San Jose

Timo Meier Scores Two Goals as Sharks Stomp Devils

SAN JOSE – Things looked ugly early on for the Sharks in Monday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils. But after not registering a shot on goal through over half of the first period, they found their groove and opened a two-game homestand with a 5-2 win.

Here are three takeaways from the victory:

No second-period sag: One of the biggest problems San Jose has had this season – and yes, we’ve gone over this many times already – has been following up a strong opening period with a relaxed second stanza. Letting the opposition creep back into game has cost them at times.

Monday against New Jersey was a different story. The Sharks doubled down in the second period, and didn't let up when Devils defenseman Andy Greene beat goaltender Martin Jones to bring the bring New Jersey within one goal of tying up the score.

San Jose got an extra boost to carry into the third period thanks to winger Timo Meier’s second goal on the evening, which was topped off by Jones making some key saves late in the game to preserve the lead.

Timo Time is basically anytime: After Meier’s first game back last Wednesday against the Hurricanes, Sharks coach Peter DeBoer told NBC Sports California he liked how the Swiss forward played, but still felt Meier could reach another level. And boy, did he aim for those levels on Monday evening.

The winger tallied two goals for his third multi-goal game on the season. His goal in the first period to tie the score up 1-1 was clearly the shot of adrenaline San Jose needed after getting off to such a slow start.

The rookies are all right: San Jose’s freshman class continues to impress. On Saturday evening, fourth-liner Lukas Radil scored his first career NHL goal. Then on Monday against New Jersey, he helped set up defenseman Radim Simek for his first. Simek was working along the blue line when Radil served him the puck, and he exercised patience as he squared off to fire the puck through traffic -- all as forward Barclay Goodrow screened Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid.

Both Czech skaters may play different positions, but they both play a heavy game that adds a mix of size and speed to the lineup the Sharks’ can benefit from. The fact that both can also score goals is a welcome bonus.

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