On the Edge of Death
by Ivano M on May 21, 2010 10:49 PM PDT
in 2010 Playoffs
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Most Sharks fans remember where they were sitting the moment Branden Morrow scored the goal to end the Sharks season in the 4th overtime of Game 6 against the Stars two years ago. In the same way, we may remember where we were when the overtime of Game 3 of this series against the Blackhawks ended.
Before the the shock of that moment, there was the game, and it really could have ended differently.
San Jose Sharks arrived to Chicago well aware of the dangerous situation they put themselves in due to the previous two games. "I think it's probably a ‘must win' game for both teams," Joe Thornton said. "They win, they get a stranglehold on the series. We win, we're back in the series."
This mindset translated into how the Sharks started the game. There was no waiting to get chances on a counter attack, there was no trying to put up any storms. The Sharks began the game with as much urgency as we have ever seen in this post season and they did earn the first power play of the night as a result of the interference on the goalie penalty taken by David Bolland, as he ran into Nabokov while driving the net.
Power play has been one of the brighter spots for the Sharks in this series, and it seemed to have worked early on again, as Pavelski put the puck past Niemi. But the referees decided to review the goal, and after watching the replays concluded that the puck went into the net off Pavelski's skate and he did not touch it with his stick before it went in. The video replay confirmed the call on the ice.
Both teams traded chances for the remainder of the first period, but both goaltenders were playing at their best and the score remained tied at 0-0 going into the second.
The next period started in the similar fashion - the Sharks coming right out of the gate and keeping the puck in the Blackhawks' zone for the first couple of minutes of the game. While the Blackhawks again withstood the pressure, they could not keep themselves out of the penalty box, and this time the Sharks earned a 90-second 5-on-3 power play opportunity, as Bolland and Hossa were sent to the penalty box. The Sharks had two faceoffs during that period, and won both, keeping the puck in the zone and passing the puck to open shooters. Just when it started to seem like the Sharks were making too many passes and taking too few shots, Patrick Marleau emerged in front of the net, and put the puck in the top corner above Niemi's glove.
Chicago decided to take over the game before San Jose put another goal on the board, and this time it was Logan Couture with a slashing penalty in the offensive zone that put them on a power play. A minute later, it was another brilliant moment for emerging super-star Jonathan Toews, as he passed the puck past several players in front of Nabokov and created an open net opportunity for Patrick Sharp, who didn't waste it. That play made me wonder how the history of hockey might have been different today, had St Louis Blues not taken Erik Johnson or Pittsburgh Penguins not selected Jordan Staal in front of Toews in the 2006 NHL Draft. But the history is what it is, and the Sharks no longer had the lead.
From then on, both teams wasted no time with the puck in the neutral zone, and the game turned into one of the more entertaining hockey games we have seen all season. The goalies had to shine to keep the score from getting ugly, and once again, as good as Neimi was in his zone, so was Evgeni Nabokov.
As the game went into the third period, the Sharks continued to dominate the shot count, as the Blackhawks continued to take penalties. However, their penalty kill was up to the task, and while the shots by the Sharks kept coming, many of them came from the blue line and were blocked before they even got to the net.
As the Blackhawks killed off three penalties in a row, the Sharks continued to put the pressure on the net. On a standard play that the Sharks do multiple times every period, the puck was in Chicago's zone and was dropped back to the point for Dan Boyle. Seeing an opportunity to shoot at the net, Boyle released it, but it went straight into Toews (who else?), who not only blocked it, but sent it towards Bolland who took off with the puck on a 1-on-1 date with Nabokov. The Russian netminder tried to guess what Bolland was doing, but he was left with no chance, and Chicago took their first lead of the game, 2-1, with less than 7 minutes remaining in the game.
Once again, that goal did not frustrate the Sharks, but instead re-energized them. Just two minutes later, it was again Patrick Marleau with the goal, as he put one past Niemi after a rebound on a shot by Dany Heatley as the Sharks were swarming around Chicago's net. The goal became the first pure 5-on-5 goal for the Sharks during this whole series. All previous goals were scored on a power play, with the exception of the one non-power play goal in Game 2 that was scored on a delayed penalty.
There was no stopping to the madness, as the clock expired and the game went into overtime. When the play resumed, both teams continued to play fast paced hockey. The best chance for the Sharks came on a play by an unexpected character, as Kent Huskins broke into the zone and with his shot, he came within inches of becoming a hero.
But the hopes of the Sharks to earn their first win came to an end on one of the ugliest defensive breakdowns I have ever seen. The Blackhawks were passing the puck along the boards in the Sharks zone, and for a split second, Dany Heatley got lost and apparently became unsure who he was covering, but that split moment was enough for Dustin Byfuglien sneak past Heatley and end the game with a perfect one-timer into top corner.
