2010 NHL Playoffs: San Jose defeats Detroit 4-1
by FTF Staff on May 10, 2010 1:00 PM PDT
in 2010 Playoffs
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PrintDispatching Detroit in a stunning five games, San Jose broke into the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. It was the biggest series win in franchise history considering the offseason ramifications that would have surrounded a loss, and effectively shed the choker label that has plagued the organization since the NHL lockout.
All the while against a team that has historically held the Sharks number. Oh how sweet indeed.
Series MVP-- Joe Thornton
Three goals and five assists, none bigger than his performance in game three. A goal in the third period started the Sharks comeback, and his assist on Patrick Marleau's game winning goal was a thing of beauty. These two events essentially put the series on lockdown; coupled with his vicious performance in game five, it would be a travesty not to give him the MVP honors.
Thornton has been criticized for years over his postseason play. Today, he looks right at home.
Forwards
Going into a series with Detroit we realized that Joe Pavelski, as good as he had been throughout the playoffs, couldn't carry the team on his own. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau would have to step up and deliver in order for the Sharks to advance past the second round.
And step up they did.
Whether it was a game winning goal during overtime of game three to give the Sharks a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, or a resounding performance in game five that sealed the first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2004, San Jose's top guns elevated their game when it mattered most, dispelling the previous notions of choke-artistry for the time being. Without Marleau and Thornton the Sharks would likely be gearing up for a game six tonight.
Throughout the series Todd McLellan would routinely skate three lines a night, which put all the more pressure on San Jose's top forwards to produce. The second and third lines were brilliant at times and ineffective in others, routinely trading chances with Pavel Datysuk and Henrik Zetterberg throughout the course of five games. It was the story of the series really-- while both clubs played each other straight up at evens, the Sharks were able to capitalize on their power play chances while the Red Wings could not.
Role players such as Logan Couture, Manny Malhotra, and Torrey Mitchell all provided immense value, and have seemed to elevate their game from what they exhibited during the regular season. Couture scored the game tying goal in game three, Malhotra led a brilliant shorthanded unit to success against a dangerous Detroit power play, and Mitchell has flashed that speed that was missing from 2008. These players have provided the Sharks with offensive depth that has been lacking in previous postseasons, and taken some of the weight off of the big guns to constantly produce.
Head coach Todd McLellan largely ignored the fourth line, giving scant minutes to the likes of Scott Nichol, Jamie McGinn, Jed Ortmeyer, and Dwight Helminen. These players had little impact on the success of San Jose despite being a major factor against Colorado, and against another highly skilled group next round, will probably take on a similar role.
Defense
The biggest question mark for San Jose coming into the playoffs was their defense. Prone to some egregious turnovers and an inability to keep opposing forwards to the outside, the Sharks bled shots all season long and relied on Evgeni Nabokov to bail them out.
In the first eleven games of the 2010 postseason however, the blueline has managed to prove to their detractors, a group that includes both Plank and TCY, that they may have managed to turn it around.
As a whole the team did an excellent job of limiting the amount of chances Detroit had in tight, pushing the talented wingers to the outside of the zone where they would be forced to work the puck into the corners. It was this area, both in the offensive and defensive zone, where San Jose outplayed Detroit throughout the series.
Douglas Murray rebounded from a poor performance against Colorado to bring back his blend of physical and conservative play, making few errors in the neutral zone and punishing the Red Wings with his body. Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Rob Blake handled their assignments fairly well-- although they did get bottled into their own zone more than we would have liked to see in the first four games, their performance in game five was nothing short of superb. Dan Boyle continued to quarterback the power play and be defensively reliable in his own zone. Demers and Huskins both flourished in their limited minutes by playing within their skill sets-- Huskins proving to be reliable defensively, while Demers garnishing the attacking zone with a threat from the point.
All in all it was a good series from the San Jose defense, and one that brings even more confidence to the city as the Western Conference Finals draw near.
