Game 3 Wrap Up: Us, worried? Pshaa.
by TCY on Apr 21, 2009 11:16 PM PDT
in 2009 Playoffs
64 comments
As part of the two headed FTF wrap up monster, Plank also shared his thoughts on tonight's game... his wrap can be found here.
For all those fans who abandoned the Sharks after the first two games, shame on you.
For all those fans who thought that this Sharks team was another playoff failure, you can keep thinking the sky is falling.
Me, I've been with the Sharks from the start. I know what they're capable of. And this game showed me that this team is different from the others who have failed in the past. This team showed me tonight that they won't be another disappointment.
How?
The players. Unlike in games one and two, when I was impressed with the play of only a select few Sharks, I was in awe of the team game which was played tonight in Anaheim. Multiple players stepped up to show that they wouldn't accept a first round exit, and I'm sure that spirit will carry over to game four on Thursday. Here are the players who I thought had the biggest impact on tonight's outcome.
Dan Boyle: Boyle, who had been criticized all week (even though he was the best player on the ice for San Jose in the first two games), came up huge in Anaheim and had his best career game as a Shark. Not only did Boyle score two goals for the San Jose during the game, but he assisted on Marleau's game winning goal in the third. This is exactly what we wanted from Boyle when he was acquired in the offseason, and although we can't expect this from him every night, he showed why having playoff experience is crucial.
Torrey Mitchell: As he did for much of the 2007-2008 season, Mitchell provided the spark that the Sharks were lacking. If anyone could tell that this was his first NHL game this season, please, by all means, speak up. Mitchell's 13 shifts were pure, unbridled energy. He brought it all night. I expect, nay... I DEMAND, more ice time for Torrey in game four.
Rob Blake: McLellan stressed the importance of the quality of shots, rather than the quantity. Blake took this to heart. Although he unloaded multiple times tonight (his five shots, which included a goal, led the team), the biggest shot was the one he didn't take. On the power play in the third period, Blake passed up an open shot opportunity and instead fed the puck to Marleau who was parked in front of the net. The Sharks would take the lead on this play, and never give it back.
Douglas Murray: Murray sent a message to the Ducks tonight. That message is as follows: Even if Shelley or Lemieux isn't on the ice, we still play tough; you can't push us around. Although Murray sat out for five minutes in the first, he still was second (both teams) in hits. His physical presence set the tempo all night.
After a win, there's a lot to be happy about. The power play finally clicked. The Sharks have a truckload of fight left in them. They won a must win tilt on enemy ice. Etcetera. However, there were still some issues with the Sharks play that left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
First, the Sharks looked as if they were happy defending a one goal lead all night. I know, this has been a hard fought series in which one goal could be the difference. However, I would have liked to see the Sharks look to extend the lead, rather than try to protect it. This game could have tilted in the Ducks favor... I'm hoping the Sharks try to rub it in a little more in game four.
Second, the puck work was extremely shoddy at times. Setoguchi played well, but the turnover in his zone led directly to a Ducks goal. It's the same story for Pavelski. Thornton (although he did notch an assist tonight), looked to make the spectacular pass too often. While I'm never one to criticize our star, Joe did lead the team in giveaways (2). Instead of maintaining pressure in the offensive zone, he too often looked to make a near impossible pass. As much as I love a great Thornton pass that leads to a spectacular goal, I'd settle for a good pass to keep the offense moving.
Third, Nabokov. Granted, his save percentage did creep up to 90% tonight. However, he's got to make the save on Wisniewski. Maybe I'm expecting too much from him, but I'm hoping he starts to take over games like he did last year while helping his team to the playoffs. He played well in the third, but that's not enough. When the Sharks have a lead, regardless of the period, he has to be there to protect it.
The last point really isn't a bad thing, but I'm still worried about Marleau. As Plank and I enjoyed our ritualistic post game chat, we pondered Marleau's injury status. Could he still be hurt? Who knows. What we see, however, is a player who is near invisible for two periods and then turns it up in the third. Is he conserving energy? Is he playing with an injury? Only time will tell, and we won't know for sure until the playoffs are over. I like what I see from him in the last 20 minutes, I just wish it was there for the first 40. We need you Patty.