If this picture below is not one of the worst defensive mistakes ever made by an NHL forward, I don't know what else is.
With his back towards the open slot, not picking up anyone else, and completely unaware of what's happening behind him, Dany Heatley's mental error put the Sharks on the brink of elimination, as the Blackhawks now lead the series 3-0.
Not everything is lost, and the season is not yet over. But the pain and the shock is such that it feels otherwise.
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I don’t think we’ve been outplayed in the series, but we are getting beaten. It’s frustrating that the ice is clearly tilted toward the Blackhawks, much like it was tilted in our favor against Detroit.
Yes, that Heatley “coverage” was atrocious, but Nabby’s not even close to ready for a shot. It looks like he and Heatley are staring at each other in the screen cap.
The Sharks proved that they have a transition game tonight, so it’s only a matter of time before they get rolling. They CAN come back, so we’ll see who shows up to Sunday’s game.
Go Sharks!
"It's a lumberjack convention out there." Drew Remenda 3/4/10
Jon Casey fan since '84
Founder of Feel the Teal.
Sorry
forgot to mention – Nice recap, Ivano.
"It's a lumberjack convention out there." Drew Remenda 3/4/10
Jon Casey fan since '84
Founder of Feel the Teal.
Don’t know if Nabby was ready or not, but look at the picture. Buff is shooting a one-timer, in the top corner, from about three yards out.
Is there an NHL goalie that catches that?
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
its frustrating.
the work ethic is there. Its just Hiller/Niemi bailed out their teams when they screwed up . While Nabby couldn’t.
Our offense has been shut down. It’s beyond my understanding.
One 5-on-5 goal in three games.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Doesn’t Patty have 2 ES goals, one last night and one in game 2?
Take my bags, not my top 3 pick!
"Winning is not enough. All others must lose." - Larry Ellison
by Badly Browned on May 22, 2010 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions
The one in Game 2 was on a delayed penalty, so it was 6 on 5.
by In Bust we Trust on May 22, 2010 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Not outplayed?
The Sharks have outscored the Hawks in exactly one period in three games. The Sharks haven’t had the lead hardly at all in this series. They are down three games to zero.
They skate circles around our very slow defense and seem to turn it on whenever they like. The few times we had the lead, they come right back down the ice and score.
We do not match up at all with this team.
Caught watching....
Good recap….
Seems like the fellas got caught watching the action behind the net and forgot to cover the slot….real tough mistake to swallow….
Are we getting enough guys in front of the net to block their net minders vision….and I also wonder about the shots they are taking. Whether it is the radio broadcast tonight or the television crew, comments seemed to indicate that the Sharks should be shooting the puck high.
Regardless, this in no way feels like the Anaheim series from last year and expect these guys to come out Sunday and take game 4 and send it to a game 5. The Blackhawks seem to be better, but just by inches…and those can turn the other way.
what i dont get is
how come it seems like our opponents don’t struggle like we do to get shots on net through traffic. like Beauchemin’s gm 6 goal last year seemed to weave in and out of players and curve right into the top corner.
Grass is greener syndrom
We’re more critical of our team, we notice more when things go badly for us and we dwell on it. There are many things that have gone amazing for us this post season as well and those all fade away when compared to the bad moments.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I think I’m bout as depressed as I can be. Even more so then after the result of last year.
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's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
Yea this is not going the way I thought this series would go at all….I thought it would be tight but I didn’t think we’d lose three straight and I didn’t think we’d have such a hard time scoring. I am hoping for a win on Sunday…strong play from everyone and lots of goals. But yea…sad sad too. :(
*******Lets Go Marleau*******
Can't be depressed...
Got past the first round…Check
Beat the Wings…. Check
Bruins are owners of the worlds biggest phase that shant be uttered…Check
The Sharks are doing really well these playoffs
Cheech...WHO?
by JumboHeatedPatty on May 22, 2010 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah same
i think possibly the tuck rule game may be the only sporting event i’ve ever been more upset about than last night… this is coming from an A’s, Cal football, Sharks, Warriors, Raiders, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears fan (born and grew up in Chicago)
Perhaps you have blocked this from your memory
A victory would have resulted in a #1 ranking, but what happens? A mistake that would get you benched in high school.
Joe Starkey’s call was “game over bears lose” in the most lifeless monotone voice I have ever heard him use, but as only Starkey can, it expressed sooooo much.
yes
however, i was busy and had a winter formal to go to so my mind was on other things. It was still painful as hell. If not for the winter formal I would have been sitting in the canyon probably sobbing my eyes out on the back of the man sitting in front of me
For the sake of accuracy
Chicago killed three penalties in a row in the third, and the shot went off Toews to Bolland for the goal (hence why he was credited with an assist). Good recap though :)
I read half of it
But then I couldn’t make out the words anymore through the tears.
