- Editor's Note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
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.
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SIGN UP HERE 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.
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