Round 2, SJ vs. Red Wings

So. The Preds have been dispatched. The Wings overcame the Flames. And The 'nucks are set to play the Ducks, thanks to their game 7 win over the Stars. Let the 2nd round begin.

Again, San Jose has the distinction of playing in the "most interesting" series offered. You know, the one where it could go either way. Where if you read two different "experts" take on the series, one picks the Sharks, the other the Red Wings, with it all taking 7 games. So, we wait and see who will be right.

I, for the record, pick the Sharks in 6, though it could go to 7. I offer the four lines, each of whom averaged at least 11 mins a game against the Preds. Four lines, any of which can score. The key for the Sharks is to play their game, and not get caught up in the Wings' game. They need to finish their checks and grind out the game, flashing their speed as the situation offers it, preferably around the Hasek's net, drawing those penalties they are so good at taking. Of course, if the refs don't bite, the Sharks need to be prepared to just keep grinding it out and taking it to the net. Throw it toward the net and go for the rebounds. And D, keep playing well in front of Nabokov, who will continue to play for Warren.

Sharks swimming in Nashville

So, the question is, will the Sharks be able to close out the series tonight in Nashville? They managed to get back to playing their game of hockey in SJ, after that nasty game 2 in Nashville. Game 3 was clearly won by the Sharks who out-hit, out-played, won the majority of the faceoffs, and more importantly, won the goals scored category. Game 4 was a little different, but for the first time in the series, the team that scored first managed to win. Now Barry Melrose has said he believes San Jose led that game throughout, meaning, the Preds didn't dominate at all. Looking at the stats, I believe they won the face-offs, were even in the hits, out-played at times, but again, they were outscored. Nabby kept the Sharks in the game when the Preds were trying to bite, but he didn't give in. The two goals he did let in were great shots. But, I personally can't say the Sharks totally out-played the Preds in that game; they had a hot goalie and lucky bounces that came with creating chances.

If the Sharks plan to win tonight, they have to remember to play their game, not the Preds game. Keep up the good forechecking, hit the little Preds, and put the shots on goal. Grier, you just keep doing what you've been doing...you'll get it in the net sooner or later.

Thoughts on Fans

So, after two heated games between San Jose and Nashville, I find myself getting annoyed by both sets of fans. Well, those on the bb boards anyway. Some seem to seek intelligent conversation about the games and respect the differences of opinions. Others are complete morons just trying to incite either their own team's fans or the other teams. Either way, they are just plain irritating to read.

While I agree the Sharks need to get back to the physical game they bring when they are playing well, I disagree that they should be out on the ice looking for the big retaliatory hits. Play the game, get the big, legal hits, when the opportunity presents itself, don't take any guff from the other team (e.g., yeah it's the playoffs, but a little face washing and/or pushing shows you still care). Don't let them run the goalie and best of all, convert those 5-on-3 power plays!!!! Forget fancy, I don't mind dirty goals. The Sharks tried a bit the of the retaliatory stuff in Game 2 (no, not the fight), and it didn't work for them - got them off their game. And they only fought when it was clear they could not come back to tie it up or win it in regulation. If they weren't gonna go for a big scrum at the beginning of the game, then I'll settle for the end....adds some more spice to all the other idiocy displayed on the ice.

San Jose vs. Nashville, parts 1 & 2

So, two playoff games down. Two SJ players injured too, though it looks like both won't miss any games. Cheechoo really should not have played Friday night. He looked tentative on his bad leg and it was obvious his skating, something he's really not know for, was not close to par. I thought he had trouble stopping and turning, but he started to look better in the 3rd - after he gained some confidence with that bum leg. I don't like Hartnell's hit - didn't like it when I saw it the first time, still don't like it now, but there's not much one can do now about it. At least he got a game misconduct.

Now the second game was much worse than the first. Not just because the Sharks lost (they didn't play well enough to deserve the win), but because of the junk all over the ice. Radulov's hit on Bernier was intentional. At least the NHL agreed on that one and have him one game to sit. Even if one believes he did not intend to hurt Bernier to the extent that he did, he skated around some players to get to him before leveling him against the boards. And Trotz is on drugs if he thinks Bernier saw that hit coming.

Between Cheechoo's hit and Bernier's hit, the remaining players lost their game. They started to play Nashville's game. I'm not a coach and don't pretend to have ever played hockey, but from a fans point of view: a big legal hit or two near the beginning of the game, followed up by scoring on the power-plays and/or 5-on-5, would have gone a long way to shoving off the Preds.

To those Nashville fans who thought two Sharks went after Hartnell at the end, Clowe went for him, clearly asking for a fight, but Hartnell, knowing he'd get another misconduct and thus suspension, declined by skating backwards away from Clowe who had grabbed on to his arm. Grier was behind them and got nearby, but, if I recall correctly, really didn't get into it with Hartnell until after Tootoo had come over and began wailing on Clowe who only let go of Hartnell when it was clear he wouldn't fight him and Tootoo was punching like a mad man. I've got to give Tootoo credit, he knew Hartnell's predicament and bailed out his teammate. That said, I still don't like him.

Catching Up

Alright. Been busy, apologize for not writing anything for a looooooooong while. School, life, work, etc. Much has happened though. Sharks went on a great streak, Nabokov stepped up, and now look at where they are at...still have a shot at the division, but need help from Ducks and Stars. But have clinched at least a #6 seed with a chance to move up still.

Last nights game in Anaheim was a good one for Sharks fans. Still some concerns: Nabokov wasn't sharp early on, though got better as the game progressed; D had a few too many turnovers near the net; refs stopped calling until the end of the 3rd; our top two lines couldn't score. On the plus side: Sharks battled back and won the game (though fun to watch, I still hate the shootout); Nabokov got his act together and even made 2nd star on nhl.com; the "checking" line of Clowe-Goc-Bernier really stepped up their game.

Ron Wilson stepped up and asked for the stick check on Selanne - Ducks fans can whine about him winning the game for the Sharks, but hey, better than losing. Ducks could have still won it, just not with a man advantage. Ducks were up 2-0 yet let the lead go and then couldn't put the game away. How is all that Wilson's fault for using a legal request to get a penalty on Selanne and thus negating the 4-3? Get over it, your player got caught cheating...it was not the end of the world.