Sharks-Predators takeaways: Regardless of expensive blunders, Quinn bought reaction he needed

San Jose Sharks coach David Quinn wasn’t shy about calling out his team for the way they wilted down the stretch in their initially sport against the Nashville Predators inside Prague’s O2 Arena.

Even even though the close end result Saturday was the very same as the working day before, Quinn’s postgame message was completely unique.

Just after a improved exertion all around, this was the time to instill some self-confidence.

“I’m happy of our guys. I imagined we competed difficult,” Quinn claimed after the Sharks’ 3-2 reduction to the Predators to finish the Global Sequence. “I imagined we cleaned up some of the items we weren’t excellent at (Friday).”

Quinn was not satisfied with how the Sharks responded Friday when they acquired down two targets late in the second time period in what turned a 4-1 loss, stating, “I considered we bought a tiny little bit demoralized. We have obtained to toughen up a very little bit mentally in that department.”

Message received. The Sharks performed a much greater sport Saturday and dominated the 3rd time period, with a few of faults costing them a possibility to split the two-activity sequence.

Luke Kunin and Logan Couture both of those scored, but the Sharks authorized two targets to Nino Niederreiter and one to Filip Forsberg.

Still, even though the Sharks will not be returning dwelling with any details after two game titles from a playoff-caliber group, there was a little something to construct on for up coming week’s game titles from the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks.

“I preferred a great deal of our video game tonight,” Quinn reported. “That was a large improvement from (Friday) and that’s all we require to aim on, is incrementally receiving superior. Profitable and shedding will consider treatment of itself.”

Some takeaways from Saturday’s activity.

1. OUTSCORING Faults: The Sharks talked a large amount past period about how they pretty much wanted to enjoy a fantastic activity to acquire, and that it was a large obstacle to outscore their faults.

That’ll be a challenge once again this yr.

Saturday’s game highlighted a few of mistakes that resulted in two Predators’ plans. The Sharks primarily controlled the 3rd interval, placing 15 photographs on net, but just could not defeat Nashville goalie Kevin Lankinen a third time.

On Nashville’s second aim. Nico Sturm received a faceoff in the Sharks’ zone but Jonah Gadjovich failed to obvious the puck from beside the faceoff circle. The Predators picked it up and after he took a move from Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg put a shot on web, collected the rebound and scored on a wraparound.

The Sharks then turned the puck around in Nashville’s zone as a penalty to Niederreiter was coming to an conclude. That led to an odd-man rush the other way as Niederreiter scored off a pass from Eeli Tolvanen to make it 3-2.

“Two things that, going ahead, I assume we’ll clean up up,” Quinn claimed, “and we gain the hockey match.”

2. Far better Next LINE: Steven Lorentz performed a depth purpose with the Hurricanes past time and started off this season in that placement with the Sharks. But Quinn on Saturday experienced Lorentz on the 2nd line with Couture and Kevin Labanc, and he did not search out of position.

Lorentz assisted on Couture’s aim and per Pure Stat Trick, that line produced nine scoring likelihood and permitted just four.

Quinn explained before the match that Oskar Lindblom, who was on Couture’s wing Friday, was nonetheless having up to speed immediately after he was wounded for most of camp. So he moved Lindblom to the 3rd line and promoted Lorentz, who plays with tempo and seems to be a in good shape in Quinn’s process.

There is still a concern no matter if Alexander Barabanov can return to follow next 7 days and be all set to perform. If he does, how does that affect the relaxation of the forward team? For now, Lorentz, with 16 minutes of ice time Saturday, appears to be like he can participate in a even larger part than last yr.

3. TURNING Position: Timo Meier must truly feel a little bit snake-bitten. After the 1st two game titles, Meier has 22 shots makes an attempt, 11 shots on intention, and has strike 1 crossbar.