All in all, there are things to be happy about tonight. I, for one, will go to bed with a smile on my face. However, this win shouldn't go to the Sharks' collective head. If they want to win Thursday, they're going to have to continue the battle. Tonight, we saw that speed, physicality, and hustle can help a team defeat the Anaheim Ducks. If the Sharks continue to play as they did tonight, I don't see an early playoff exit in their future.
Go Sharks.
(P.S. My signed Setoguchi jersey has been deemed unlucky and was not worn tonight. Instead, I donned my black Fear the Fin tee. It won't be washed until it sees a loss.)
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Ooooooohoooo...
The Sharks’ sex is on fire.
I’m assuming.
Get some, boys.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
"the Sharks looked as if they were happy defending a one goal lead all night."
I have to agree, because thats what bugs me about every playoff game that the Sharks play: they get the lead and they SIT on it. “Okay, we’re up by one goal, let’s just hold on to that and not let them score.”
NO. Never turn off the intensity.
I liked what I saw tonight, and hope this momentum keeps up for the rest of the series.
Yes.
They finally brought the fire they should have had all along.
That was a very entertaining game. A nail biter, if you will. The Sharks, for the first time since game 7 against Calgary last year, FINALLY played like they WANTED to win.
Say what you will. They can put 37 shots on net, they can have 15 more hits than the ducks, they can do all of those things. This team is better than the ducks. Period. At some point I want to see them play with some fire, and they did that tonight. They finally did that.
Agree
If anyone could tell that this was his first NHL game this season, please, by all means, speak up.
I could definitely tell it was Mitchell’s first game, because after you posted this, I sped-watch all prior 84 games on my DVR, and noted no #17 on the ice for the Sharks, ergo, I could tell this was his first game…….
Now that that is off my chest, and TCY is pummeling me, interesting take on the four players that it’s D, D, D and new guy………Is this like the NFL where D wins games? Or not…….How about, non-choking-playoff-experience taking over………………
I didn’t say “did you notice this was his first NHL game”, but “could you tell”.
I won’t pummel you, though.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Wow! Having Torrey back for one game, after him not having played a SINGLE NHL game this season, and he already had a positive impact. His skating and his energy was all we expected and wanted and it was there. In the middle of the game I had an epiphany.
For the rest of this series we should keep Marleau and Thornton split IMO. Wit Torrey in the mix we will have 3 scoring lines and one heck of a checking line.
Roenick-Thornton-Cheechoo
Clowe-Pavelski-Michalek
Mitchell-Marleau-Setoguchi
Moen-Goc-Grier
The speed of our third line will create so much more havoc for Anaheim, although I must admit, I was starting to like Moen-Marleau-Seto. One of those three lines will have a much easier time against Anaheim’s defense and as a 3 line combination they will flat out wear teams down.
The one problem I see with having MItchell back is you don’t know yet if you can depend on him for more than 10 minutes/game. My heart says yes my head says baby steps. We might not have enough time left in this series for baby steps.
I think I pulled my swagger muscle...
Ducks have been Crankshafted.
I will admit I am very glad Torrey proved my concerns about dressing him after missing the whole season wrong. Now I’m hoping we see much more of him.
Patty definitely had a better game last night. He’s been very strong defensively too. The play that stands out in my mind was him getting back and breaking up an odd man rush with poke check. He keeps that up and gets on the board some more and we got nothing to worry about. And, yeah, I know I’m biased when it comes to the captain.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
we all know the real reason for this victory
the ducks just didn’t “want it” all that bad last night. Lucky for us, the Sharks wanted a whole goal extra worth of want!
amen
I DEMAND, more ice time for Torrey
he became my second favorite player after his shorthanded goal in anaheim last year.
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
Was it just me or did the team appear to spend less time chasing the puck around in a fruitless manner as they did in game one and two? Puck luck is what the coach called it. It was my observation that San Jose had it last night, whereas the last two games were sixty minutes of white knuckling their sticks trying to run down a loose rodent in the house.
It was great to see San Jose’s PP get out of first gear and make Anaheim pay for their dirty deeds. I’m talking to you Pronger. San Jose did a good job for the most part neutralizing Anaheim at center ice and taking away much of their space, despite a few giveaways which resulted in tense moments for Nabby, and my sphincter clenching as I jumped off the couch.
I’m looking forward to game four and a Parros-Murray rematch. Go Sharks!
Dirty deeds, thund-er-chief.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on Apr 22, 2009 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s my favorite AC/DC song – nice reference.