Holy crap, it’s been like 4 hours… MAKE THE HURTING STOP!!
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Very hard to watch, but..
it’s never over until the final buzzer of a 4th loss. Go Sharks.
Go Sharks!
Sharks will come back and take the series!
I hope! 1 game at a time!
Ty =) I take the Canadiens vs Boston
They won 4 straight.
Patty’s stepped it up big time and the only offense pretty much for the Sharks. Heatley hasn’t been 100% and I think the injury will come out later.
No matter what on Sunday, the Sharks are going back to San Jose on Sunday. Lets hope that they bring the Blackhawks with them.
Philly came back against Boston.
As is mentioned later in the thread.
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 22, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
thx for the recap ivano :)
i felt like we looked miles better tonight than tuesday.. but still just not quite good enough.. feels like we’re starting to get under bolland’s skin. and patty’s on fire lately too. but .. i dunno i guess we’ll see what happens on sunday. hopefully they give us a great game.
Can't sleep.
The loss is on my mind.
I’ve too many thoughts going through my head.
But good recap, Ivano.
Hope “Precious” didn’t make you cry haha.
Ugh. All the Sharks should, can do is just take it one game at a time.
All we as fans can do, is try to pretend we have amnesia and forget stats.
Anything else is heartache, so I’m just going with blind faith every game and live for a game at a time from here now on.
They could’ve won this sigh
Oh well.
It’s do or die on sunday.
Go Sharks.
P.S. anyone who blames Nabby is… ugh!
He had a good game tonight.
Just… blah.
Dire Straits
not that the band has anything to do with our loss but…
We are in a hole.
Chicago is a formidable opponent.
Danny Heatley isn’t as special (or DFH amazing) as I once thought.
Marleau should be resigned to one of those 10 year 40 mil contracts we’ve seen as of late.
Next game might be the last time we see Nabokov in net.
Why can’t we finish?
JT has guts.
We are in a hole.
Nabby played well but I can’t help but feel nervous during routine saves (especially from sharp angles). He is getting out played again. The edge I thought we had in goal never came to fruition, but Nemi is on fire! He makes saves with the consistency that I wish Nabby had.
I still have hope. I’m doubtful but there’s always a chance.
Good recap.
Go Sharks.
by mannythebenevolent on May 22, 2010 2:24 AM PDT reply actions
Heatley’s still pretty damn special. He’s just obviously injured so he can’t move as well which is why I’m baffled that McLellan is playing him so much.
by In Bust we Trust on May 22, 2010 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
I definitely think he still has a lingering injury, but the guy is still giving everything he has. Plus, I don’t think his season should or can be judged by one mistake.
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 22, 2010 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Marleau
if you could get him to take a contract at a 4 MM cap hit, you’d be doing splendidly. It’d probably have to be more like 10-55.
exactly what I was thinking
the guy is a weapon. 10-55 sounds about right.
Niemi is the difference
As Copper n Blue pointed out, and I’m sure this game will prove the same, the scoring chances have been pretty even. Even though 5v5 is being carried by the Hawks on the most part, the hard work of the Sharks is generating more PP. So I see the Hawks 5v5 chances getting washed out by the Sharks numerous PP chances. As the series preview stated, these teams are very evenly matched, so special teams and goaltending are likely the difference.
The Sharks are 3-12 (4-13 if you count delayed penalty) on the PP, while the Hawks are 2-6. 25% or 31% whichever way you look at it is pretty decent against the great Hawks PK. Maybe you could nitpick here and say those goals lack “clutchness” (3 PP in the 3rd period=no goals /frustrating) but I wouldn’t.
The difference is Nabokov. Although Nabokov hasn’t played poorly, he was the consensus difference favoring the Sharks. No matter the way it’s spun he has been the 2nd best goalie and that is why the Sharks are down 3-0.
As for the Buff goal
Sure Nabokov probably couldn’t have made a clean save since it was too bang bang, but I think that play is illustrative of the difference in ’tender play throughout this series.
My anecdotal observations say Niemi is tracking the puck much better than Nabokov and is in better position for most Shark chances. Nabokov is making many fantastic saves but he seems less settled than Niemi. I see more frantic searches and flopping to save the puck. Though I will say, Niemi is getting bailed out by our excellent D-men shoveling away his numerous rebounds. The last goal was lightning quick, but say Nabokov at least follows the pass perhaps he can grab a piece of it instead of cleanly gloving it.