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Super good analysis :)
the Sharks have struggled in the zone with their passing and puck handling
That’s something we most definitely have to overcome if we want to make it to, ya know, the place I won’t dare mention. I think their passing has been looking better than it was but the handling at times still makes me so nervous. Nabby man…has been absolutely wonderful for us and he couldn’t make me any happier. So nice to see Marleau and Thornton finally get to where they wanted to be (we all loved the Pavelski Show) but we need the Sharks show…I hope in this next round Heater rises to the Marleau Thornton level.
I can’t wait for the WCF waiting is going to be a pain. :) GO SHARKS!
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
obviously
the conspiracy lies with the scheduling of the eagles. if that didnt happen we would have gotten rest and wiped the floor with you guys. naaaaaah but it really was do or die. what would have happened in the offseason if you guys lost this series?
I blame Glenn Frey
The Hotel California is really hell, and Frey is the devil. It all makes sense now.
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it doesnt matter who we play next
if we go out there with the same mind set, we can move one step closer to the cup
great read btw!
It is unlikely the Sharks will be beneficiaries of such a large opportunity margin during the Western Conference Finals
I dunno. We all said the same thing coming off the Colorado series, and that didn’t end up being the case. We said the same thing heading to The Joe, and that didn’t end up being the case. I think the Sharks are playing super well right now overall, and their hard hitting, and hard work in the corners, and their fast skating, is causing other teams to have to penalize them. If the Sharks continue to skate and work as hard as they have been (and meanwhile being disciplined themselves, as they have been all postseason), they could definately continue to see a healthy pp advantage.
Now, converting on them will be key…and they weren’t too good at that against Detroit. But luckily they have like a week here to work on it. I’m sure they’ll be better next series.
The PK has been outstanding…as we would expect. It’s been awesome all year!
His .886 save percentage is going to raise some red flags, especially because that number was below .900 s% before the nightmarish game four.
I think Nabby has been pretty awesome overall. If you take out Game 4, his overall playoff save percentage was like .922, with a 2.06 GAA. Those are some awesome numbers! He had some ridiculously low numbers coming out of the Colorado series, but I thought he was still pretty darned good in the Detroit series. 3 goals on 23 shots in game 1 wasn’t great…but in games 2 and 3 he shut the door after 3 early goals by the Wings, and was stellar in allowing the Sharks to get back in the game. And, of course, Game 5 was an amazing bounceback from Game 4. I’m not really worried about Nabby right now. He seems really focused and pretty motivated.
This was an awesome series win, and one that is huge for this franchise going forward. No two ways around that! But, the Sharks cannot sit back on their laurels. My only fear is that they built up this series huge, looking at it as THE series to win, because it was the evil second round, and it was the evil Detroit Red Wings. I hope they don’t sit back with a sense of accomplishment. There’s still a long ways to go. Hopefully the lure of being 4 wins away from Round 4 will keep them focused. And McL has been pretty awesome keeping this team on point. I’m sure my slight twinge of fear is misplaced.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
in games 2 and 3 he shut the door after 3 early goals by the Wings, and was stellar in allowing the Sharks to get back in the game.
This is pretty much the reason why I disagree with the assessment of Thornton as series MVP. Nabby was asked to do the most of any Shark on the ice. Our gameplan was to leave the front of his net to the likes of Holmstrom and Franzen, and try and block shots up high. This explains the low save percentage, as any shot that got through would be a screen that Nabokov would have no chance on.
In our own end, Nabokov controlled play, freezing critical pucks during the PK and allowing our PKers to change, and allow us to retrieve the puck through faceoffs, an area we had an edge. Nabby played the way the team needed him to.
For my money, HE is series MVP.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I have no qualms with Thornton being the MVP of the series. He played like a man possessed this series, and definately played a prominant role in the Sharks winning this series so soon.
I just didn’t want Nabby’s accomplishments this series to be dismissed. Numbers don’t tell the whole story always. And I can see the case for him being our series MVP.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
For sure, Jumbo stepped up
I’ve loved his play all playoffs long. What kills me is that while he’s having perhaps his best Spring in Teal, his linemates, Marleau and Heatley, clearly are not 100%.
You have to be lucky to be a round 4 winner. Who is injured when plays a big role in that. I feel like we’re tempting fate a bit having Marleau underperform and Heatley continue to battle injury as we go further into post season waters.
