SAN JOSE – In a game as evenly matched as the Sharks-Blackhawks meeting was on Wednesday night at SAP Center, all it takes it one little mistake to affect the outcome. Fortunately for San Jose, the key slip-up occurred on the Chicago side.
On a Blackhawks power play, Brent Seabrook dove at blue line to try and keep a Chris Tierney clearing attempt in the offensive zone. He missed. Goalie Corey Crawford had time to come out to play the loose puck that was headed in his direction, but never vacated his crease.
Joel Ward charged ahead, taking control of the puck slipping a shot through Crawford for a shorthanded breakaway goal at 14:42 of the first period that turned out to be the game-winner in a 2-1 Sharks triumph.