Maybe this is a function of where shots are coming from (Sharks — shots from the outside=routine saves) but it’s weird to observe the rookie outplaying the better skilled veteran
"tracking the puck"
That’s my point. It almost looked like a repeat of the “own goal” situation where Nabby, by his own admission, was focused not on the actual puck, but on the skater and on where the puck should have been going.
He clearly didn’t even see the pass to the front of the net and if he’s focused on tracking the puck, he should have. Again, he made not have made a clean save on that, but if he at least knew where the puck was when he belatedly turned around, he would have had a better shot at deflecting it.
That being said, he had a hell of a game and it was a major defensive breakdown so it’s not Nabby’s “fault”.
by luvsthebigcurve on May 22, 2010 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions
"he *may* not have made a clean save"
Oops. Also, Dougie should have had a stick down anticipating the pass to the front at least. Do something.
by luvsthebigcurve on May 22, 2010 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Shots on passes from behind the net to the front of the net are one of the most difficult for the goalie to stop because it’s not only difficult to track the puck but it’s also impossible to get into proper positioning.
In Butt Fuckers goal, I think the best chance Nabby had of stopping the puck was to explode out from covering the side of the net into a butterfly at the top of his crease and hope for the best.
This is paratially on Nabby because he did make a mental error in thinking that Nichol was going to win the battle of the puck against Bolland, and hence, his relaxed positioning. You can tell he definitely wasn’t thinking that Bolland was going to pass it up front to Butt Ugly, but he may not have been aware of Butt Fucker because he skates in from near the blue line to the hash marks.
It’s just blown defensive coverage. Heater should have his winger, but Murray must be the third man in on Bolland and Nichol. And if not, at least blocking the pass from being made. This goal is on Murray, Heater, and marginally on Nabokov.
But in some ways this goal isn’t all that surprising because the Sharks have had a lot of difficulty clearing the puck out of their zone in this series.
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
Joe Pavelski: Real- American Mojo
by Will Bulldozer on May 22, 2010 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
butt fuckers?
never heard that one before…
Even though it looks like this ship is going down, I, for one, will be going down with the ship as I hope all of you are. No jumping off the wagon, no trashing the team yet. Go Sharks.
Yes, I will concede that Scotty Nichol is a little puke. But now he's our little puke.
"Finally, a hooking penalty! I've been waiting for this all year. Don't do it Drew. Have to-- he just got called for being a hooker."--Drew Remenda
Not sure it was Heater's fault
I know it looks like Heater should have covered Buff, but his check should be the defenseman at the point. It’s a 2-on-3 down load with Boyle, Murray and Nichol covering 2 Hawks. Boyle’s check is the guy out of shot, towards the corner. Nichol is on Bolland. Murray is guarding air. He’s off the post, and doesn’t have his stick in the lane to the danger zone – the slot. Neither Nabokov nor Murray cut the pass up the middle. Buff got lucky with his timing and put away a good shot. If the pass is earlier, he’s higher up, Nabby has a better chance to challenge and react. If the pass is later, he could end up in too tight and unable to lift it over Nabby.
Hobbling Heater, bless his heart...
but at this stage…in the defensive zone…brutally injured oysters react faster than Dany Heatley.
by ToddMclellan'shair on May 22, 2010 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Danny Heatley.....
WTF….. last game too…. WTF!?! Sure he is injured, but if he is only effective in the offensive zone (which he hasn’t) then once the puck moves to our end he really should get off the ice. Watching him out there is painful. It’s like our sniper lost an eye…the only he looks down the scope with.
Game 4…there will be blood…blackhawk blood.
Cheech...WHO?
by JumboHeatedPatty on May 22, 2010 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I like Dany Heately, a lot. That OT goal was on McLellan. Heater had no business being out there on the ice. He looked as stiff as an ol’ time rodeo cowboy.
by ToddMclellan'shair on May 22, 2010 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions
yep, Heater shouldn’t play when he still looks injured. We should never play guys that are injured, it only makes it worse. I get that he wanted to play, and that’s real nice and all, but fuck it.
by JenLovesHockey on May 22, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m amazed everyone is giving Nabby such a pass on that play. He completely missed the puck coming out. Barely saw it before it was in. He could easily have blocked the pass.
I played goal for 25 years – He should have seen it. He should have reacted better. He could have blocked the pass.
by psantangeli on May 22, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Nabby should've been in a butterfly at the top of his crease by the time the puck was shot
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
Joe Pavelski: Real- American Mojo
by Will Bulldozer on May 22, 2010 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed. Murray must block the pass from being made
That puck was like 6 inches from being intercepted by Murray’s skate.
Nabby should’ve anticipated a puck being passed out to the slot. He shouldn’t have assumed that Nichol would’ve won the race for the puck. He needs to be more ready so that he can get into the butterfly and have any chance at stopping that puck.