This is a career defining post-season for Joe. For now, he’s clearly on his own out there, and I like the way he’s responded.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Patty and Heater have started looking better. And I think this week off could help get them back. Winning this series in 5 could be pretty key if we want to make a run to round 4.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely
Heatley’s injury dates back to the end of the regular season if memory serves. He still looks like he’s trying, but his passing has been awful. I wonder what his giveaway/takeaway numbers look like.
I can’t decide what Patty’s deal is. There are times out there where he just looks flat. He seems to have little desire to pressure the puck carrier or really take that extra stride to get going. And then, he’ll turn it on. I don’t know if he’s pacing himself or if he’s just doing illicit substances between shifts. He’s had timely goals, but I have yet to see him pull together a consistent effort.
I certainly agree that they are getting better, and I also hope that the week off does them some good. If they get going, Joe’s post-season will only get better.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
second that!
Couldn’t agree more. Game 4 may have been awful, but they were ALL awful. Nabby makes the big stops when it counts.
"Whatever planet he's on, I think everyone wants to get on it with him" - Joe Thornton on Joe Pavelski
"It's a kook fest" - Drew Remenda
"What an idiot" - Craig Rivet
"Al Stalock, his reflexes are so good he can smell a fart before someone even lays one"
by sharkiesgirl on May 10, 2010 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Great write-up!
I was feeling really good about this series going in. I really think the Sharks can do this. (was going to say more, but need to transfer budget to production)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
It was funny after the game reading Wings fans complaining that we only got our game winning goal because of the non call on Murray interference on Franzen. While I agree that was a penalty, that doesn’t make up for the fact that on the game winning goal rafalski blind back passed to Joe Thornton and there wasn’t a Player within about 10 feet of Marleau in front of the net. Also, Stuart and Franzen himself got free no call elbow to the head shots on Murray. You can question the officiating all you want in a series, but the fact remains that if you have the puck more (especially in the corners and behind the net) you are going to draw more penalties than the other team. Just like with the Colorado series I just don’t get the fans logic in how they think that the penalities should be even when their team had the puck far less. It doesn’t work that way. The second period of game 5 is a good example where Detroit dominated the puck and thus, were on the powerplay a good chunk of that period. Also, the more you have the puck down low the tighter the leash is going to become on the defending team. On replays of the penalties in this series, more often than not both ways they weren’t difficult calls. There were a small amount that were questionable, but that is going to fall into human error and the refs positioning. (people forget that we never actually get to see the exact angle a ref calling an infraction is actually seeing). Watching all the series intently, The officiating in this years playoffs have been the best in the post season in years. In years past almost every call would seem like head scratchers where most of this season seem legit more often than not.
the issue with the colorado series was not iffy calls, it was just blatantly missed calls, that was my only issue. i didn’t think the penalties should be even, the sharks should have ahd more powerplays, it was just if you call one team for something, you’d damn well better call the other one for doing the same thing and yes, this happened for both teams.
which is why the refs are meh.
but they always are, and that is no excuse for losing :)
great job to the sharks! if you play the canucks, stomp them please.
maybe an internet pipe froze and burst
mwuahaha
i respectfully disagree
i dont remember ANYONE saying that non call led to the goal, considering there was a faceoff after the hit, which was sadly in our zone. NO ONE said the fault was anyone’s but rafalski’s on that turnover.
Franzen said it
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on May 10, 2010 3:57 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
keywords
are usually used in the sentence.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on May 10, 2010 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Also, Detroit Media is saying it... they're probably fans
It never should have happened. Rafalski never should have had a chance to lose the puck because the previous faceoff shouldn’t have been in the Detroit end.
