Sharks let it slip away in the third period as Red Wings rebound in 4-3 win
by Mr. Plank on May 8, 2011 10:13 PM PDT
in 2011 Playoffs
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PrintFor all the excellent work San Jose has done this postseason to erase the demons of yore, tonight was a brutal reminder that not everything can be taken for granted during the postseason. For forty minutes the Sharks outshot, out chanced, and out paced the Red Wings, dominating the scoresheet in all facets of the game.
Through two period the Sharks held the shot advantage 30-16. They were converting in the circles at a 57% rate, had drawn three penalties, and only went to the box once. It was a nearly perfect display of execution from a team who was fighting to advance to their second straight Western Conference Finals appearance, and one that resembled all of the strides the team has taken over the course of the last three and a half months.
Things began to look even brighter in the third period when Dany Heatley sprung Logan Couture on a breakaway with a nice pass to enter the Red Wings zone. Couture slipped the puck past Howard with a pretty backhander to give San Jose a 3-1 lead, sending HP Pavilion into a frenzy. The home crowd smelled blood, looking forward to the second straight year when they would see handshakes at center ice.
But Detroit just wouldn't quit. Specifically, the magnificent Pavel Datsyuk just wouldn't quit, despite a body that for all intents and purposes is not functioning how it was meant to be.
"There's lots of nice players during the regular season. But if you don't have the drive train, if you can't compete at the highest level, you can't win at this time of year," Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock said. "It's about competition and digging in. And Pavel does that."
Datsyuk, who is dealing with an injured wrist that has kept him off the ice for Detroit's morning skates, had two assists during the third period that fueled the Wings three goal comeback. None was better than his takeaway that led to Detroit's go ahead goal, where a seemingly helpless Patrick Marleau fell victim to the wizardry of the Russian superstar.
Datsyuk ripped the puck off of Marleau's stick with the Sharks needing a clear and proceeded to drive to the net. As Marleau came back down the ice and put a body on Datsyuk, he slipped away once again, finding Nicklas Lidstrom at the point. Lidstrom found a shooting lane and rifled the puck which took a hop off of Tomas Holmstrom in front of the net.
It was the perfect symbol of what has made Detroit so great over these last few years-- the magic of Datsyuk, the icy cool nature of one of the greatest defenseman to ever play the game, and the rugged determination of a man they call Holmstrom, who has made a living taking a pounding in front of an opposing netminder.
"Being down two they're going to try and get their game going and take some chances. They did, and they were able to capitalize," Marleau said. "They just started coming at us and our execution was off, and if that's letting up then maybe that's it. Getting pucks out, getting pucks behind them, the things we we were doing in the first two periods. And the one time you don't do it they get a chance and put it in the back of your net."
Despite the blown third period lead however, make no mistake-- the Sharks controlled this game throughout the first forty minutes, and despite the breakdowns that pervaded the Wings three goal onslaught in the third, San Jose managed to get their opportunities as well. Jimmy Howard was excellent tonight for Detroit, stopping 39 shots in his team's victory.
Something that McLellan acknowledged following the game.
"He was very good. He was very good in the third period. For the full night he gave their team an opportunity to win, and you expect that from your goaltenders this time of the year," McLellan said. "I thought we had a number of chances, especially in the second period. Two on one's, three on one's. We have to find a way to finish on at least one or two more of those. But we didn't. And we'll work hard to earn those again on Tuesday."
As we wrote in our preview today, attention to details will be the key throughout this series. And although San Jose did have a strong game through two periods tonight, their attention to detail in the third period was something that brought about their demise. During the first forty minutes the Sharks controlled the neutral zone spectacularly, shutting down Detroit's transition game and entering the offensive zone with ease. They cleared pucks and gave Niemi space to make saves.
In the third period, that type of resolve was not present. And although San Jose didn't curdle into a ball like Buster from Arrested Development when faced with a bear attack (read: a bully trying to get lunch money), something slipped. Whether it be focus or execution, San Jose allowed themselves to give up a two goal lead with their skate blade pressed against the Wings throat.
The difference was in the details. The smallest of details that cause a gaping chasm this time of year, especially against a team as skilled as Detroit. They are the difference between victory and bitter defeat.
