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Sharks try to get going versus Blues

Oct 15, 2011 - 2:43 PM (Sports Network) - There had to be some concern in the Sharks locker room as to how they would come out after a long layoff between games. The result was probably what they feared.

After failing to score a goal last night against a division rival, San Jose hopes to get its legs going this evening versus the St. Louis Blues.

The Sharks began the season with a 6-3 victory at home over the Coyotes a week ago, but did not play again until last night in Anaheim. San Jose logged 31 shots against the Ducks and goaltender Jonas Hiller, but came away empty in a 1-0 defeat.

With Antero Niittymaki out due to hip surgery and Antti Niemi backing up as he recovers from surgery to remove a cyst, Thomas Greiss tried to keep pace with Hiller and nearly did, stopping 22 of the 23 shots he faced.

"The chances were there, but overall I didn't think we were the better team. We weren't assertive tonight," Sharks forward Ryane Clowe said.

The Sharks also played without Martin Havlat, who the club acquired in the offseason from the Wild in exchange for Dany Heatley. The forward has yet to suit up as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

After their long break the Sharks play their next two at home to conclude a stretch of three games in four nights. Following that span, San Jose will embark on a six-game road trip out east.

The Blues will try to limit the Sharks' opportunities tonight, something they have been able to do so far this year but with limited results. St. Louis yielded 33 shots through its first two games, splitting the home contests, and then outshot Dallas by a 38-24 margin on Thursday night.

However, the Stars made the most of their chances and scored the game's first three goals en route to a 3-2 victory.

Matt D'Agostini and Chris Stewart scored for the Blues and Jaroslav Halak made 21 saves as the rally fell short.

"The second half of the second period I thought we got back to our game," Blues forward Alexander Steen said. "I thought the way we were playing we were going to be able to equalize the game."

To make matters worse, Andy McDonald suffered a head injury in the game and was sent back to St. Louis for further evaluation. McDonald missed 24 games last year with a concussion.

St. Louis lost the opener of a four-game swing as it kicked off a span of eight road contests in nine games. It has lost three straight and seven of its last eight in San Jose.

The Sharks have won three in a row and 13 of the past 17 meetings between the clubs overall.