This current run from the Sharks has been unreal. Reading the archives from that six game losing streak is hilarious.
That's a quote from Plank of Fear The Fin's Twitter account just a short while after the San Jose Sharks came back from three goals down to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets en route to their ninth win in ten games. Ten games in which they've earned a point in every one (9-0-1 for the series), and ten games following a six-game losing streak that spelled disaster for everyone involved.
Patrick Marleau scored the game-winner with 4:51 remaining in regulation on a wrist shot that barely found its way between Steve Mason and the near post. Joe Pavelski grabbed the assist with the goal (his second of the game) after putting on a great display of puck-handling en route. Kyle Wellwood and Kent Huskins also put the puck to net for San Jose. Both scored in the second period, Huskins taking advantage of a screened Mason just under two minutes in, and Wellwood knocking in a perfect deflection his way to knot later in the period.
Antti Niemi made a stunning 42 saves in the winning effort and coach Todd McLellan had some praise for him. The two goals allowed both came on a power play for Columbus, goals from Grant Clitsome and Kristian Huselius in the first period of play. The Blue Jackets appeared drained after one frame and it was all Sharks from there.
San Jose has now won five straight and are doing well for themselves in the standings. Just a week ago, it was said on SB Nation Bay Area that they absolutely, positively had to make things right sooner rather than later. They were on a three-game winning streak when the last stream went up, and they needed to keep things rolling if Sharks fans were to not experience a season without playoff hockey for the first time in what feels like a very, very long time.
The duration of this stream will carry us through the Sharks three remaining road games on this trip of seven. Games against the Predators, Panthers and Devils await them. Stay tuned in this stream and be sure to follow SB Nation Bay Area (@sbnbayarea) on Twitter to keep up with all things Sharks for the next seven days.