As the Sharks turn towards game six, and the word "must-win" begins to enter the vocabulary, San Jose faces a team that, while bruised and battered, is not yet beaten. Not by a long shot.
"We're going to be better for sure in game six. We are going to take it back to Detroit," Wings Head Coach Babcock said. "We think we played real well here. We probably should have won game three and we didn't so now we've got to go back there and win game six."
Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan allowed his leaders to take the floor tonight, stating that the time for strategic reflection would come tomorrow.
Tonight was time for the troops to rally the troops, for the brothers to band together.
A loss such as this has the ability to exact a severe psychological toll on the locker room. It has the ability to pit friends against friends, to begin the useless and unfruitful act of pointing fingers at one another.
But the Sharks didn't allow that demon to enter the room tonight. As McLellan explained following the game, he likes what he sees from his team mentally heading into a crucial game six.
"I left them alone today. We'll get a long day together tomorrow when we're flying for five hours and we'll get an opportunity to meet. The message I heard guys talking about, from our leaders, is that it is behind us now and we have to move on. I thought that was an excellent message to be sent throughout the locker room.
"Get your heads up and get ready to play again."
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YoCallejo said it best on twitter:
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
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Ugh
that is all.
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.
"Don't fart on my chair mutha fuckah!" - Randy Hahn
tmac really should have called a timeout
after the first detroit goal to settle the troops down. you could feel the pressure coming and a timeout would have disrupted detroit and allowed the sharks to get their legs back instead they kept the pressure up and look what happened
We all thought this would be a long series and the Sharks are still in a good spot.
This loss is incredibly disappointing, but the Sharks played a great game for most of the night, but let it slip away with a bad effort in the third. They were able to bounce back from a disappointing Game 5 last series, and I think they’ll be able to do the same on Tuesday. And I’m thinking we’re going to see a big game from Mr. Awkward.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on May 8, 2011 10:45 PM PDT reply actions
The thing is
I thought this was gonna be a long series, but I also thought it was gonna be back and forth, just the idea of a game 7 isn’t nearly as scary as a game 7 after giving up a 3-0 series lead.
If there is ever going to be a game 7 I would always rather be the team that tied i 3-3 after being down 2-3.
HOWEVER, we still have the series lead and we can still close this in 6 games.
LET’S GO SHARKS!
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.
"Don't fart on my chair mutha fuckah!" - Randy Hahn
Someone wake me up when Marleau decides to play.
He has been painful to watch and has been a little more effective than Ben Eager.
"Thanks Casa De Mini!" ~Barney, the Light Blue, Cheesy, Computer Generated Shark
4th line would be better with Eager.
No idea why he’s warming a bench right now.
Well, other than that thing about trying to join the Wings on their bench last week.
But, being honest, we need that kind of fire…
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
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@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
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I genuinely don’t know that he has been more effective than Eager in this series. He has contributed not one single point… not even a measly secondary assist. Wow. On the top line, those are hard to not get. After five games playing alongside Jumbo, you would almost have to be TRYING to not score — and even then you would probably dumb-luck your way into at least one point. He is scary awful right now.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Too true about Marleau. I hate to point fingers, but in the post Plank writes “Datsyuk ripped the puck off of Marleau’s stick with the Sharks needing a clear and proceeded to drive to the net. As Marleau came back down the ice and put a body on Datsyuk, he slipped away once again.”
While that is all true, it is not what I saw. I saw a lazy Marleau skate to the boards, not playing the puck strong at all, give it up to Datsyuk. In his frustration he runs at Datsyuk, again does not play the puck but puts his body into the outside of Datsyuk, giving him an easy opportunity to turn and find Lidstrom at the point.
Obviously it was a great shot, and a great tip to get passed Niemi, but that opportunity should not even have been there, I was pissed.
A test of faith.
Tonight was indeed that for many Sharks fans, myself included. Its a loss that sent me storming outside, slamming the door behind me and asking the world “why?” Its a loss that gives you reason to worry, a reason to fear the outcome from years past. It churns your stomach like an 18th century servant making the weeks butter supply. But somewhere in this dark, despair filled corner of my heart, shines an area of hope and faith.
This Sharks team will get it done. This team has the heart, the will and the skill to beat Detroit. This team knows how to battle, to prove people wrong. This team is the team to defy the critics.