On the preceding play, Douglas Murray clearly threw an elbow to Johan Franzen’s head from the blind side and after Franzen had passed the puck off. The kind of hit that the NHL made a big deal about wanting to get out of the game. And no call was made. Instead of a power play and a faceoff in the San Jose end, Jimmy Howard(notes) had to make a stop as the Sharks took it back down, then the faceoff in the Wings’ zone and the Rafalski turnover
http://www.detroithockey.net/pressbox/news/2010/05/09/game_five_postgame_notes.php
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
i dont read puck daddy
its like reading youtube comments imo… pointless, retarded people saying bs thats barely reflecting anything definitive
i’vee never even heard of detroithockey.net but that barely counts that guy’s dayjob isnt in journalism he’s a web designer. just a guy with an opinion. speaking of which:
I expect this to be a pretty long and babbling post so let’s just get the sound byte that everyone really wants out of the way early: I was wrong about Douglas Murray’s hit on Johan Franzen.
http://www.detroithockey.net/pressbox/news/2010/05/10/on_franzen_history_youtube_and_babbling.php
That one goes out to whoever was saying “a wing fan will never own up to it” or something like that
I’m probably sounding bitter but it’s not that way at all what’s done is done. By the looks of it we are brothers stemmed in ducks hate :) good luck in the conference finals.
Oh, I certainly agree that the average commentor is retarded on Puck Daddy
Doesn’t change the fact that there are plenty of Wings fans commenting there (along with idiots from 29 other teams… well, 28, I’m not sure Atlanta has fans). Many of which think that that “missed” call was the reason for the loss of that game.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
granted
thats stupid. but, i dont think wings fans commenting on puck daddy constitute the majority of wings fans. and that goes for any franchise. plus, not 100% of the wings fans commenting on puck daddy was spewing that bs. thats all. all i can say, is that the wings fans i know make the wings fanbase the best in my mind, just as you guys have the sharks fanbase as the best. thats fandom for ya. it all draws from what you experience and believe, so everything is subjective.
I guess
I just read that article and I don’t like how he uses the existence of YouTube videos as evidence for his opinions.
just b/c the poster of a video didn’t think a penalty should be called or the majority of videos posted on YouTube under a specific heading don’t show instances of penalties or show the Wings getting run by cheap shots does not imply the Red Wings are innocent of doing those same things or that they take more than they give.
other than that I thought it was a reasonable article.
hell
i didnt even read it till after you commented so now that i did, i took something from it:
“…I posted three things that the Red Wings did wrong that cost them the game… I also criticized the lack of a penalty call for Douglas Murray’s hit on Johan Franzen…one of the emails told me “Quit whining. YOU LOST TO A BETTER TEAM.”
I had three reasons that the Red Wings lost other than that call and the focus is all on perceived whining. Even Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog quoted only my comments on the lack of a penalty, not my thoughts on what Detroit did wrong.
What I find most funny is that I knew that would happen. From Saturday night’s post…
I know, tinfoil hat Red Wings fan means I’m just blaming the refs, despite the four paragraphs before the previous three.
By removing all context from my notes, the Puck Daddy guys created a convenient whining Red Wings fan to fit their needs, which drives offended Sharks fans here to pitch a fit. Those fans have no personal investment in what they write on an opposition team’s site, no need to find the context here, so they can fire and forget.
I guess we call that progress?
just another reason why i don’t read puck daddy… lol… it’s all about selling advertising, tracking trends, corralling demographics, and maximizing traffic.
I believe we embrace that as capitalism.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
by Evilducks on May 10, 2010 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Mickey Redmond said it, and he’s as big of a Wings fan as there is.
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Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 11, 2010 7:01 AM PDT up reply actions
WHY is it a stunning victory?
Serious question here: Is that comment specific to the 5 game nature of the win? If that’s the case, fair enough…but I’m wondering if there was a sense, a foreboding among the fan base about how the team would fare when coming up against the Red Wings or other top dog team in the playoffs.
I’m asking from the perspective of a Wings fan back from the 1992-1996 era, when the dynasty was building up, but kept running into obstacles that we felt like shouldn’t have derailed us, like, uh, Ozolinsh and Jaime Baker in 1994, the damned Devils and their trap in 1995, and the Nordilanche in 1996. It wasn’t until the breakthrough in 1997 that some Wings fans finally felt like they’d shed their baggage.
Your “breakthrough” here, beating the Wings, and rather easily at that, has happened in the 2nd round. Is that enough to declare a new era in Sharks hockey, or does really exorcising the ghosts require the sight of Rob Blake skating around with some shiny bit of 35 pound hardware?