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
Joe Pavelski: Real- American Mojo
by Will Bulldozer on May 22, 2010 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure I agree with that. I think the only possible play I think was to intercept/deflect the pass coming out.
Doesn’t really matter though – the real problem was that he simply didn’t see it.
by psantangeli on May 22, 2010 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
one of Murray or Nabby should’ve deflected the pass from being made. I think both of them didn’t anticipate Butt Ugly getting into the slot and Nichol losing the race for the puck.
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
Joe Pavelski: Real- American Mojo
by Will Bulldozer on May 22, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Great recap of a heartbreaker.
For sure, it’s not over though. They can win on Sunday and then we’ll go from there.
by luvsthebigcurve on May 22, 2010 8:12 AM PDT reply actions
"Chicago is good, but by inches…"
Thank you to the person who wrote that in the last thread. (TWSS)
I still think the Sharks have what it takes to win. This is a fucking good team. We had George Patton quotes before, so now, how about a Zen “empty your mind 3-0” quote for the Sharks- “Flowers fall when we cling to them, and weeds only grow when we dislike them.”
by ToddMclellan'shair on May 22, 2010 8:33 AM PDT reply actions
a couple things
yea, you can put the blame heatley for the blown coverage because from that picture it look pretty damn obvious, but if the sharks had capitilized on their chances in regulation, especially on the multiple PPs in the 3rd, then that probably would’ve never happened.
that being said, it’s still NOT over. teams have come back from 3-0 deficits. and it starts with game 4, just win that and let’s go back to the shark tank for 1 more game.
MeThinksSports hasn't been updated since 2009...i think...
because from that picture it look pretty damn obvious
No, closest guy to the play doesn’t mean he has coverage. Buf was one of the D-mens responsibility when the center is down low like that. If anything Heatley shouldn’t even be in the picture because he should be closer to the Hawks left D man…
The refs were all for the sharks too. That was the game to win. The all time Hawks hater ref Moustachio was calling the game and still couldn’t capitalize.
Couldn't sleep last night, except for maybe a couple hours, but there was a nightmare in there, involving last night's game of course.
I can’t help but feel worse than last year after them Ducks took us out first round. When we got McClellan, and then the Presidents Trophy, it was like, “yay we’re this good! uh yeah, aren’t we this good?” A quick 6-game smack to the head took care of that quick. It was horrible, and I still shudder and shake my fist at the thought of that series.
But I guess, this time, our hopes were elevated far more than they were last year, at least for some of us. I’m hoping we can pull a Philly; I’m hoping for the entire Hawks team to get food poisoning, or just something non-fatal but detrimental; and I’m hoping for Sharks fans everywhere to hold their chins up and not give up just yet.
No matter what, though, we can’t boo our own team. I’m pissed that “fans” at the tank booed at the end of game 2. How the fuck do you think our guys feel about themselves to hear their own fans booing them? Do these people realize that any extra destructive criticism than they already face isn’t going to help?
If / when we win game 4 tomorrow, and take it to the tank on Tuesday, if I hear one fan booing our guys, I’m going to personally get in their face and give ‘em a little lesson on life (oh and trust me, I’ll do that kind of thing, no problem).
I know Boston isn’t half the team that Chicago is, but Philly was able to pull a monumental upset, and it probably helped that their fans never gave up in that series. Yes, Bs ain’t no Hawks, but we’re the fucking Sharks! This is an amazing, talented team we have. Fucking Philly ain’t shit!
Talent isn’t being questioned when it comes to our team. It’s grit and spirit. Have our guys lost their spirit? Can we break Chicago’s spirit? We’ll just have to wait and see, and somehow go on with our lives in the meantime. I haven’t been this excited about the Sharks in years as I have this season. Not giving up yet, no matter how this series turns out.
by JenLovesHockey on May 22, 2010 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
obviously opposed...
But this post right here actually made me smile. Obviously I don’t approve of the ‘Hawks food-poisoning hopes, but I do really like your attitude on your team. The "We’re the fucking sharks" really got me. Rec’d for your diehard faith.
Sometimes, you just wanna choke a motherf*cker
I appreciate your very kind response. Not that I want the Hawks to suffer a debilitating & unfortunate course of events any less than I did yesterday(!), but still, thank you :)
Love the Sharks – this year’s team more than ever – and never felt so inspired by them as I have this season~
by JenLovesHockey on May 23, 2010 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions
rec'd
for the booing part. UC has had spasms of booing this year too- Huey, Niemi, Campbell, the power play. It’s unbelievable.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
Yeah, I was a little torn about the Sharks earning a fifth game. If they lost game 5 at home, what would the reaction be? They deserve a hell of a cheer, but there is obviously some disappointment in the locker room, as well as in the stands. Too much bitterness from the “Finatics”, though. It’s not like the players are easing off and letting the Blackhawks win because they don’t care enough about the fans or something. Are we going to update the old website tag line — “Fear the Fin — Where the third round is overrated”?
