Sharks Shutout Blackhawks At Home, 2-0

The Chicago Blackhawks came back home for the first time since 1/24 to their 357th consecutive sellout crowd as they took on the San Jose Sharks.  The Blackhawks were without the services of Artemi Panarin, as he was ill.  The rest of the team played like Panarin felt as they were shutout at home, 2-0.

The only scoring of the opening period came from Brandon Mashinter.  Unfortunately, it was a familiar setting as the goal was under review for goaltender interference.  The result, the same as the previous goaltender interference challenge against the Hawks in Arizona, no goal.  I honestly don't understand what these challenges prove when the players are not involved with deliberately making contact with opposing goalies.  Joel Quenneville did not blow his stack this time.  The period ended scoreless with the Hawks outshooting the Sharks, 10-8.

In the 2nd, the Sharks drew first blood as Patrick Marleau slapped a shot from the point that deflected off of Jonathan Toews midway to the net and found mesh, past Corey Crawford to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead.  Martin Jones stood strong in net for the Sharks (33 saves on the night) as he gave very little rebounds in the 2nd as the Sharks took a 1-0 lead into the 3rd period.

In the 3rd, Jones rejected every shot that the Blackhawks threw at him.  The Hawks had 3 power plays and could not get one past Jones.  The absence of Panarin made a difference as Teuvo Teravainen had a chance on the second line early in the game and did not produce.  As did Richard Panik.  As did Andrew Desjardins.  Nothing went right for the Hawks tonight.  They also had numerous shots that missed the net.

Coach Quenneville's press conference after the game was short.  When asked about the disallowed goal, his only comment, before storming off the podium, "It's gotten to a different level.  I don't know the rules anymore, or something's changed.  My understanding, -- I played a lot of hockey.  I don't know.  I think everybody has an interpretation, what's a good goal and what's a bad goal.  But I can't believe it."

Notable mentions:   The San Jose Sharks added to their road wins as they now lead the league with 18 road victories.  Patrick Marleau's 2nd period goal broke Corey Crawford's scoreless streak at 98:23.

Three Stars Of The Game
1ST - SJS - Martin Jones ~ 33 Saves, 1.000 SV%, Shutout
2ND - SJS - Patrick Marleau ~ 1G, 2 shots
3RD - CHI - Corey Crawford ~ 25 Saves, .962 SV%

Next Game: Thursday, February 11th, Home vs. Dallas Stars, 7:30PM CT

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!