How this season’s Sharks are better, worse than last year originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
ANAHEIM, Calif. — What a difference a save makes.
That’s what David Quinn was saying after Eetu Makiniemi’s first NHL start in the San Jose Sharks’ 6-1 rout of the Anaheim Ducks.
The score, of course, wasn’t always lopsided. The Sharks were up 1-0 in the opening frame, on the power play, but penalty killers Frank Vatrano and Adam Henrique jumped out on a clear-cut 2-on-1.
“This game might take on a whole new complexion on that 2-on-1 if they get the shorthanded [goal] on the first power play. It’s amazing what one play can do early in the game when a goalie makes a big save,” Quinn offered. “We’re a little demoralized, they get life, and the whole game can change. To come out of that period 1-0 instead of 1-1 is big.”
Makiniemi would stop 23-of-24 shots for his first NHL victory.
The goaltending has arguably been the biggest difference between the Sharks this year and San Jose last season, through 30 games.