Fear The Fin = Anyone who doesn’t like fighting in the NHL can go watch poker on ESPN. [Jamie Baker]
me
hells bells
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Apr 22, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
you mean the bellarmine pep rally theme song?
by a10dency2ask on Apr 22, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
seriously?
that’s what plays before our prune rally. (bellarmine rally)
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Apr 22, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
when I went to Bellarmine
they played hells bells at all the spirit events and stuff, don’t know if they still do
by a10dency2ask on Apr 22, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I only heard it once
and it was at the beginning of a football game
Lucky Signature...
It brings good luck. Don't Question it.
Thank you Sharks!
I loved the effort, the passion and most of all THE GOALS! Cracking the net first was so nice for a change. I nearly hit my head on the ceiling (and I live in an A-frame) on that goal. How about Danny Boyle? He really brought it last night. For a short time in the 3rd period, the Sharks appeared to hesitate a bit in their passing game and didn’t move their feet much which reminded me a lot of the previous two games. But they got in back on and us fans proud. Anaheim is a very good team as they hung with the Sharks. I’ll bet Detroit is loving the fact that they ended up with Columbus.
Thanks again Sharkies, it was fun. Now go do it again for Thursday!
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that.
i was pessimistic
but i never gave up hope
so do i get +5 shame points? :(
Nabby is an enigma
If someone asked me to describe definitive Nabokov performance, I would say that it would involve the following:
1. Letting in a soft goal on the first shot of the game.
2. Within the next 5-10 shots, making at least 1 spectacular save…but also letting in 2
more goals, at least one of them really soft.
3. After the 3rd or 4th goal against, suddenly making like wall, so to speak, and
becoming completely unbeateable for the remainder of the game, making a series of
huge and spectacular saves.
It’s so strange!
I would add to that
his tendency to take my breath away by leaving the crease to retrieve a dumped puck with forecheckers uncomfortably close.
All’s well that ends well though.
and similarly
that weird game he plays where he seemingly waits until the last possible second, when an opposing forward is upon him, to dish out the puck along the boards
by a10dency2ask on Apr 22, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
It's not weird...
It’s strategy. By waiting, he takes the pursuing out of the play for a few seconds, aiding the breakout.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
I thought passing in the neutral zone (and in general) was much better than game 2
I wonder if stats are kept for this, but it seemed like every second or third pass in game 2 was ‘just out of reach’. Often they didn’t end in giveaways, but scrums that could have been avoided.
Passing in game 3 seemed much sharper … that, combined with the return of Speed, made the game for me.
are there
any players left on anaheim who have never scored a playoff goal, or have we accommodated them all?
I think
it was the Sharks plan to go down 0-2 the whole time to catch the Ducks off guard!! Haha
Maybe though?
yea
they lured the ducks into a falso sense of security. now we’re in their heads. it’s all about the metric system
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Apr 22, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
The Sharks are a bunch of hustlers
Cue music…“I’m a hustler baby, I just want you to know…”
by Chicago Shark on Apr 22, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Marleau
I disagree that Marleau was invisible until the his PP tally. I was really, REALLY impressed with his work in front of the net. He screen on at least one of Boyle’s goals. I don’t think he’s injured. I think he just hasn’t sparked much.
As for Nabby, he must find his game if the Sharks are to go anywhere in the playoffs. He’s made some great saves but let in some soft goals. I think he should have had the Pronger goal as well. It wasn’t a rapid pass from Pavs and Nabby should have been able to get set. All three of the Ducks goals were stoppable if he was really on his game.
I thought Clowe played well also. He doesn’t get much attention unless he scores but he checked hard, got to pucks fast, and was quite good at setting up cycles. Michalek was also active, especially near the end of the game, killing the clock by tying up the puck.
Pavs needs to get going. You can tell he’s trying, maybe too hard. He looks like Cheechoo earlier in the season.
I, too, was thrilled Torrey was back but I could see he was rusty. He had some speed but seemed to get winded quickly. Mostly, though, you could tell his timing was off, missing take aways and skating past pucks. All understandable and will only get better with time.
I loved the look on Selanne's face
when he got a taste of a Swedish Meatball. I don’t think he liked it…
Read this this morning
And completely agree with you on Big Joe. He was trying too hard to make the ooh ahh amazing pass.
Shame on me on missing the game live. But I definitely have not abandoned this team.
I vote good luck (I posted my record on FTF in the other gameday thread).