Tuesday won’t come soon enough. I’m excited to see how the Sharks respond and look forward to seeing some excellent hockey. There’s a reason why a playoff series is 7 games. Sometimes it takes that long to finally drive the nail into the heart of the beast. Sometimes it takes less than that. I hope it will end in 6, and I know that the Sharks will be able to do that. Their destiny is in their hands. And I trust that they will put to rest the demons of the past. Go Sharks. Beat Detroit.
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
I know how you feel. Concentrating is nigh impossible after a meltdown like this.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Definitely
It took me forever just to finish a short assignment. These next two days will be stressful, to say the least.
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
by Pavsisaninja on May 9, 2011 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions
WOW
Nice write up Pavs, felt the same way
by Indiana Titan on May 9, 2011 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Deep breath
Ok. This team apparently, still, needs to have it’s back up against a wall to play its best. I don’t know why, and I wish it were easier to root for them. But they’ve once again proven that unless they do everything well, they’ll fail.
So, the fortunate thing is that they’re still in the driver’s seat, for one more game. They’ve got a Wings team that has some key injured players, and playing dice. We’ve been in their spot before, and gambling that you’ll be able to get enough breaks to get outplayed but still win the game means you’re probably going home.
60+ minutes on Tuesday, playing to their strengths, on a clean sheet of ice. No distractions (I’m looking at you, Jumbo, and you, Patty). Do it.
Liftetime president of the Darren Turcott Q-Tip Dexterity Awareness Foundation
finally caved in, as @shampeon on the Twitternet
I've spent most of the evening being pissed at Patrick Marleau
But I refuse to believe this TEAM, this special TEAM, can be brought down by one player.
When Niemi was struggling, Nittymaki stepped up and played big. And when Nittymaki went down with injury, Niemi stepped up in a way no one thought possible.
When Joe Pavelski was struggling, Logan Couture and Ryane Clowe stepped up and carried the Sharks through some very lean times.
Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi spent much of the season struggling on the scoresheet, but kept at it and have emerged as legitimate threats again.
Joe Pavelski has finally found consistent linemates, and as such, has found consistent scoring.
Dan Boyle and Douglas Murray have come in for their fare share of criticism this season, but have risen to the task, time and time again.
Niklas Wallin has become the poster-boy for this team’s struggles, but even he has found a way to contribute this post-season.
This team is not just Joe Thornton. It’s not just Logan Couture. It’s not just Dan Boyle.
It’s a locker room full of guys, all of whom have found a way to contribute.
I believe in this team.
GO SHARKS
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
by ElvisVF101 on May 8, 2011 11:07 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Amen
This team makes you believe, no matter what. GO SHARKS!!!
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
by Pavsisaninja on May 8, 2011 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I was feeling the same way, but my ire was at Joe.
I totally love Jumbo (See also: My Avatar), but what has been said this whole series? He who takes a penalty will cost his team dearly. And he did. Twice. Yes, PK stood up, but it breaks momentum, and tires the players on the PK, and, ultimately, was a moral victory for the Wings.
PP STILL blows. We do need to drive to the net more, and perimeter pass less. Yes, I understand that there is a risk of a clear, but I’d rather see a stiff shot on Howard that resulted in high traffic and rebound shot. Both would take the same time to recover from.
IMO.
I’m also insanely POed at our defensive shutdown after Logan’s goal. All we needed to do was control the play in our zone. Protect that 2 goal lead. Instead it looked like a switch flipped off, and Detroit came on with more gas than drum full of refried beans.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
Welcome to Fear the Fin...where we eat our own.
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All that said, we have the depth to keep it real...
…I hope we see it again on Tuesday…
GO SHARKS!
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
Welcome to Fear the Fin...where we eat our own.
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I’m not about to get down on Joe right now. He’s been playing superb hockey lately. He’s making the impact and setting the example that is required of a captain. Marleau, on the other hand… Wow.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m sure he would like to be getting on the scoresheet but not about to throw him under the bus. Patty has been a clutch player down the stretch. But I know what you are going to say, “What has he done for me lately?!”. I hear ya, but it’s not over yet. Remember that Lids is the wearing the C and they have gleaned much of his Swedish Ninja skills. Insert the Muppet’s Swedish Chef jokes here.