Yeah, I was thinking about that today. I still maintain the hope/belief that the Sharks can win one (or preferably 4) against the Hawks, but say they do win the next one but then oopsie on game 5?
There have been a couple episodes of spotty playing, but overall they’ve been rocking. I don’t know who said it (and I’m too lazy to go find it) but someone stated that the Hawks were only playing better by inches.
This is true for all elite level athletes during competition, but these are some of the smallest inches I’ve seen in a while.
And so I’d almost rather see them be swept than to hear one fan boo their overall fantastic play at the tank after game 5 or 6.
But I’m still holding out for a game 7.
I agree – the Hawks have only been {this} much better…
In the playoffs, though, that’s often all that counts. That’s how it was for the Wings game 7 against Pittsburgh in the Cup Finals last year. Just {this} much better sucks for the losing team, but it is what it is. I’m hoping for a game 7, too. That’s all I could hope for now…
by JenLovesHockey on May 23, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
It still ain't over yet....
We could come back 3-0 just like the Canadiens did to the bruins. I know it’s very unlikely, but hey a brother can dream right? x.x
"SAN DIEGO SUPER CHOKERS!!"- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LfVfsUGFOc
-Lets bring home da Cup Baby GOOOO SHARKS!!!!
Uhm… Actually it was the Flyers that did that to the Bruins.
by psantangeli on May 22, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
The Habs were down only 3-1 to the Caps
Get off my Land!
ART.I§8-11; AM I-XXVII
James Madison is my Hero!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on May 22, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Win or lose, this makes my post season choices much clearer
Given a choice between trying to keep Marleau and trying to keep Nabby, it’s pretty clear what to do.
I posted this earlier, but it bears repeating in this context.
A Stanley cup winning goalie has to make all the saves he is SUPPOSED to make, and one or two per period that you can not reasonably expect him to make. Last night and game 1 he came closest to that goal, but he still isn’t doing as well as Niemi.
As crazy as it seems, the difference between a good/great goalie and a cup winning goalie in a cup winning year, is that the latter somehow makes that save last night.
Nabby just didn’t see the puck come out front at all. He lost it in the chin piece of his mask or something. He was still looking behind the net when it was reaching Byfuglien’s stick. It went right by the post, within an inch. It wasn’t particularly hard. If he had seen it, he could have easily directed it away from out front with his stick. He frankly looked silly.
That’s a worse failure than any D coverage, or anything Heatley may have missed.
Marleau on the other hand has stepped up. He’s shown that though he may not be the locker room leader, he certainly can be the on-ice leader. I was sure he was gone this summer – probably to Toronto who are looking for someone like him. But his performance this summer, plus the fact that Ron Wilson is the coach there may swing it the other way.
Niemi = Hiller
Niemi is playing out of his mind. He actually got his glove on the Marleau PP goal despite being screened and the quick release. Bret Hedican pointed out quite astutely that Pavelski’s decision to put a blind shot toward the net was instrumental in making that goal happen. Marleau got off the one-timer very quickly and still Niemi almost stoned him. He cannot continue to play at this peak. Sharks will get to him in game 4.
Does it matter, though?
They have an almost insurmountable lead. I’m hoping for lightning to strike twice this playoffs, but the reality is that the Hawks would have to play terrible hockey for the next 4 straight games to lose this series. Oh, and the Sharks have to be perfect.
sigh
I never expected the wheels to just fall off like this.
One thing does matter. No good team wants to be swept. I think that fact is what caused the Redwings to come out flying in game 5. I expect the same will happen with the Sharks. The effort will be there again. I’m not sure that will be enough though.
by psantangeli on May 22, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I really can't believe people are blaming Nabby for this one.
Sure, I think we all agree he’s the one that should walk for cap space, but that has nothing to do with what happened last night. It would have taken pure luck by any goalie in the league to make that save, and it’s clear we don’t have any of that right now.
That’s just hockey, sometimes there isn’t a damn thing the goalie can do about it. I don’t really blame him for any of the 3 goals last night.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
True. If Nabokov had made a save, it would’ve been all luck. All three goals that Nabby let in were good goals, and you really can’t fault him for those. But there’s the “if’s”— sometimes the goalie has to be superhuman.
Nabby could’ve deflected the puck as psantangeli has stated or could’ve been in a butterfly by the time Butterface shot the puck maybe there would’ve been a chance.
