Rewind: Sharks prevail in ‘trap' game against struggling Devils

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NEWARK – In order to cut down on the frequency of shootouts deciding NHL games, the league implemented the new three-on-three overtime format for the five minutes after regulation. The Sharks experienced their first on Friday at Prudential Center.

Sharks coach Pete DeBoer almost certainly grew to loathe the shootout. As coach of the Devils, in 30 games that advanced to the skills competition since the start of the shortened 2013 season, New Jersey won just four times. That includes the 2013-14 when the Devils somehow lost all 13 shootouts they were involved in.

The Sharks improved to a perfect 4-0 against DeBoer’s old team on shootout goals by Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns, while Martin Jones stopped two of the three New Jersey attempts.

[RECAP: Instant Replay: Jones, Sharks stay unbeaten with SO win]

Surprisingly enough, DeBoer’s return to his old home was a triumphant one thanks to the shootout, 2-1. Lowly New Jersey (0-3-1) remains without a win, or even a lead on the young season.

“This was a little bit of a trap game for us, after starting out 3-0 and coming in here. We didn’t fall into the trap,” DeBoer said. “I thought we came out and recognized how important the two points were against a scrappy, desperate team and found a way to win. That was nice.

“The irony of us winning in a shootout in this building isn’t lost on me, either, after the last few years.”

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Among their four wins to open the season, Friday’s game was far from the prettiest. The Sharks managed just one Patrick Marleau goal in 65 minutes, and took six minor penalties.

On the other hand the penalty killers were outstanding, even though Adam Henrique’s goal came on a deflection with the Devils on a power play with 3:38 left in regulation.

Trailing 1-0 to start the third, New Jersey had three straight power plays early in the final frame including one minute of five-on-three time, but didn’t generate a single quality scoring chance. In total, the Sharks killed off their first 15 opponent power plays, one year after finishing 25th in the league in that area.

“I think that was a pretty big effort by our guys,” Joe Pavelski said. “They got one there at the end, but it was a pretty good run there to start. A lot of things that we did well we can take from that.”

Tommy Wingels said: “It’s a different system we’re implementing this year and so far we’ve had a lot of success with it. It’s about eliminating certain lanes that the opponent wants to utilize. Limiting pucks that get to your net, and bearing down on your clear attempts when you have it.”

Jones, again, was exceptional. He was unfazed by Henrique’s goal after going nearly four hours without getting beat, making four saves in overtime and allowing one goal on three shootout chances. His shutout streak ran to an astounding 234 minutes and 33 seconds.

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“I’m thinking it’s a 1-1 hockey game with three minutes left. That’s about it,” he coolly said of the game-tying marker.

He helped his club fight through what was the first game without Logan Couture, who will miss at least one month with a fractured right leg after a freak injury in practice one day earlier. The Sharks were strong in the first period jumping out ahead, but couldn’t increase that lead in the second despite some good scoring chances. Marleau couldn’t convert a penalty shot with 6:18 left in the second.

In the third, the Devils were the better team five-on-five.

“After you lose a teammate like that you’re a little concerned about maybe some emotional lag,” Wingels said.

Still, the Sharks found a way to prevail. All of the good feelings they’ve earned through the first week-plus of the season remain.

“That confidence is back in this room, no doubt,” Wingels said. “It’s been a fun few games thus far. The guys are enjoying the way we’re playing, being around each other, and winning. We play this game to win. We’ll look to continue that.”

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