If getting beat by a couple of times by Datsyuk means your game sucked...
… then a lot of players suck in the NHL. Not sure why it’s become “jump on Patty” night. Anyone that has spent time watching this team knows he is a streaky player. He’ll suck this series, and when we get through, will be the master the next.
Get used to it. It’s his nature, and it’s not that uncommon. Just plan on it.
BOTH Sedin’s have done worse lately. I don’t see anyone calling them gutless.
it’s the zero points in 5 games against Detroit + his terrible giveaway to Datsyuk. Him getting deked was just icing on the cake
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
by waive kent huskins on May 8, 2011 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know if anyone's using the word gutless to describe the Sedins
But Kesler is carrying that team while they are doing absolutely nothing right now, and I think that’s been pointed out fairly frequently during that series.
Getting beat a couple of times by Datsyuk happens
Getting beat by Datsyuk when he’s hurt, getting beat time and time again by anyone in Red and White, throwing half-hearted stick checks instead of attempting to play the body or get in the shooting lane, gliding instead of skating, actively hurting your team.
THAT means your game sucked.
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
And there is close to no way we’re going to get rid of that contract any time sooner than 2014. He could at least produce like a man making half what he is. I would take that from him at this point.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions
A guy making $7 million per year isn’t allowed to have it in “his nature” to produce zero points through five games in a playoff series. And, in the worst case scenario, there are other things one can do to contribute when one is having trouble producing points. Getting schooled by Datsyuk is NOT one of those things.
It might be time to take Marleau off the top line. It would be a very clear message that this is the time of year when top-line forwards absolutely HAVE to step up their game.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 8, 2011 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah...but where do you put him?
Swap him with Couture…but that second line has been very good against the Wings in generating scoring chances…do you really want to mess with that? Swap him with Pavelski…but the same rule applies. Pavs-Wellwood-Torrey has been a great line for us. And its not like Patty is moving to the 4th line…
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
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by ZeroIndulgence on May 9, 2011 6:19 AM PDT up reply actions
True
In my mind, I was thinking you give someone like Couture, Wellwood or Mitchell a shot at the top line. But I wouldn’t want to break up that chemistry. And when they stick someone up on the first line for an occasional shift (McGinn? Ferriero?), it’s usually Seto that gets temporarily taken off.
If anything, I think you readjust the minutes the lines are getting. Give the Couture line and the Pavs line more minutes…and more pp time…
Also, Thornton and Seto have shown that they have the ability to play around Marleau’s anchor on the line. Might as well let them keep doing it.
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
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by ZeroIndulgence on May 9, 2011 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Marleau on the fourth line. Ferriero on the first line. Just for one period if you have to.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
This one stung,
but the Sharks will get it done. Damn near finished it in game 4. Should have won tonight but hopefully the Sharks learned a lesson here in not letting up, even with a 3-1 lead in the 3rd.
I think the Sharks will be properly focused for game 6 on Tuesday. GO SHARKS!
Ozolinsh should have shot the damn puck, and Cheechoo should have hit Korolyuk's pass out of the air... but they'll get there.
I would’ve thought Game 5 against L.A. would’ve taught them that lesson. I would’ve thought Game 4 against Detroit would’ve taught them that lesson. This team, after all the times they’ve failed in the past few postseasons, shouldn’t still need lessons like this to understand that you can NEVER let up in a playoff.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 8, 2011 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions
To be fair
Quick stole game 5. And in a way, Howard was the Wings best player tonight.
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
by Pavsisaninja on May 8, 2011 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions
It wasn’t Jimmy Howard that scored three goals in the third period. Once we’re up 3 – 1 in the third period, nothing Jimmy Howard does will matter if the Sharks don’t fall to shit defensively.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Winning Game 6 in Detroit after injecting the Wings with confidence by coughing up this victory is going to be extremely difficult.
Should we lose Game 6, coming home for Game 7 and beating a Wings team that’s smelling blood after coming back from down 3 – 0 in the series is going to be brutally hard.
Should we lose Game 7, the ridicule we, as Sharks fans, have received over the past few years for being perennial “chokers” will be NOTHING compared to the shit that will be talked to us if we become only the fourth team in NHL history to blow a 3 – 0 series lead.
