Once again the San Jose Sharks win in overtime on a get shot. The Sharks took the visiting Arizona Coyotes to overtime, and a Dylan DeMelo shot beat goaltender Louis Domingue to secure the 3-2 Sharks victory and improve San Jose to 2-0 in the preseason.
The game featured some NHL regulars for the Sharks and a very young squad for the Coyotes. Arizona already was skating in their third preseason game, and the youthful lineup reflected the direction of the franchise.
DeMelo Playing Well
On top of his overtime game-winning goal, DeMelo picked up where he left off last season with strong play on both ends of the ice. He credited Tommy Wingels, who has rebounded this preseason after a forgettable effort last year, with helping create the goal.
“I’m just going to give all the credit to [Wingels] on that one. I was lined up on the left side. He just gave me a nod to go on the right and won the draw. It was kind of rolling on me, but I was lucky to get enough on it for it to have some action.”
DeMelo appeared in 45 games for the Sharks last season and was solid in bottom pair duty with Brenden Dillon. He signed a two-year deal to remain with the Sharks and will battle for playing time. He’ll likely be the first call-up should any injuries occur on the blue line. DeMelo hopes to bring the same level of play from last year into the 2016-17 campaign.
“Just trying to carry that into this year. It was a great year for me. I had a pleasure playing with Dillon and [Justin Braun] and playing with good d partners that helped me,” DeMelo said about his 45 games with the Sharks last year. Hopefully, carry that into this year, have the best camp possible and say here as long as possible.”
Dell and Heed In New Roles
For the Sharks, SHL import Tim Heed made his debut at the SAP Center. Pair with Patrick McNally for most of the night, Heed made some solid passes up the ice and possesses a powerful shot from the point. Defensively, some of his reads were a bit off, but in his first competitive game on a North American ice surface, Heed did not look out of place.
Aaron Dell went the distance for the Sharks to pick up the victory. The former University of North Dakota netminder is the presumptive backup for Martin Jones. Playing behind a mix of AHL and NHL defenders he was sharp when he needed to be.
Strome’s Busy Night
Coyotes center Dylan Strome continued his strong play for a roster spot.
“We’re three games in now; we’re doing ok. It would be nice to get a win but unfortunately came out on the bottom tonight,” said Strome of the Coyotes loss in San Jose.
The third overall pick in the 2015 draft looks to have some space open for him on the Coyotes roster and was making things happen in all three zones. After the game, Strome said it’s not the speed of play, but being a dependable player that is the focus.
“I think keep getting better every day and that’s what I’ve been doing. I think the speed is OK. I don’t feel I’m behind at all. I think it’s just being reliable and for the coach to trust and try to do whatever you can do to earn that trust.”
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If Strome does not stick with Arizona, he’ll head back to the Erie Otters in the OHL and likely take a top spot for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship.
Meier diagnosed with Mononucleosis
The Sharks received some bad news when star prospect Timo Meier was announced to have mononucleosis. The 6’1 power forward was on a short list to make the San Jose roster. If he is out the full four weeks to recover, he’ll likely start in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda as he gets his strength back. Missing the majority training camp is a challenge for any player, but especially for a youngster still working on acclimating to the Sharks system. Even a player as talented as Meier will need some time to get back.
The 6’1 power forward was on a short list to make the San Jose roster. If he is out the full four weeks to recover, he’ll likely start in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda as he gets his strength back. Missing the majority training camp is a challenge for any player, but especially for a youngster still working on acclimating to the Sharks system. Even a player as talented as Meier will need some time to get back.
Notes:
Special teams continue to be a mixed bag for the Sharks. While the penalty kill is a perfect, killing all six power plays against, the man advantage has struck out with no goals in seven attempts.
Patrick Marleau was held out of the third period due to illness. No official word other than he is just under the weather.
Tomas Hertl deployment at the center position continues. With Marleau under the weather and Logan Couture and Joe Thornton not yet returned from the World Cup of Hockey, the center position is very thin for San Jose.
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