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
Joe Pavelski: Real- American Mojo
by Will Bulldozer on May 22, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
No, sometimes a goalie has to be lucky. There is nothing they do more than what Nabby did to make themselves lucky, they just get lucky.
For example, Nabby’s save on Richards 2 years ago was luck. It looked superhuman, but it was just luck that his glove happened to be in the same spot Richards was shooting.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
If he would have made that save, it would have been better than Richards save, but as I said, it was a top corner. He didn’t even have a chance to raise his glove, unless he was guessing where the shot was going. Richards shot wasn’t that high.
How many Richards-like save does Nabby or any other goalie has since it happened two years ago?
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
The simple counter argument is how many impossible saves has Niemi made?
Aside from the lucky face-mask block. None, he just doesn’t let in soft goals against us. Nabby had a couple softies in previous games, but not last night.
If it were possible to stop everything the career shutout mark would be higher than 105.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I’m not saying Nabby’s playing poorly, or is the reason they’re losing, although he was pretty bad in game 2, exactly when the Sharks couldn’t afford an off game. Secondary scoring is (again) the key issue, which is why we’re getting spanked 5-5.
But. When was the last time Nabby was the one playing out of his mind, frustrating the other team with his unreal play? Has that ever happened in the playoffs? That’s what I mean by “good enough to lose.”
Closing windows
You have to be both good and lucky to win the Cup. With such a weak Eastern Conference opponent, this really could have been the Sharks year. Ohwell.
The Hawks will, barring a miracle, win this series, then in all likelihood the Stanley Cup. They’ll have trouble keeping their team together for salary cap reasons, especially with so much tied up in long-term contracts to Hossa, Campbell, Toews, Kane, and Keith. But hey, they’ll have a Cup, and a few more years to try to win another one before it’s financially unsustainable.
The Sharks can’t keep this team together. The previous 5 years of playoff implosions have essentially made this a do-or-die year, which sort of haunts me right now. There really isn’t a way to learn from this and come back better next year, because we can’t keep the core of this team intact.
I expect they’ll take a step back over the next few years, especially with young teams like the Coyotes, Kings, and Avs starting to get better. So, Doug Wilson has to prove himself all over again as a GM who can remake the team to get younger and faster, and find a starting goalie.
The good news is we have a lot of home-grown talent coming up. One way to look at is is you keep whatever remnants there are from the first two lines, and little joe and Seto step up to be the new key guys – it’s their time. The new worchester boys (couture, McGinn, etc) fill in behind them. Try to keep the grinders (Malhotra will be an issue to keep I think).
The big problem is goalie. Lots of talk right now about the expensive franchise goalie being a thing of the past (e.g. Luongo).
by psantangeli on May 22, 2010 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm optomistic too
I think that even though we are definitely going to lose a big name (or three) in the off-season, this is still going to be a team with an excellent chance of home ice in the first round next year.
LeBrun summed it up perfectly in 2 sentences
Truthfully, the Sharks don’t deserve to be down 3-0 in this series. Game 1 was a toss-up, and Game 3 was theirs to lose. But they’re down 3-0 and their season is on the verge of being over.
Threads
First period
Second Period
Third Period
Postgame
"San Jose is where I want to be at the end of the day, and there's an opportunity now to make it there. It is where my heart is." - Jamie McGinn, 2/22/10
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
3-0 was not where I expected us to be
Especially with the way Patty has started to come on. Yesterday’s game definately stings. But I have to say, if we play another game like yesterday’s (of game 1) and lose, then I tip my hat to the Blackhawks and admit we got beat straight up by a team clicking that much more than we are.
The effort in those two games looked to me like the same effort we used to sink the Avs and Wings, but Chicago managed to find ways through. Not what I want, and it’s painful and depressing, but I think it’s honest and fair to say that the Hawks are winning the series more than we’re we’re giving it away.
But it has been close and only a split-second of Hawks luck or strength last night and another in game 1 have us on the short end. Those split second breaks could suddenly go against the Hawks and give us another day of life. And even if they don’t, I hope we go out with a bang. Make them score 10 or 15 goals to get rid of us.
I still don’t think we’re done, so Go Sharks!
by Auth0r on May 22, 2010 1:10 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Now I know how heartbreak feels
It feels like my heart got ripped out of my chest by a cold-hearted woman, and that woman was the Chicago Blackhawks. It wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to see her every day on my way to work, or pictures of her on people’s shirts and jerseys all around town.
I know we’re not technically out of it yet, but it’ll be just so damn hard to muster up the strength to believe. I think I lost most of my faith last night.
