

Keep an eye on…

Sharks: Brent Burns. The big forward played what was easily his most effective game since the Olympic break on Thursday against Pittsburgh, scoring a key third period goal. He was also noticeably aggressive, using his six-foot-five, 230-pound frame to wear down the Penguins. It’s been a streaky season for Burns in terms of goal-scoring, and with three goals in his last two games, he looks to be trending in the right direction again.

[RELATED: Marleau's goal best since Hertl's]

Canadiens: P.K. Subban. The defending Norris Trophy winner is third in the league among scoring by defenseman with 45 points (10g, 35a). He’s also tied for 10th in the NHL with Joe Pavelski in power play points, with 22, manning the point with his skillful skating and powerful slap shot. This will be just his third career game against San Jose.

Vitals

Sharks
Goals per game: 2.91 (7th)
Goals-against per game: 2.38 (6th)
Power play: 16.7 percent (21st)
Penalty kill: 83.5 percent (8th)

Canadiens
Goals per game: 2.48 (20th)
Goals-against per game: 2.45 (8th)
Power play: 19.3 percent (13th)
Penalty kill: 84.2 percent (5th)

Probable lines

Sharks
Joe Pavelski – Joe Thornton – Brent Burns
Patrick Marleau – Logan Couture – Matt Nieto
Raffi Torres – James Sheppard – Tommy Wingels
Tyler Kennedy – Andrew Desjardins – Adam Burish

Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Jason Demers
Scott Hannan – Justin Braun
Matt Irwin – Dan Boyle


Antti Niemi

Alex Stalock


Canadiens
Max Pacioretty – David Desharnais – Brendan Gallagher
Thomas Vanek – Tomas Plekanec – Brian Gionta
Alex Galchenyuk – Danny Briere – Rene Bourque
Travis Moen – Lars Eller – Ryan White

Jarred Tinordi – P.K. Subban
Andrei Markov – Alexei Emelin
Mike Weaver – Douglas Murray

Peter Budaj
Dustin Tokarski

Injuries/Scratches

Sharks: Tomas Hertl (right knee surgery) and Brad Stuart (upper body) are out.

Canadiens: Carey Price (lower body), Josh Gorges (broken hand), Michael Bournival (concussion) and Brandon Prust (upper body) are out.

Season/All-Time series

San Jose beat Montreal in the first meeting at Bell Centre, 2-0 on Oct. 26. Logan Couture scored both Sharks goals and Antti Niemi had 22 saves in a shutout performance.

All-time, the Sharks are 11-13-4-1 against the Canadiens.

Quoteable

“I think tonight was a solid team effort. This is how you become a team and how you start, knowing that you can win these kind of games against teams like that.” – Raffi Torres, after the 5-3 win over the Penguins

Burning question

What is your favorite memory of Douglas Murray? Leave your answer in the comments section below.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Jackson: 'We don't look at the teams behind us'
Curry talks quad, win over Suns, previews matchup with Mavs
Bonds says he should be in Hall of Fame 'without a doubt'
Bonds believes he belongs in Hall of Fame

Giants

Giants notes: Players encouraged to seek help from Bonds
Cain perfect as Giants' front four remain unscored upon
Barry Bonds offers much to Giants, but not contrition
REPLAY: Barry Bonds and Bruce Bochy press conference
Read More

Athletics

A's make cuts, option top pitching prospects
A's score one against Anderson, lose to Rockies 5-4
Donaldson's contract renewed, will make league minimum
Kazmir pitches three scoreless innings in A's debut
Read More

Sharks

Sharks winning despite power play futility
Stuart to miss more time; Havlat not healthy
Sharks Mueller named as top NHL prospect
Sharks' Burns finds his game after line demotion
Read More

49ers

Carlos Rogers still with the 49ers... for now
Report: Michael Bennett stays with Seahawks
49ers set to enter free agency with $10 million in cap room
Whitner attracts attention from hometown Browns
Read More

Raiders

Raiders RB Jennings wants to stay, knows he might leave
Raiders active in left tackle market
Report: Arizona Cardinals courting Veldheer
Titans will commence efforts to trade Chris Johnson
Read More

Warriors

Shiller's NBA Power Rankings: Warriors on fringe of Top 5
Monte Poole's Warriors chat transcript (3.10.14)
Rewind: Third quarter dominance ignites Warriors past Suns
Western Watch: Mavs down Pacers, keep pace with Warriors
Read More

NCAA

Wichita State makes it 34-0, wins Valley tourney
Saint Mary's advances with 80-69 win over Pepperdine
Broncos eliminated by Gonzaga in WCC quarterfinal
Cal edges Colorado 66-65 in overtime
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Giants notes: Players encouraged to seek help from Bonds
Andrew Baggarly

More Stories

Cain perfect as Giants' front four remain unscored upon
(3)
Barry Bonds offers much to Giants, but not contrition
(32)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Bonds believes he belongs in Hall of Fame
Bonds believes he belongs in Hall of Fame
See more >

GIANTS TALK

REPLAY: Barry Bonds and Bruce Bochy press conference
Vin Scully scolds Giants, Escobar impresses vs. LA, etc.