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5 games is the stunner
We definitely believed we could beat you, but to do it in 5 games? Wow. The series was obviously much closer than the 4-1 final tally would claim. That is why this series is a stunner. To win that many close games is a stunner.
In terms of your second question, I do not believe there is a force in hockey that can exorcise demons outside of The Most Holy Grail.
The manner of the Sharks victories thus far DOES indicate this team has made strides, but the reality is, this team has been built to compete for several years now, and has not done so. The “window” is rapidly closing due to age and salary. “The Window” is something I think you and your fellow Wings fan understand. This era will end, and it will ultimately be defined by whether or not we achieve the result we all believe this team is capable of.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Getting to the SCF I think is enough to exercise demons
Yes, winning of course would be the ultimate,. but in the modern era of sports with 30 teams, getting to a championship round and having the opportunity to lay it all out, is the ultimate goal for every team not named the Yankees. The Cup is the most difficult achievement there is. Nobody takes it for granted. If you make it that far and fall short, I don’t think the era is a failure.
But, then again, ask a Senators fan. They were consistently great the middle of the decade, and all they got to show for it was a spanking by the Ducks.
"I was right and you were wrong." - Ray Fosse
There’s too many contributors to the win in this series but I would like to point out the heart and grit of Torrey Mitchell. He was a beast in each game with his limited minutes.
Just my 2 homer cents.
by ilooklikeafat16 on May 10, 2010 2:16 PM PDT reply actions
Yep he was hustling for sure…I am thinking this is the round for a beauty of a goal from him. I listened to Torrey today on The Powerplay…kind of a dumb interview with him (pretty lame questions in my opinion, and I usually enjoy that show when I can catch it). But he seems fired up and ready for either team…..so bring it on!
*******Lets Go Marleau*******
I'm still waiting for Heatley to show up.
Despite scoring 2 playoff goals, it doesn’t seem like Heatley’s elevating his game like the rest of the Sharks. Pavelski, Marleau, and Thornton stole the show in the first 2 rounds and it would be great to see Heatley do the same in the WCF.
I’ll let it slide for now since the Sharks won their series against Colorado and Detroit, but if goal scoring becomes an issue in the WCF, I would suggest to Heatley to take an Alex Smith paycut.
Heater is hurt
Patty has, in no way, stolen the show. Of his 3 goals, one was a garbage time PP goal in a rout on a backup netminder, the second was a tap in on a great feed from Joe, which he got because he skated hard, and the third was a rocket snipe from a great feed by Joe. Defensively, he’s logged some big PK minutes, but overall, he’s gliding a lot on the ice. He’s done very little in terms of puck pressure and turnovers.
Heatley, prior to this post season, in which he’s playing hurt, has been a point per game player. He’s not been good, but he’s not the problem yet.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Actually, he missed a game.
11 points in 10 games – that’s more points per game than anyone else on the team that’s not name The Big Pavelski.
What would it take for you to consider him a factor in this playoffs? Three points per game?
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
That’s a good point. Just because he isn’t the one scoring all the goals doesn’t mean he has not been a factor.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Just because he isn’t the one scoring all the goals doesn’t mean he has not been a factor.
I’m rewatching the game highlights on NHL.com to find an example of scoring chances off Heatley’s shots – case in point – Joe Thornton’s game winner in Game 2 off that 3-on-2 rush after Lidstrom broke his stick. Funny how it felt like so long ago already…
"If you're going to start talking about Joe Thornton then watch the freaking games because the guy has been an absolute dominant player in this series." - Drew Remenda
- Joe Thornton, 2nd Round: 3G, 5A
I think he has been good. Maybe his shots aren’t hitting the twine, but I don’t think it’s for lack of effort. He’s been putting the puck on the net, generating chances, and a lot of good scoring opportunities have come after he’s shot the puck. Don’t sell him short just yet.
"If you're going to start talking about Joe Thornton then watch the freaking games because the guy has been an absolute dominant player in this series." - Drew Remenda
- Joe Thornton, 2nd Round: 3G, 5A
Huge reason why Thornton can go to the net or have as many chances as he’s been having every night – pretty much why he’s been having the post season he’s having is because Heatley is doing what people like Michalek and Cheechoo couldn’t do in previous post seasons, and that is play hockey.