For now, I am reduced to hoping that the injuries to Datsyuk and Frandsen don’t get better in the next week. We need all the help we can get right now, because it takes a special degree of pathetic to fall apart the way the Sharks did today.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 8, 2011 11:37 PM PDT reply actions
Have no real business commenting here
but you guys played an outstanding game tonight.
this has been an astonishing series, from my vantage.
i also have to say your description of what makes the wings good, as a wings, is about the best description i’ve read from anyone around the league.
see you guys in detroit on tuesday.
cheers on the outstanding hockey.
"I'll smile in June."
by Lords of Olympia on May 8, 2011 11:38 PM PDT reply actions
*as a wings fan
"I'll smile in June."
by Lords of Olympia on May 8, 2011 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions
thx mate.
Good luckTuesday…but not too much ;-)
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
Welcome to Fear the Fin...where we eat our own.
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Discussion always welcome
Thanks for stopping by
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
We didn’t play an outstanding game tonight. We gave up three goals in the third period to a team whose three best forwards are injured, injured, and coming off an injury.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 8, 2011 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions
point taken
yeah, like i said, probably had no business commenting. didn’t want to be rude.
and it’s probably not appreciated getting into a comparison of how bad we feel our teams played.
i will say you guys were dominant through most of the game and have managed to make every game as intense as humanly possible. also, it is worth noting your penalty kill has played like it’s on a powerplay in the last three games especially. i’ll leave it at that, as i really don’t want to seem rude.
"I'll smile in June."
by Lords of Olympia on May 8, 2011 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions
You’re not being rude at all, and, because of that, you’re always welcome here. It’s very nice of you to say the Sharks played a good game, but hockey games don’t end after forty minutes, a lesson the Sharks have had to learn over and over and over and over again this year and in years past.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Ya
I’ll second that. It’s always good when fans of opposing teams can just talk about the game and avoid the mudslinging.
Hockey is a fickle mistress...
In the first two periods the writing was on the wall. I was sitting at home watching the death of an empire unfold before my eyes. I thought to myself, “there’s no way the Sharks are losing this… they’re playing so damn good”.
Then I end up seeing 3-4 bad mistakes. Bam, bam, bam. Game over, Sharks lose. Wha?
We talk a lot about how the Sharks are a different team. For the most part, they are, and a couple hours after the game I can say I have the utmost confidence they can win in Detroit on Tuesday. When the Sharks blew game 4 in 2007, I knew the series was over then, even though it was a 2-2 tie. Right now? I don’t believe that at all.
One thing that became apparent to me was the Red Wings… they’re a different team too. The last gasps in Games 3 and 4? Rising from the dead tonight to win? I haven’t seen this level of desperation from them… ever. It took me a while to think why, but I came to one clear conclusion: Lidstrom is retiring. This is it for him and the team doesn’t want the season to die. No bad ankles or wrists are going to put them down – not a chance. Not only are the Sharks facing a team on the brink, they’re also facing the last gasp of a full 20 years of excellence. This final win was going to take everything the Sharks had to get it done. So far, they haven’t given enough.
Game 6 is going to be total war. With the likely Roenick fallout dominating talk the next day or so, it’s going to be a ride. And for some strange reason, I can see Marleau having a great game on Tuesday.
Please don't eat the unicorn.
Winning: n. "An ongoing cycle of competence and achievement in various endeavors. You cannot win; there is only the continuous action of winning."
Patty
Does have a knack for having great games on the road, he’s more comfortable without the added pressure of fans watching.
But as Drew Remenda said today on CSN Postgame Live, “Pressure is only an opportunity to shine”, and thats exactly what I see Awkward doing come Tuesday night.
I hope you're right.
I think you’re wrong.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Pressure implies being nervous
Nervous players grip their sticks too tightly, or get wild and desperate and out of position.
Patrick Marleau has quite simply been lazy and uncommitted. Those have nothing to do with pressure. He’s tried time and again to make the easy play without thinking it through. Those are the hallmarks of a lazy player, not a nervous player.
If he would like to step up, I’m still cool with that. But honestly, if he’d just go back to being invisible and not getting in Joe and Seto’s way, that’d be a monumental improvement.
