Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Rewind: Sharks settle in after rough start in Minnesota
Share This Post
Comments
Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - 9:00pm
Follow @kkurzcsn

ST. PAUL – Playing their second game in as many nights, against an opponent coming off of one of the worst losses in franchise history, the Sharks fell behind early and were in trouble.

Jason Zucker took advantage of a misplay by Alex Stalock in opening the scoring late in the first period, while Jared Spurgeon’s goal came after a slumping Patrick Marleau got lost in the defensive zone a couple of minutes later.

Coach Todd McLellan was naturally concerned. On the other hand…

“I also thought that could work in our favor a little bit, too,” he said. “We talked about checking well enough to get the next one, force them into some mistakes, and really our first one was really similar to theirs. … When you haven’t won, you can get a little tight if you put some pressure on them."

McLellan is referring to Melker Karlsson’s third goal in as many nights, when the rookie took advantage of a strange carom off the glass on Brent Burns’ hard rim to cut the Wild lead to 2-1 in the second. The Sharks were the better team from that point on (other than an atrocious power play), and also in overtime, when Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s second game-winning goal in as many nights gave San Jose its second straight win for the first time since Dec. 18-20.

[RECAP: Sharks surge late, beat Wild in OT]

Prior to Vlasic’s marker, third period goals by Joe Pavelski and Tommy Wingels – routinely mentioned by McLellan as team catalysts, along with Vlasic – allowed the Sharks to pull through despite some early lethargy and still without top center Joe Thornton.

“We weren’t hard on pucks, a couple turnovers and mental mistakes,” Wingels said of the first period. “In the second, everyone was hitting, everyone was winning battles, and that’s when the game changed. We were all over them. Our forecheck, there was more intensity to it. I thought that’s where the momentum definitely went to our side.”

Vlasic, who also tallied with less than five seconds in regulation against Winnipeg on Monday night in a 3-2 Sharks win, said: “That first period, they kind of pushed the pace a little bit. We took it to them for the rest of the game.”

[RELATED: Vlasic scores in final seconds to lift Sharks past Jets]

The Wild, which lost 7-1 to Dallas on Saturday and was forced to play Tuesday’s game without leading scorer Zach Parise, dropped its eighth game in the last 10 (2-5-3). They are quickly fading.

The game was rewarding for Stalock, in particular. The 27-year-old goalie had a large contingent of friends and family in attendance in what was his first start in his hometown.

Considering his mental error on the Wild’s first goal, the evening could have ended much differently.

“Obviously, it was a tough start,” said Stalock, who played several games at Xcel Energy Center in college for Minnesota-Duluth. “You learn the hard way sometimes, and obviously I learned the hard way tonight on that first play.”

He continued: “This is my first NHL game in this building, but I’ve played a handful of games already here with big crowds. But, it was cool to play against the Wild, obviously. There was excitement coming in.”

He settled in after the bad one, and couldn’t be faulted for the second or third. Marleau was primarily to blame for Spurgeon’s goal, while Zucker had an easy tap-in for the third period equalizer when Justin Braun was too focused on puck-carrier Charlie Coyle along the wall.

Stalock’s teammates didn’t seem surprised that the backup maintained his composure despite the early faux pas.

“He played well the rest of the game,” Wingels said. “It’s easy for a goalie to look in the mirror and be unhappy with himself after that, but he stuck with it, kind of like our team did tonight.

“We stuck to our game plan, and sharpshooting Eddie bailed us out.”

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Kelley James preforms impromptu 'Cupcakes' song
No legs needed for this Stephen Curry trick shot
Morning Minute: Warriors outlast Pacers, Kings crush Thunder
Highlights: Curry hits milestone as Warriors handle Pacers

Giants

Hall's door shut again to those suspected of steroid use
Krukow explains why he's not concerned about Hudson's surgery
Report: Giants 'inquired' to Marlins about Haren
What they're saying: Four inducted into Hall of Fame
Read More

Athletics

A's position-by-position breakdown: First base
Time to allow Pete Rose back in baseball?
Diamondbacks sign former A's infielder Nick Punto
A's position-by-position breakdown: Catcher
Read More

Sharks

Without Thornton, Sharks' power play a concern
In the Crease: Sharks wrap up road trip in St. Louis
Sharks' Thornton: 'It just sucks being injured'
Pavelski and Co. help Sharks deal with loss of Thornton
Read More