Who would have thought Heatley would lead the team in assists after two rounds? He’s tied for 5th in the league in assists. That’s just crazy.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
One of the most underrated parts of Heatley’s game is his passing. I was shocked when he came over how crisp and on point his passes can be when he’s setting someone up.
I don’t think Heatley’s been as good as he can be…but he has by no means been invisible.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree. He’s the 2nd best passer on the team.
Look no further than Marleau’s regular season goal numbers.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Eh probably just his injury, no big deal (yet).
But what I am noticing is that he gets pushed off the puck too easily and once he loses it, he doesn’t really fight to get it back. That’s my main issue with Heatley: how much does he want it?
And you’re right. 11 points in 10gp is pretty good in the playoffs. But once Heatley starts showing more tenacity like Thornton is now doing, I think he could have 22 points in 10 gp. Heatley has done a solid job on the score sheet. I just think that he’s capable of much, much more.
by U Guys R Good on May 10, 2010 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I think he could have 22 points in 10 gp.
That would be a nearly record setting pace of scoring. I don’t think you can reasonably expect that from anyone…
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Is it just me
Or has Vlasic become a hitting machine? At least once a game it seemed like he forced a guy outside and then rubbed him out against the boards. Also, he’s become adept at drawing the forechecker in and then shielding them away from the puck as he wins it behind the goal line and turns it the other way on the breakout.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
It's not just you
He’s been doing a damn good job as of late. Whenever I see it, I have to double take it that it wasn’t someone else, but nope, it’s unsuspecting Vlasic.
"If you're going to start talking about Joe Thornton then watch the freaking games because the guy has been an absolute dominant player in this series." - Drew Remenda
- Joe Thornton, 2nd Round: 3G, 5A
He's definitely
showing an edge we haven’t seen from him before.
"Whatever planet he's on, I think everyone wants to get on it with him" - Joe Thornton on Joe Pavelski
"It's a kook fest" - Drew Remenda
"What an idiot" - Craig Rivet
"Al Stalock, his reflexes are so good he can smell a fart before someone even lays one"
by sharkiesgirl on May 10, 2010 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd think so.
Tmac seemed to indicate the reason for dressing seven in game 5 was about the matchup on the Wings super line they threw out at times.
I think it’s gonna be a call between speed or defensive stability… IMO.
If Wallin can shut down guys it might help but I worry about his lack of speed. I can see Kane just making Wallin look like a pylon in thevD zone though…
by skilletboy on May 10, 2010 3:35 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Chicago has a lot of similarities to Detroit
Puck Possession teams with lots of speed, and a few big bodies that park themselves in the crease. Lots of offensive Blueliners who will jump into the play.
Vlasic is going to be the linchpin of the D this series. He’s going to be relied on to shut down Kane, possibly Toews, although I figure Boyle will see the majority of time against him.
7 D would help to eat up some minutes and prevent anyone from being overplayed.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I'm not counting out Vancouver just yet
That team can score, and as well as Niemi has been, he was pretty shaky down the stretch run. If Vancouver scores first tomorrow night at home, and Luongo plays like he did last night, it’s going back to United Center. Game 7, anything’s possible.
"I was right and you were wrong." - Ray Fosse
Vancouver needs
Niemi to have 2 bad nights and Luongo to have good nights. It’s true that anything is possible, but that sequence of events seems very unlikely at this point.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Agreed
The adage is always that anything is possible, but it’s important to temper that with what is realistically plausible.
That said, I’m rootin’ for Vancouver I think, but I’m not really sold on one being better than the other for us in the long run. Anyone who makes the WCF is a formidable foe indeed.
Luckily, what we know so far is: that means the Sharks are, too.