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
There’s nowhere to hide him either. We can’t break up our second and third lines, because they’re playing so great together. And to stick him on the fourth line, which is where he belongs (if not on the bench), would mean that Nichol, McGinn, Eager, or Mayers would be playing on the first line, which is not something I’m too eager to see. TMac needs to have a nice long talk with Mr. Marleau. We have a Stanley Cup to win, and he’s either on board for the marathon or he’s not.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Ferriero!!
How could I forget Ferriero?! Ferriero on the first line, Marleau on the fourth. If even for just one period.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Even just occasionally
Toss Ferriero in there on the first line once in a while, to give them some extra jump possibly, and maybe give Patty a bit of a wake-up call.
Nothing more really needs to be said about Patty’s game than what’s been said above. But with a big road game ahead, this is one where the Sharks aren’t winning without production from their top guys. As we’ve always said, this doesn’t necessarily mean goals and assists. I just really want to see Patty playing responsible hockey and helping to create chances! I don’t know. Maybe he gets too comfortable sometimes playing with Jumbo. Maybe it would be okay to mix up the 1st and 3rd lines a bit.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
by Timorous Me on May 9, 2011 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
To continue that thought
Maybe Patty will gel well on the 4th line and be successful. Then TMC will be able to roll 4 full lines instead of 3-and-sometimes-4. Salary shouldn’t dictate where a player is in the lineup. Doing what it takes to win should dictate who plays where and when.
If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
"Take a deep breath sometimes, a break, and play some hockey. Hockey is a great way to take a pause from day-to-day hard work." -- Lt Gen. D.H. Huntoon Jr. (paraphrased)
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I suggested doing something similar, bringing Ferriero up to a higher line. he’s young but he’s been very promising so far.
Other than that, i want to see Ben Eager on the 4th line. Even if he starts fights, at least he’s getting under the Wings skin and rattling cages…things like that give SJ the mental edge.
in TROY, NY, bleeding teal and black since '91.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame, you know. And then you get free. "-Denis Lemieux
"I'm glad Ben Eager found hockey first... If not, I would be afraid for society"
-Plank, on FTF podcast 4/20/11
4/19/11, a day that will live in infamy... for Kings fans.
I’m not going to argue about Marleau…everyone watched the game.
But – do you really want to put Ferriero out there against a Datsyuk, Homer, Franzen (should he play) Zetterberg line? That’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Babcock reunited Zetterberg and Datsyuk in the 3rd and they took over the game – McLellan had no answer for them. Swapping Ferriero and Marleau isn’t going to help stop them (even though Marleau isn’t either).
Obviously, the ideal situation would be to have Marleau playing like the $7M man his is. But if putting Ferriero on that line for even just one period will shake things up and give Marleau a figurative wake-up call, then I’m all for it.
by Rhapsody in Teal on May 9, 2011 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Perhaps the JR comment
was a good thing for the Sharks in a way that the “conspiracy” theory by the NHL against the Canucks helped them. Maybe the focus on JR’s comments instead will take a little bit of media pressure and attention away from the Sharks performance. Just a thought.
by sharksfanwithajd on May 9, 2011 5:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe
You could be right, but I think most fans and media in Detroit would be very surprised if Lidstrom walked away after a Norris Trophy type season. Especially if he feels the team is still a Stanley Cup contender (and it is, regardless of the outcome of this particular series).
The Wings haven’t been the same team since losing game 7 to Pittsburgh in 2009, but they’re still good enough that a couple of tweaks could put them into the top 3 teams in the NHL. Especially if Howard continues his brilliant play next year, and Draper and Modano are replaced by younger, hungrier players next year.
by Big Z in Orlando on May 9, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Things that are exposed in the playoffs
Ever noticed that Marleau never is on the wrong end of a high stick from an opponent? Can you name another Shark (not wearing a goalie mask) that enjoys that distinction?
by rumpledforeskin on May 9, 2011 12:36 AM PDT reply actions
Ever the optimist
I hate the idea of blaming any one player for a loss. There’s a reason it’s a team sport. The Sharks succeed as a team and they lose as a team.