Sharks from the first month
This looked like the team that showed up right out of the gate. I love the team as much as the next guy but have always thought Thornton doesn’t lead like many of the big guns in the league with timely goals, he turns over the puck like a punch drunk rookie and only seems to make the big play after he gets hit. Calgary figured that out last year…wait for him to go behind the net, then pop him! He’s too nice like many of the sharks. Still waiting for Remenda’s “world’s best player” to be the best in one of these games in the playoffs.
Nabokov isn’t cutting it either. I don’t think you can let one 5 hole goal a game and be considered one of the best. Look at what even Boucher does in relief. The sharks are great in the regular season and would be RIDICULOUS if they had a monster goalie like Luongo or even Hiller.
Great to see the majority of the team playing better…I miss Cheechoo in the slot!
Love Murray crushing everyone.
Pavelski has the fabled “grit” and showed it yesterday too!
go sharks
probably a little early
to call Hiller a “monster goalie”
by a10dency2ask on Apr 22, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Monster Physically
I meant these guys seem freakin huge in the net. Nabby seems to spread himself wide to cover space (obviously) but that 5 hole is open and his stick is up over and over! Those monsters like Hiller who is listed as 6’1 180 ( WHAT?) look like they barely have to move to make a play on the puck.
Hiller looks waaaaaaaaaaay bigger than that.
Sharks building into the playoff form
It’s been somewhat frustrating to see such a great team look so mediocre to begin the playoffs while other top contenders look in prime form. However, one can see the team re-building their form with each passing game. We’re consistently playing with a healthy line up and the players are starting to re-discover chemistry with one another. I’m not sold on splitting Marleau and Thornton up, but I Mac hasn’t done much to be questioned this season, so I won’t start now.
Interesting take there
Perhaps the injuries in the second half took their toll, and now we’re re-shaping the first half form?
Better build it quick, then
Look, I’m happy they won game 3, but this isn’t a series yet. It’s a series if they even it up. If they go down 3-1, it’s pretty much over. Even if they push it to 7 games, even if they win in 7. Suppose they win in 7. Then they don’t have any rest with a bunch of players getting over injuries. How’d that work out last year against Dallas?
I haven’t given up on the Sharks, and I don’t enjoy watching them lose, but I’m sick of excuses. Every other top seed has justified their ranking but the Sharks (Presidents Trophy winners!).
I want them to play like everyone on the team not only knows that they can beat the Ducks, but that they will beat the Ducks, and the Ducks have no choice in the matter. This team was capable of that earlier in the season. If they can’t do it now, then it’s all been a waste. No more good losses, no silver linings.
No excuses here
Just commenting on the Sharks’ game as it’s developed in the first three games. As far as it being a series, it’s been a series since Game 1. It may not be the series you envisioned, but it’s absolutely been a battle since the puck dropped in Game 1. There’s no point in talking about resting players after going the distance in a given series, cause we aren’t there yet and while the games are more intense, the work-load as far as games being played over a week is equal to the regular season.
I would disagree that every other top see has justified their position. The Bruins have been excellent, but they’re also playing a bumbling, stumbling Canadiens team without their two best d-man and one of their better wingers in Tanguay. Capitals are in the same position as us, so they’re no different. Devils and Canes are tied at 2-2, where both teams have had good periods and less then stellar periods. In the West the Wings are stomping a team with no playoffs experience and a rookie goalie. The Canucks did a very good job against St. Louis so kudos to them. With all that said, I’d argue the Ducks are as tough an opponent for the Sharks as any other division-winner has faced in the first round. Have the Sharks been great? Game 1 they looked like the same team who limped through March and April. Game 2 looked more focused, but still nervous and edgy, as well as lacking the cohesion they need to be the complete team they were in the regular season. Game 3 they started to play with more cohesion (although not entirely).
It’s important to keep in mind this team has attained what they have this year through balance and depth. They didn’t have that balance and depth for most of the 2nd half and it showed. As they got healthy, they showed signs of the 1st half Sharks through various elements, but the team as a whole wasn’t on the same page. The entire team has no played 5 games since getting their entire compliment healthy (with Clowe and Marleau returning in the Phoenix game). I think every game they’ve re-developed the chemistry that’s so vital for a team that really doesn’t have that one forward who does everything like an Ovechkin or Malkin – yes, I wish Joe and Patty were in this category, but let’s face it, neither of them really is a complete player. We’re getting there and it feels like Game 3 they finally got over the hump as far as being effective enough to win games, even when we aren’t playing to our full potential.
