Despite the Blues’ great start, they fell back to old habits in the second and third periods. They lost a winnable game to a decent Pacific Division team.
The Blues outshot the Sharks 16-to-13 in the first, but momentum shifted in the second.
Joonas Donskoi’s fanned shot deceived Brian Elliott early in the second to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead. Joe Pavelski assisted the goal—his 25th of the season.
About five minutes late, Joe Thornton registered his 10th of the season to extend the Sharks’ lead to 2-0.
Jay Bouwmeester took a shot from the point. It seemed to deflect off Vladimir Tarasenko’s stick, but big Bouw was rewarded with the goal. His second of the season broke the lead to 2-1.
Matt Nieto crushed any hopes of a Blues comeback when he scored with 3:16 left in the third. He picked up a loose puck in front of the net, warded it to his left, then brought it back in front before stuffing it past Elliott.
The Sharks defeated the Blues 3-1.
Tune in Saturday as the Blues take on the Minnesota Wild at home, 7:00 p.m.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