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's make cuts, option top pitching prospects
(1)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

A's score one against Anderson, lose to Rockies 5-4
Donaldson's contract renewed, will make league minimum
(2)
See more >

A's VIDEO

Reddick: 'Everything offensively was a struggle last year'
Reddick: 'Everything offensively was a struggle last year'
See more >

A's TALK

Kazmir pitches three scoreless innings in A's debut
Lew Wolff exploring temporary stadium for A's

A's INSIDER JOE STIGLICH

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Sharks winning despite power play futility
(1)
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

Stuart to miss more time; Havlat not healthy
(1)
Sharks Mueller named as top NHL prospect
(1)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

In the Crease: Nieto standing out in Sharks lineup
In the Crease: Nieto standing out in Sharks lineup
See more >

Features

Sharks' Burns finds his game after line demotion
Sharks steadily take over in shutout win over Habs

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Sharks winning despite power play futility
  • Stuart to miss more time; Havlat not healthy
  • Sharks Mueller named as top NHL prospect
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Shiller's NBA Power Rankings: Warriors on fringe of Top 5
Drew Shiller

More Stories

Monte Poole's Warriors chat transcript (3.10.14)
Rewind: Third quarter dominance ignites Warriors past Suns
(13)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Jackson: 'We don't look at the teams behind us'
Jackson: 'We don't look at the teams behind us'
See more >

Features

Western Watch: Mavs down Pacers, keep pace with Warriors
Instant Replay: Warriors hold off Suns, reach 40 wins

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Thornton nets 27 against former team, Kings fall in Brooklyn
Associated Press

More Stories

Kings sign Orlando Johnson to second 10-day contract
Carl Landry to miss remainder of season with knee injury
See more >

Watch

Highlights: Kings burned in Brooklyn by former teammate Thornton
Highlights: Kings burned in Brooklyn by former teammate Thornton
See more >

Features

Kings outplayed in Gay's return to Toronto
Kings' Gay makes first trip to Toronto since trade

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

Carlos Rogers still with the 49ers... for now
(30)
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

Report: Michael Bennett stays with Seahawks
49ers set to enter free agency with $10 million in cap room
(44)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Lowell Cohn takes on Colin Kaepernick's mom
Lowell Cohn takes on Colin Kaepernick's mom
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Rewind: 49ers just 'an inch or two' away from Super Bowl
(69)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Raiders RB Jennings wants to stay, knows he might leave
(24)
Scott Bair

More Stories

Raiders active in left tackle market
(69)
Report: Arizona Cardinals courting Veldheer
(27)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: Will the Raiders re-sign LT Jared Veldheer?
YSTL: Will the Raiders re-sign LT Jared Veldheer?
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Raiders Rewind: Overmatched vs. Broncos
(29)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Beckham exercises option buy MLS team in Miami
Associated Press

More Stories

Wondolowski accounts for both goals in U.S.'s 2-0 win
(1)
Earthquakes unveil new logo, jerseys
(1)
See more >

Watch

Homegrown Tommy Thompson ready for 'next level' with Quakes
Homegrown Tommy Thompson ready for 'next level' with Quakes
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Giants notes: Players encouraged to seek help from Bonds
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Monte Poole's Warriors chat transcript (3.10.14)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Carlos Rogers still with the 49ers... for now
(30)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders RB Jennings wants to stay, knows he might leave
(24)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks winning despite power play futility
(1)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

What Barry Bonds should've said

TOP STORIES

  • Sharks winning despite power play futility
  • Stuart to miss more time; Havlat not healthy
  • Sharks' Burns finds his game after line demotion

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

AFT

Click here to buy your Sharks tickets in the Authentic Fan Thursday section!



ALL-STAR TEACHER

Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!

NCAA

Cal edges Colorado 66-65 in overtime
USF beats San Diego, advances in WCC tournament

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Jackson: 'We don't look at the teams behind us'
Jackson: 'We don't look at the teams behind us'
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live
  • CSN Talent

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California