After watching the Sharks pull it out in overtime against the Ducks on Saturday, a few things went through my head.
First tonight’s game decides the series for both teams. Obviously, the Sharks need to win or their done, but whoever wins the game tonight is going to take the series. There’s no way that the Sharks lose a game 7 back at the tank if they take this one from the Ducks in Anaheim.
Second, the Ducks have had just about everything go their way this series. It just seems like every 50/50 bounce of the puck is going to the Ducks, and putting them in situations where they can capitalize. To their credit, they haven’t missed opportunities while the Sharks have. You would figure that eventually some breaks would go to the Sharks, but it hasn’t happened yet and it may not happen tonight.
Third, the Sharks have to start playing quality third periods; case in point being Saturday’s game. They dominated, just absolutely dominated, the first 40 minutes of the game, and then gave away the third period. They came out of the intermission looking hesitant, like they wanted to hold onto the lead rather than put their foot on the Ducks throat. And, not surprisingly, they gave up two goals in about 5 minutes of play. It’s great that they won in overtime, but I really thought that they had the opportunity to go into Anaheim tonight with some serious momentum. If the Sharks come out hesitant tonight then they’re pretty much screwed.
Fourth, what happened to the power play? The Sharks are starting to generate some points in the recent games, but out power play has been terrible for most of the series. Terrible to the point where, on some power plays, they can’t even hold it in the zone, let alone generate some good scoring opportunities.
So that’s pretty much where I’m at with the Sharks this post season. I’ve been screaming at the T.V. way too much, and I’m starting to scare my dog and girlfriend. A lot of what I’ve been pissed off about is the VS coverage of the series. I didn’t get to see most of the first game of the series because VS was covering a bonus game into overtime. I kind of understood that, but at the same time the Sharks game was starting during the intermission before the overtime period, yet they didn’t provide any coverage. That’s just an embarrassment. Plus, I’m sick of the announcers just fawning over the Ducks the entire game. They can’t get enough of them. Try some even handed broadcasting without rooting for the 8th seeded team for 60 minutes.
My prediction for tonight: the Sharks wake up and realize they’re the better team and they play like it for 60 minutes. Sharks 3 Anaheim 2.
First tonight’s game decides the series for both teams. Obviously, the Sharks need to win or their done, but whoever wins the game tonight is going to take the series. There’s no way that the Sharks lose a game 7 back at the tank if they take this one from the Ducks in Anaheim.
Second, the Ducks have had just about everything go their way this series. It just seems like every 50/50 bounce of the puck is going to the Ducks, and putting them in situations where they can capitalize. To their credit, they haven’t missed opportunities while the Sharks have. You would figure that eventually some breaks would go to the Sharks, but it hasn’t happened yet and it may not happen tonight.
Third, the Sharks have to start playing quality third periods; case in point being Saturday’s game. They dominated, just absolutely dominated, the first 40 minutes of the game, and then gave away the third period. They came out of the intermission looking hesitant, like they wanted to hold onto the lead rather than put their foot on the Ducks throat. And, not surprisingly, they gave up two goals in about 5 minutes of play. It’s great that they won in overtime, but I really thought that they had the opportunity to go into Anaheim tonight with some serious momentum. If the Sharks come out hesitant tonight then they’re pretty much screwed.
Fourth, what happened to the power play? The Sharks are starting to generate some points in the recent games, but out power play has been terrible for most of the series. Terrible to the point where, on some power plays, they can’t even hold it in the zone, let alone generate some good scoring opportunities.
So that’s pretty much where I’m at with the Sharks this post season. I’ve been screaming at the T.V. way too much, and I’m starting to scare my dog and girlfriend. A lot of what I’ve been pissed off about is the VS coverage of the series. I didn’t get to see most of the first game of the series because VS was covering a bonus game into overtime. I kind of understood that, but at the same time the Sharks game was starting during the intermission before the overtime period, yet they didn’t provide any coverage. That’s just an embarrassment. Plus, I’m sick of the announcers just fawning over the Ducks the entire game. They can’t get enough of them. Try some even handed broadcasting without rooting for the 8th seeded team for 60 minutes.
My prediction for tonight: the Sharks wake up and realize they’re the better team and they play like it for 60 minutes. Sharks 3 Anaheim 2.
Hesitation and a lack of 60 minutes has been their problem all season. It was a rare occasion, no matter how dominant they played that they put in a full 60 minutes. We're seeing that again now at the absolute worst time.
ReplyDeleteThe power play in the post season has been an absolute joke. From top 3 to dead last in a matter of days. No one is moving feet. No one is crashing the net. No one, and this is really important is taking the shots. I know, I know... they're shooting. But that begs the question of 'are the shots the right shots?' No. Not really. Quality over quantity. Pass the puck, open a shooting lane and let 'er rip. Make sure there are bodies up front and cash in. :chaching:
Agreed. Quantity is not the problem here, but quality is. And you have to credit the ducks for stepping up their game at the right time.
ReplyDeleteThe Ducks, as much as some might find this painful to hear deserve more than just a bit of credit. Talk about turning it up when it matters most. They began their climb to the peak at the exact moment it mattered most. They also have desperation that might only be found in an 8th seed team that had to fight very hard to be in the race.
ReplyDeleteI dont think the quality of shots is the problem, the problem lies in the fact there is no one, im looking at you particularly Clowe and Setoguchi, in front of the net to get the rebounds Hiller has given up. We are making it way to easy for their D-men to clear the puck out of the front of the net and the zone. We might have had well over 30 shots in every game, but how many of those were 2nd and 3rd chances? Not many.
ReplyDeleteEven the rebound situation is ridiculous. Look at where they're landing. We're either in too far or not in enough. That's just plain stupid luck. I can't count how many times the puck has magically landed just outside our grasp.
ReplyDeleteI still argue that quality over quantity is key. I'd much rather have 25 good shots a game than 45 junk ones. Notice the D has been slapping the puck directly into quite a few Ducks. If this was a Nintendo game we'd be golden. Unfortunately it isn't.
If this were a nintendo game, Roenick would have 30 goals and the series would be over.
ReplyDeleteBut if it was a Sega game you could make someone's [Pronger's] head bleed.
ReplyDeleteIf this were a PS3 game, you could score a bunch of goals with Jody Shelly
ReplyDeleteAnd on the X-Box 360 you can get Boyle into a fight every time.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside the Hawks are up two with just under a half a period gone. Goals from Kane and Burish. Two goals on three shots.
That's the kind of start that we need tonight. Jump out quick. Put the ducks on their heels.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. Make a statement and make it early. The Sharks have to dictate the play. Pressure is on.
ReplyDelete