49ers

Source: Fangio would target Shanahan, Donatell
Goodell on findings: 'We have all learned a great deal'
Austin interviews, Bowles on deck as 49ers search winds down
Warner aims to develop Kaepernick as pocket passer
Read More

Raiders

Recapping the Raiders' head-coaching search
2014 season review: Raiders MVPs
Report: Davis discusses Shanahan interview, other topics
Report: Pryor signs with Chiefs as quarterback
Read More

Warriors

Under Armour unveils Curry's first signature shoe
Sources: In end, Warriors unanimously opposed Klay-for-Love
No legs needed for Curry's nonchalant trick shot
Warriors' Kerr: Delegating minutes 'gonna be tricky'
Read More

NCAA

Cal unable to win on road, loses to USC
Hot-shooting Air Force routs San Jose State 78-56
Florida State QB Jameis Winston to enter 2015 NFL draft
Ex-Saint Mary's PG Rowland decks court-rushing fan overseas
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Amy G
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Hall's door shut again to those suspected of steroid use
(3)
Associated Press

GIANTS VIDEO

Hall of Fame class of 2015 announced
Hall of Fame class of 2015 announced
See more >

More Stories

What they're saying: Four inducted into Hall of Fame
Giants P Hudson undergoes surgery in North Carolina
(16)
See more >
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's position-by-position breakdown: First base
(1)
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

Forst believes Melvin can still produce without well-known players
Forst believes Melvin can still produce without well-known players
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • A's position-by-position breakdown: First base
  • A's position-by-position breakdown: Catcher
  • Might A's look to Cuba to find second baseman?
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Without Thornton, Sharks' power play a concern
(3)
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Shot of the Game: Karlsson's redirect gives Sharks lead over Jets
Shot of the Game: Karlsson's redirect gives Sharks lead over Jets
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Without Thornton, Sharks' power play a concern
  • In the Crease: Sharks wrap up road trip in St. Louis
  • Sharks' Thornton: 'It just sucks being injured'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Under Armour unveils Curry's first signature shoe
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

WARRIORS VIDEO

No legs needed for this Stephen Curry trick shot
No legs needed for this Stephen Curry trick shot
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Sources: In end, Warriors unanimously opposed Klay-for-Love
  • Rewind: Klay hot from 'pretty much anywhere,' Warriors win
  • Instant Replay: Warriors take over second half, beat Pacers
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Bill Herenda
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Channel locations

Latest News

Cousins falls, Gay stays put in updated All-Star balloting
(1)
Bill Herenda

Kings Video

Collison: 'First night in long time we committed on defensive end'
Collison: 'First night in long time we committed on defensive end'
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

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

Latest News

Source: Fangio would target Shanahan, Donatell
(51)
Matt Maiocco

49ers VIDEO

Kaepernick sets offseason plans with MVP Kurt Warner
Kaepernick sets offseason plans with MVP Kurt Warner
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Source: Fangio would target Shanahan, Donatell
  • Austin interviews, Bowles on deck as 49ers search winds down
  • Warner aims to develop Kaepernick as pocket passer
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Recapping the Raiders' head-coaching search
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

If Amari Cooper is available at No. 4, should Raiders draft him?
If Amari Cooper is available at No. 4, should Raiders draft him?
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • 49ers' Culliver arrested in San Jose
  • Kaepernick doesn't need headphones to tune out distraction
  • 49ers injury report: Rogers questionable, but insists he'll play
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes announce 2015 regular season schedule
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

Quakes Video

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

Shop

JOE STIGLICH

A's position-by-position breakdown: First base
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Source: Fangio would target Shanahan, Donatell
(51)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Recapping the Raiders' head-coaching search
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Sources: In end, Warriors unanimously opposed Klay-for-Love
(6)
See more >

BILL HERENDA

Rewind: Kings demonstrate potential, down dangerous Thunder
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Without Thornton, Sharks' power play a concern
(3)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Jerry Jones fixed America with Chris Christie's mojo

ALL-STAR TEACHER

Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!

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

Ex-Saint Mary's PG Rowland decks court-rushing fan overseas
Saint Mary's rolls past Morgan 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

Kelley James preforms impromptu 'Cupcakes' song
Kelley James preforms impromptu 'Cupcakes' song
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
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California