Sure, I was frustrated with Patty at moments, but I was also screaming like hell at 5 guys just standing there confused while Detroit scored goal number four. Boyle had a horrible series against LA, but that’s why there are 17 other guys out on the ice. After the series, he said he felt “off.” He’s obviously made some adjustments because he’s been much better against the Wings. With that thinking, I’m not going to presume that something is “off” with Marleau, but I also think I/we/JR owe him the benefit of the doubt. It wasn’t too long ago that we praised him for being clutch. OT was “Marleau time.”
The guys know what is at stake. I see Marleau being unleashed on Tuesday (one can hope). I for one cannot wait to kill the Wings at JLA. Go Sharks!
Loving Joe Pavelski since 2007
"Douglas Murray is a smart human being, and an equally smart hockey player" - Drew Remenda
by PavsGal on May 9, 2011 12:57 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Marleau
Its one thing to let Datsyuk use you, but on the 3rd goal, Kronwall absolutely abused him. This is a more injured Red Wing team then last year, and yet we finished them off last year at this time. Please don’t pull off the ultimate collapse/choke this week.
Speak now!
Because on June 17th we will have no words.
http://youtu.be/tlHgRl2iHaA
Swedish Shark with a sleep disorder. Joakek on Twitter. I suffer from a major Clowemance.
Wings fan here
just want to compliment the authors and commenters on this site. Its rare to have a series with so much intentsity and not have the comment section and recaps devolve into cheap shots at the opponents city and fans. Anyone who says San Jose isn’t a hockey town, needs to come here and start reading. So cheers and here’s to one hell of a series.
"I'm a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast food" - Ron Swanson
by rock n rye on May 9, 2011 6:00 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Hey, thanks!
Ron Swanson ftw by the way. ;)
UP THE PUCKS!
"This is a good time to come together and raise our middle finger in the air." - Dan Boyle
by TheSoundOfHockey on May 9, 2011 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks!
It’s been said before, we save the mud slinging and name calling for the neanderthals that patroll Yahoo.
in TROY, NY, bleeding teal and black since '91.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame, you know. And then you get free. "-Denis Lemieux
"I'm glad Ben Eager found hockey first... If not, I would be afraid for society"
-Plank, on FTF podcast 4/20/11
4/19/11, a day that will live in infamy... for Kings fans.
I find this interesting...
The Canucks and the Sharks are a combined 0-4 this postseason at home in Game 5…all 4 being potential series-clinching games. Both teams are expected to reach the WCF this season.
Not sure what to make of it…but we are definitely not the only team having issues closing out their opponents this postseason. And even if it takes the Sharks a few extra games to close out the Wings, we won’t be any worse for wear against the Canucks, who are in a very similar boat.
So, now, about finishing things against a Wings team with all the momentum, in Detroit, in Game 6…
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Member of FearTheFin's Mod Squad and The Knights Who Say NI-emi...
Tweet Tweet.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 9, 2011 6:35 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Now i'm really pissed
When asked about San Jose’s flight back to Detroit, Matt Barnaby, after praising the Wings like they’re the second coming, said “talk about the chokeitis suffering there” and proceeds to laugh. Great, now we’re the laughing stock of the semi-final round. This is the shit that I’m expecting to hear in the next 30 hours. Sharks, do me a favor in Game 6: do not gift them any more games, put this tired, injured team out of their misery, and wish Lidstrom good luck with his retirement during the handshake line.
by sharksfanwithajd on May 9, 2011 6:59 AM PDT reply actions
I’m avoiding all media right now.
UP THE PUCKS!
"This is a good time to come together and raise our middle finger in the air." - Dan Boyle
by TheSoundOfHockey on May 9, 2011 7:20 AM PDT up reply actions
This is the first time
outside of my own sports career, that I can recall feeling physically ill after a game. The last two games have been the pre-losing streak Sharks, blowing it in the 3rd period. Everything has pretty much been said already, and I’m not one to beat a dead horse. I’ll be avoiding this site and any other hockey-related site today if I possibly can. Every time I think about that third period, my stomach drops a little more. I’m trying my best to stay optimistic; we have to win 1 game out of 2, and we’ve shown we can do that against Detroit.