These aren’t excuses, simply observations. The Sharks absolutely need to play much better to go the distance (both in this series and in the playoffs), but if they can continue to grow the way they have over the past 3 games and get through this series with Anaheim, then I truly believe we’ll see the Sharks we know and love.
I don't disagree with you, but....
Every series the Sharks have lost in the last 4 playoffs has been to a lower seeded team, except for Detroit, where we were up by two games before imploding in The Game That Shall Haunt Me Forever. Last year, we talked about how the Flames at #7 were a tough draw, given Iginla and their physical style. We spent so much effort beating them in a tough 7 game series that we had nothing in the tank against Dallas the next round.
Injuries take their toll, sure, and the 2nd half Sharks weren’t dominating like they were at the beginning of the year when they had a full roster. But, as you say, their depth has been their advantage. Where was that depth when they were shut out in game 1? Or the 2 measly goals in game 2? And the poor power play conversion, when we knew that the Ducks would be a physical team? That’s a situation where good playoff teams make the other team pay for undisciplined play.
The point ultimately is that the Sharks had built up a great deal of capital by finishing #1 in the league and seeing a #8 seed in the first round. They’ve squandered that capital. Vancouver and (likely) Detroit will be able to rest and heal up for the next round, while we’re fighting to get back into this series. There’s no margin for error any more.
Was anyone else losing it with the Verus Color Commentator?
After the first two penalties, he said something like:
“This has been a filthy game”
Has this guy ever seen playoff hockey? If he is referring to the penalties, I think he may be crazier than I thought. Clearly Marleau did not mean to high stick Getzlaf, and the other call was holding! Not exactly filthy.
He also said that the defensemen had been “Unmolested”. Perhaps we can scan our vocabulary for a more appropriate word next time.
Later in the game he even questioned the call on Corey Perry that led to the game winner.
“Oh, I’m not sure about that call”
Why not? his stick was parallel to the ice, up on the players hands.
UGH!!!!! I miss Randy and Drew the most!!!
I was watching the game with about 5 other people and we were so busy yelling at the TV and bantering with one another that we didn’t even listen to the announcers. However, I hate Daryl Reaugh with a passion, so it was nails on a chalkboard whenever I picked up anything he was saying.
that's why
I had the game on, and listened to Dan and Bakes. Unfortunately their feed was way behind Versuxxxxxxx, so it was challenging.
The worst part of the Versus announcing was that the play-by-play guy kept going off on tangents instead of calling the game. It wasn’t just during breakouts or loose pucks. There would be a two on one developing or a loose puck in front of a wide open net and he’d be waxing poetic about some Caps playoff game three years ago.
It was like the game was being called by two color commentators at times.
Also, finally registered after lurking for a long time, blah blah.
by strongrobot on Apr 22, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Jamie and Dan to the rescue!
Sure the feeds weren’t always in snyc, but it was fine by me being a few seconds ahead on the radio end. Those two provide great radio coverage every game.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
I have no excuse!
I was watching the game with a DVR, I’m sure I could have synced it up. But then I wouldnt have got to complain about sucky commentators!
I’m really glad that Mitchell is back! He helped give the team a spark. Boyle was amazing as usual. Each game they were playing was getting better so hopefully game 4 will be even more awesome!
fyi I won’t be able to watch the game or be here tomorrow because I’ll be going on an overnight school retreat (boooo)
GOOOO SHAAARKS!
by WhoseYourNabby? on Apr 22, 2009 3:41 PM PDT reply actions
it's weird
no Plihal, Lemeiux, or Shelley
i want me some Plihal
by Brian5517209 on Apr 22, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions
lucky you
fyi I won’t be able to watch the game or be here tomorrow because I’ll be going on an overnight school retreat
you saved yourself the trouble of having your eyes burned out
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Apr 24, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
faster harder
Sharkies are getting their playoff legs – Ducks are old and will wear down – and the crucible forges a champion. All we expect is something resembling justice from the gods of hot goaltenders and crazy bounces, then say hello to round 2!
by DetroiterInNorCal on Apr 22, 2009 7:38 PM PDT reply actions
The Crucible was a good story
Arthur Miller was a damn fine writer
by Brian5517209 on Apr 22, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
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