Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Sharks able to build off emotional win over Ducks
Share This Post
Comments
Tuesday, November 4, 2014 - 10:30am
Follow @kkurzcsn

Programming note:  Canucks-Sharks coverage starts Thursday night at 7 p.m. with Sharks Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California

SAN JOSE -- The Sharks’ train looked like it was about to come off the rails.

San Jose had lost four straight in regulation, including two concerning defeats at home. Columbus erased a third period deficit and scored the game-winner with 20 seconds to go on Oct. 28, while the lowly Buffalo Sabres downed the Sharks two days later.

Considering some of the offseason unease and changes to the team’s leadership structure, there was reason to believe that the downward trend was about to spiral out of control.

It didn’t happen. Last Sunday, the Sharks noisily defeated Anaheim, the best team in the league, with ease, 4-1. They have gained seven of a possible eight points in the standings with wins over Colorado and the Islanders and a shootout defeat in Minnesota. Where they go from here is still anyone’s guess, but at least they were able to handle some early adversity in the right way.

That’s a good sign.

“We were really embarrassed with the way we played. We were embarrassed that we lost to that team, knowing where they were in the standings at that point,” Marc-Edouard Vlasic said of the 2-1 loss to Buffalo. “So, to come out the next day [in Anaheim] and play the way we did -- guys wanted to get out of it, and it was a great game for everybody to come together and get out of it.”

Logan Couture said: “We faced some adversity early. … I think it helps a team. We built off of those losses and turned it into positives. We’ve played a couple good games, a good road trip and played pretty well at home against the Islanders. Hopefully we can build off of it.”

The day after their season opener, coach Todd McLellan admitted he wasn’t sure how the new rotating captaincy would work. He wanted to see how the team would handle the inevitable hurdles that an 82-game schedule provides.

He expressed come cautious optimism when asked if the Sharks turned a corner with the win against the Ducks.

“I felt after training camp that we had turned a bit of a corner as far as the leadership and equality in the locker room with guys doing the right thing,” he said. “Then it had to transfer onto the ice, and we’ve had good days and bad days, like all the teams in the league. … I feel like we’ve got a group that’s pulling the right direction.

“It doesn’t always go our way. We don’t always have success. We don’t live in an ideal world. But, our behavior and our habits have been strong team-wise.”

The 7-4-2 Sharks sit in a good spot, in the midst of their mini-break. They’ll finally get some rest from a nomadic schedule in which practice time has been rare. That could allow them to continue to build on what they’ve been able to accomplish in the last week and a half, as they get set to face rivals Vancouver, Dallas and Chicago in their next three matches.

Despite the recent success, though, the team is still looking to establish its identity, according to McLellan. Comparing wins over top teams with losses to bad ones isn’t something he’s particularly interested in.

“We need to figure out where we fit, first. Forget about where the other teams fit. What are we right now? Where do we stand? Are we an upper echelon team? Are we a playoff team? Are we squeaking in? Are we a non...we’re got to figure all of that out as a group before we start evaluating what other teams do.”

Fortunately for the Sharks, the arrow is pointing up.

“It’s only been a few games, but it’s something we can build on, definitely,” Patrick Marleau said. “We’re still trying to get that identity, and solidify it each and every night.”

Vlasic said: “We came together off that [Anaheim] win. From there, it’s been going pretty well.”

 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Joey Crawford gives Kerr his first technical foul as Warriors coach
49ers Quick Hits: Smith's return to practice coming soon
Raiders Quick Hits: Minor injury could be a big blow
Highlights: Kings score 40 in first quarter, rout Nuggets

Giants

Giants' 'state of the franchise' stat pack
Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy -- 2:00 p.m.
Sabean: Giants won't 'blow the budget up' for Sandoval
Giants' Sandoval loses out on NL Gold Glove
Read More

Athletics

Former A's pitcher Halsey dies at age 33
Source: Dodgers to hire A's assistant GM Zaidi
A's third baseman Donaldson beat out for Gold Glove
Wolff: A's 'can't afford' long-term contracts
Read More

Sharks

Sharks assign Tierney to Worcester
In the Crease: Sharks open season series with Canucks
Niemi reclaims Sharks starting goaltender role for now
Sharks tighten up game, get rest
Read More

49ers

49ers LT Staley: 'We all have a hand in it'
First-down run failures lead 49ers to throw more
Kaepernick can't 'put finger' on 49ers' offensive woes
49ers injury report: Gore limited in practice with hip
Read More

Raiders

Raiders injury report: Cornerback depth being tested
DJ Hayden sees progress in recent performance
Woodson enjoying increased activity near line of scrimmage
Raiders LG Jackson misses practice with knee injury
Read More

Warriors

Comcast SportsNet Bay Area presents 'The Splash Family' on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Kerr: 'I didn't really think I earned' first technical with Warriors
Rewind: Green 'triggered everything,' Warriors rout Clippers
Imagine Western Conference final with Warriors, Kings
Read More

