With a spectacular performance from the "Big Three" and goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose beat Minnesota in St. Paul 4-1.
San Jose came out and set the pace to start the game, pushing the puck up ice and putting lots of pressure down low.
The pressure pays off early as Joe Pavelski lasered a snap shot top shelf on Niklas Backstrom to take the lead just five minutes into the game.
The Sharks, who tried to end a six-game losing streak and regain their first place spot in the Pacific Divsion, kept Minnesota pinned down in their defensive zone most of the first period.
The Wild responded by cranking up the physical play, but a bad hit by John Scott sent him to the box for boarding and the Sharks to the power play, which they have struggled on during their current losing streak.
Minnesota was successful on the kill and the momentum shifted towards the Wild with a great offensive chance right out of the box.
The momentum caused the Sharks to take a penalty late in the first period.
The Wild had some great chances, but were not able to cash in on the power play as the first period ended with Sa ...
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Article written by Nick Maxson
Minnesota-San Jose: Sharks Chomp Wild 4-1
March 23rd, 2010 by Nick Maxson Leave a reply »
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