The Sharks made a harder push tonight, for sure. Maybe it wasn't our best game, but you know, sometimes you've just got to find ways to win.
That was coach John Hynes' message to us after the game. Over the course of an 82-game season, they're not all going to be perfect, and in the end what matters is two points. It sounds cheesy, but good teams find ways to win on not their best nights.
Certainly, we needed that win. I think the best part of it all for me, personally, was Kevin Lankinen making 31 saves, including 15 in the third period, for his first win since signing with us as a free agent. Always happy to see a goalie step in and get his first win. He's a great guy. He fits in well. He's a genuinely nice person, and we're all pretty pumped for him.
Other new additions made contributions. Nino Niederreiter scored three goals in two games, including the winner Saturday. Kiefer Sherwood had a goal and an assist Friday. Ryan McDonagh had an assist Friday and saved a goal with a blocked shot Saturday.
Another thing I think too is guys like Eeli Tolvanen and Cody Glass stepping up; young guys with a ton of skill trying to find their way in this league. They looked like players on this trip. I think it was a good step forward for our group.
There are a lot of highlights, for sure. For me, personally, the special part was being with my dad in Prague. He kind of said to me after that this is like 10 fathers' trips wrapped into one.
It was pretty cool for us. It was surreal at times to be bumming around Old Town Prague with my dad, but it certainly is something I won't forget. I was able to get some goodies for the kids too, so hopefully those are some memories that I can pass along to them, and that was special for me.
It's a great start for the team on so many levels. Coming back with two wins, I think it sets us up well for the season to come. You can talk about all that team-bonding stuff, but if at the end of the day if you're not winning, well, we're a results business, right? It sorts of wraps that trip up nicely.