Better skating
and better passing this game as opposed to games 1 and 2. Gotta give credit where credit is due, the ’Hawks are playing great hockey and when you make fewer mistakes, you tend to get the bounces. I see our guys playing even haqrding in game 4 and hopefully, getting to game 5 at the Tank. Gotte get little Joe and Seto back into the scoring sheet
Is Nabby injured?
Just out of curiosity. Although he’s playing decently, he doesn’t seem as agile in this series.
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
Getting There
As much as this hurts, the team is hopefully learning valuable lessons from this run in the playoffs.
I hope it makes them hungrier for more. It will be interesting to see what DW does in the offseason to combat the Hawks in the future.
Next year's Hawks < This year's Hawks
They are stacked this year.
They’re going to lose a decent chunk so I’m not actually as worried about them. They’ll still be damn good but won’t have as incredible of a top 9 as they do now.
by IsThisTheYear? on May 22, 2010 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Special Teams & Coaching
Our special teams have really hurt us in this series. That is something that the team needs to address for next season. One other thing we learned in these playoffs is we have a very good coaching staff. They have done an excellent job
with our team. Much respect to Coach and his staff.
How did special teams hurt us again? PP is the only way we are able to score goals, and it was a huge reason why we beat Detroit.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Agreed
We only have one even strength goal so far this series (not counting the 6 on 5). Special teams has kept us in games, while ES has lost them for us
by Chicago Shark on May 22, 2010 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Amen
Great respect for the mad skilz of T-Mac. I give a tip of the hat to DW as well. After, DW is the one who recognized the potential in & brought in T-Mac.
Given the leadership, no reason we can’t come back next year & win it all (again, if we end up winning it all this year).
These are not your Ron Wilson Sharks.
I say it only gets better & better from here on
in.
I’m actually not opposed to keeping Nabby, if we can improve our D line.
by Invisible Air on May 22, 2010 6:01 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Can't do both
and there in is the problem. I think if we can get a big dependable butterfly goalie we’ll be ok. Play like our defense has played and they can put up a .91 – .92 in the playoffs. Pick up a guy like Valchenkov or Michalek to add some more shot blocking to the D and see what we can do next year. We’ll probably have to replace Blake, I doubt he’ll want to come back again, but damn has he proven he can play these playoffs.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Agreed.
I would not be opposed to him playing again seeing how he has played this year.
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 22, 2010 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
We're at 25% against the Hawks
Considering they were at an 89% kill going into this series I think our special teams have been amazing.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I still say throw 'em a curve.
Scratch Griess, put Nabby on the bench as backup, dress and start Karlsson. Give the man his chance. Look at other teams who threw such a curve in the playoffs. A lot of them pulled it off.
Then, split up the lines like at the end of the season, when the Sharks broke out of the slump and fired up the nitro before the playoffs.
Some might give the argument that Nabby is always our starter, and Griess is signed to a two-year contract, so should be the backup. But, Karlsson is also signed to a two year contract, so play him.
Call it what you may, but I have this gut feeling that if the Sharks started him, he’d gobble everything up and propel the Sharks on.
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
And if Heater is injured
If Heater’s injury is what’s keeping him from keeping up with the opponent, then scratch him, too.
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
If Greiss was scratched
Karlsson or Stalock would be on the roster. Karlsson was called up before the playoffs started. Stalock and several of his teammates were called up when the AHL Sharks’ season ended.
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
And yes
He is on the active roster:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/playersearch.htm?team=SJS
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
Even so
This is a guy that has never dressed for a NHL game. What makes him ready for a playoff game?
He was brought in to be a practice goaltender. If he gets more than a second of playing time I will eat my hat.
DW signed him for a reason
along with Greiss. Karlsson played the season in Europe/Sweden. What makes anyone ready for any game, especially when they are paid $millions? Like I said, if what is being done isn’t working, then change what is being done. Throw the curve.
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
Well, it was speculation
but if they continue to throw the fastball, it will continue to be hit.
"Marleau spanks one off the pipe!" --VS Commentator, game 5 vs Det. 20100508
"Nice Save!" --Nabby, to Blake
Karlsson was called up to be an extra practice body that’s all there is too it. If I had to pick an undressed goalie though I would definitely go with Stalock… I would also sleep in a pile of money drinking Dr. Pepper from my kitchen tap which is about as likely to happen as a guy not named Nabokov being in net for game 4.
Who’s gonna finish this off? I am going Boyle. - FML! No more OT Predictions from me!
Horrendous Slow Defense Wallin & Huskins
They finally get a two goal lead and give it up in five minutes, really bad.
When you have slowpokes like Wallin and Huskins on the blueline playing against a fast team like the Hawks, your doomed.
We can’t beat Chicago because we have too many slow defensemen who have been exposed and beaten continually..
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