NCAA

Wyoming routs Fresno State 45-17
Lasco leads Cal past Oregon State
Ray Ratto's Top 25 college football rankings: Week 10
Stanford routed by Oregon for fourth loss of season
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly
  • Amy G
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Giants' 'state of the franchise' stat pack
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy -- 2:00 p.m.
Sabean: Giants won't 'blow the budget up' for Sandoval
(56)
See more >

More Stories

Giants' Sandoval loses out on NL Gold Glove
(31)
Bochy named finalist for NL Manager of the Year award
(15)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: Should Giants pay Sandoval big bucks?
YSTL: Should Giants pay Sandoval big bucks?
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Former A's pitcher Halsey dies at age 33
(3)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Source: Dodgers to hire A's assistant GM Zaidi
(2)
A's third baseman Donaldson beat out for Gold Glove
See more >

More Stories

Wolff: A's 'can't afford' long-term contracts
(15)
A's claim RHP Thompson, outright C Anderson
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

YSTL: What will A's do at shortstop if Lowrie leaves?
YSTL: What will A's do at shortstop if Lowrie leaves?
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

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

Latest News

Sharks assign Tierney to Worcester
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

In the Crease: Sharks open season series with Canucks
Niemi reclaims Sharks starting goaltender role for now
See more >

More Stories

Sharks tighten up game, get rest
(1)
Sharks prospect Goldobin nets nasty goal abroad
(1)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Kevin & Brodie: When will Sharks start Stalock?
Kevin & Brodie: When will Sharks start Stalock?
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Sharks assign Tierney to Worcester
  • In the Crease: Sharks open season series with Canucks
  • Niemi reclaims Sharks starting goaltender role for now
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Comcast SportsNet Bay Area presents 'The Splash Family' on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Kerr: 'I didn't really think I earned' first technical with Warriors
(1)
Rewind: Green 'triggered everything,' Warriors rout Clippers
(20)
See more >

more stories

Imagine Western Conference final with Warriors, Kings
(2)
Instant Replay: W's run roughshod over Clippers in blowout
(21)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Joey Crawford gives Kerr his first technical foul as Warriors coach
Joey Crawford gives Kerr his first technical foul as Warriors coach
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Bill Herenda
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Channel locations

Latest News

Rewind: Kings win fourth straight, 'still have a lot of work to do'
(1)
Bill Herenda

More Stories

Instant Replay: Cousins, Kings dominate Nuggets
(2)
Fast Forward: Kings look to protect home court before trip
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Kings' strong start changes conversation in Sacramento
(1)
Malone: Cousins, Gay came back from Team USA 'closer'
(1)
See more >

Kings Video

Highlights: Kings score 40 in first quarter, rout Nuggets
Highlights: Kings score 40 in first quarter, rout Nuggets
See more >

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

49ers LT Staley: 'We all have a hand in it'
(13)
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

First-down run failures lead 49ers to throw more
(12)
Kaepernick can't 'put finger' on 49ers' offensive woes
(52)
See more >

More stories

What they're saying: Lattimore hangs up his pads
(6)
49ers injury report: Gore limited in practice with hip
(12)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

49ers Quick Hits: Smith's return to practice coming soon
49ers Quick Hits: Smith's return to practice coming soon
See more >

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

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

Latest News

Raiders injury report: Cornerback depth being tested
(1)
Scott Bair

More Stories

DJ Hayden sees progress in recent performance
(1)
Woodson enjoying increased activity near line of scrimmage
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Raiders LG Jackson misses practice with knee injury
Raiders midseason report: McKenzie's free agent mistakes
(33)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

Raiders Quick Hits: Minor injury could be a big blow
Raiders Quick Hits: Minor injury could be a big blow
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders injury report: Cornerback depth being tested
  • DJ Hayden sees progress in recent performance
  • Woodson enjoying increased activity near line of scrimmage
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Quakes drop season finale to Chivas USA 1-0
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

US Women's soccer qualifies for World Cup
(2)
Earthquakes, Whitecaps tie in final game at Buck Shaw
(2)
See more >

Quakes Video

Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Giants' Sandoval loses out on NL Gold Glove
(31)
See more >

JOE STIGLICH

Former A's pitcher Halsey dies at age 33
(3)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers LT Staley: 'We all have a hand in it'
(13)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders injury report: Cornerback depth being tested
(1)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Rewind: Green 'triggered everything,' Warriors rout Clippers
(20)
See more >

BILL HERENDA

Rewind: Kings win fourth straight, 'still have a lot of work to do'
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks assign Tierney to Worcester
See more >

RAY RATTO

Imagine Western Conference final with Warriors, Kings

FIND OUT HOW TO WIN 49ERS TICKETS!

49ers

Click here to find out how to win 49ers tickets!

SATURDAY NIGHT ON ICE SHARKS POSTER!

more

Click here to find out how to win a Sharks collectors edition poster!

AUTHENTIC FAN THURSDAY

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



NCAA

Stanford routed by Oregon for fourth loss of season
San Jose State falls at home to Colorado State

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • 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

Joey Crawford gives Kerr his first technical foul as Warriors coach
Joey Crawford gives Kerr his first technical foul as Warriors coach
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Bill Herenda - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California