'The good news is, there's a little more room in the penalty box; there's only five Sharks in there now.' -- Randy Hahn, VAN @ SJS 8 April 2010
Niemi to have 2 bad nights
Bad for him? Because him being normal is pretty bad already…
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Exactly
I’m not sure I agree with those ingredients for Vancouver success being so farfetched. Niemi is a rookie who started the year as a backup and has definitely benefited from the team in front of him scoring lots of goals. Luongo is a veteran (even though he has playoff baggage) who is fresh off of stonewalling his way to an Olympic gold, and he also has the benefit of the highest scoring team in the league in front of him. I like Vancouver’s chances over Chicago’s if it comes solely down to goaltending (which it won’t). Fact is, Niemi is a decidedly average goaltender who was the better option over Huet. He’s managed to put up a few good games, but he’s no Luongo.
Of course, this could all be irrelevant if Chicago wins tomorrow.
by Chicago Shark on May 10, 2010 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
You're probably right in your assessment of Niemi
But also, Chicago has at least 3 lines that can legitimately score night in and night out consistently. Vancouver has one. Also, Vancouver’s D are banged up, and Chicago’s are inconsistent, but when they’re on, they’ll only let Niemi face 16 shots a night.
Vancouver CAN do it, but Chicago has to consistently crap the bed for the next 2 games.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I agree...
Vancouver hasn’t played their best yet so there is room for improvement still. They win tomorrow and it’s a toss up in my opinion.
by skilletboy on May 10, 2010 4:51 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Awesome article, as usual.
The one thing that worries me about the Sharks is that Detroit scored the first goal in four straight games. It’s good that we can come back from deficits but we need to start scoring first.
by In Bust we Trust on May 10, 2010 5:15 PM PDT reply actions
In case anyone gives a shit about the Bos-Philly matchup and our former backup goalie...
Boucher left the game early in 2nd period with an apparent knee injury. Some AHL guy is in net. I think Boston fans will get to see a handshake line tonight :|
they’re about half-way through 2nd period now.
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
hehe, yeah he was kinda’ the waterboy, wasn’t he
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
The “waterboy” comment comes because his name is Brian Boucher, which sounds a lot like Bobby Boucher, aka the Waterboy in the Adam Sandler movie “The Waterboy.”
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
oh my bad.
I actually thought he was like our waterboy.
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I posted about that in the other frontpage thread. Sad times, he was playing so well!
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah I was actually kinda’ proud of him.
Philly’s f*cked now, if ya ask me.
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah, apparently Leighton is healthy and back. He was pretty solid before getting injured himself, and Boosh took over.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
oh cool. I must profess my ignorance of that Flyers team in general, other than Bouche and a handful of guys
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Leighton (the goalie) has decent stats.
I know nothing about him though and have never seen him play (including now).
Drew: Fill in the blank: "When I'm on the ice with Douglas Murray, I..."
Nabby: Poop yourself.
Leighton?
He played for them in the Winter Classic and was one of the hotter goalies until he got injured.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on May 10, 2010 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Aw it kills me I have class through the third period.
c’mon habs!
Drew: Fill in the blank: "When I'm on the ice with Douglas Murray, I..."
Nabby: Poop yourself.
Yeah I’m pulling for the Habs, or at least for this series to go to G7
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Indeed. Great game…we should probably talk about this kind of stuff in the fanpost about The Other Games that SwisherThresher has up (its a day outdated, but still works). Save this one for posting about the series review.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 10, 2010 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow and Cammalleri got both Mtl goals, he's overtaken Pavs's lead in PO-goals
by JenLovesHockey on May 10, 2010 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Camalleri is apparently some sort of playoff goal producing machine.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
We are discussing that game
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
For those of us who were at the Game on Saturday
Enjoy Randy and Drew one last time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vldtz0lMzg
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
congratulations on beating the red wings.
and hopefully you get a chance to play for the stanley cup.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. I was building a house, I don't deserve this, deserves have nothing to do with it. Bang. "Unforgiven" I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! "There Will BE Blood". Hell is just a word, the reality is much much worse." Event Horizon". Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean, I mean plumb, mad dog mean. cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live or win. That's just the way it is. "The Outlaw Josey Wales". "And that's just what these hustlers look for. They cruise from casino to casino looking for weak dealers the way lions look for weak antelope". Ace Rothstein, The Movie "Casino" 1995.
by wolfmanshowlforever on May 11, 2010 4:14 PM PDT reply actions
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