This is the time when all the past failures of the team come back to plant that seed of doubt in the minds of the fans. We had it last year when we were down 2-1 to Colorado and again when we lost Game 4 to Detroit. We thought we had put all this behind us, and that San Jose was a new team this year. They’ve had some lapses where they’ve shown that they still hold some of those awful tendencies that we’ve come to fear.
Just have to get through today and get through tomorrow. I still think the Sharks can get it done, but they’re going to need to be a lot better. They were great in the 1st and 2nd periods, and for the first couple minutes of the 3rd. They should know that they can’t show any mercy and let their grip loosen from the necks of the Wings. Here’s to them finding their killer instinct tomorrow and finishing the job.
After the Sharks lost last night, my brother said “The Red Wings still have more pressure to win because they have to win 2 straight while the Sharks just need 1 out of 2. Do you know how hard that is to do in any sport with a best of 7 series?” Then, he mentions the 3 teams in the NHL that have done it, the one team that has done it in baseball, and that no teams have done it in basketball. Yes, that’s the logical approach, but given our recent history (pre-losing streak) and all the taunting in the media, it’s still really hard to think that way. Besides, I think the Sharks need to feel more urgency, so approaching Game 6 with that mindset would not be beneficial.
by sharksfanwithajd on May 9, 2011 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m sure they have thought about it, but again, they need to just look at the one game they are about to play. I know I’ve heard coach and a few players say that they need to only focus on the next game. Hey they played a good game, and another one goal game. This entire series is a real nail-biter. Makes for good entertainment and not boring. Who wants to see a blowout every game? But speaking of blowouts, I think we’ll get a plethora of goals in game six as Howard shrinks and shrivels up like George Costanza’s junk. – Seinfeld reference.
“Do you know how hard that is to do in any sport with a best of 7 series (when down 0-3)?" I should have added that in parentheses.
by sharksfanwithajd on May 9, 2011 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions
It's good to be up 3-0
One nice thing about being up 3 games to 0 is when you blow a 3-1 lead in the third, losing your second 4-3 game in a row, you still have an opportunity to close out Detroit 2 more times. If they cannot do that, then you doesn’t deserve to go further.
BTW, if anyone happens to run into Patty Marleau, could you please help direct him to the rink. I think he’s been absent for the first 5 games. Anything from him at this point would be welcome.
Sharks take game 6, 5-3 and win it in six games as I predicted. If not, then we’re in for one hell of a game 7.
GO SHARKS!!!
If they cannot do that, then you doesn’t deserve to go further.
I tentatively reached the same conclusion this morning. If we can’t close out a series with a 3-0 lead, we have no business going on anyway. I like the idea of having 4 chances to close out a team, but when that team has a history of being in your team’s heads. It’s amazing how we can be so high on this team for 5 straight games, and then regress to a shell-shocked group of pessimists after the 6th.
by Chicago Shark on May 9, 2011 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
For sure
The Sharks had this thing all but wrapped up, and if not for giving up a 3 goal 1st period in game 4, they’d already be looking at Vancouver. Now they’re fighting to stay alive. They lost focus, stopped playing tough defense, and now they have cause for concern.
What in the wide, wide, world of sports is going on around here?!
Well as much as I’d like to feel all comfortable and cozy right now with what could have been, I reminded myself this morning that a little drama makes good postseason hockey. Well, maybe not but it is good for elevated blood pressure. Oh Patty. Getting robbed by number thirteen was my highlight of the game. Did it make me mad? Yes. Was I about to toss my forty-six inch LCD through my front window in a gnarly fit of rage? The thought crossed my mind only because my house needs new windows. I think the team learned a big lesson, a reminder if not anything, you cannot relax and that a two-goal lead is still the most dangerous lead to have. I know I’m beating a dead horse. Howards play in the first was great, and Detroit capitalizing on our miscues lead to our demise. Hate to repeat whats probably already been said here. Looking forward to a nasty game six. I’ll throw out a prediction and say our offensive weapons finally damage Howard, and we get multiple goals to put this series to bed. I dont care who the goals come from, just that they come in waves. And please Joe, for the love of the holey Zambonie, if you have a good look – shoot!
GO SHARKS!
If I weren't still 7 months away
from a new subsidized phone, mine would have been destroyed when it met my girlfriend’s roommate’s TV last night. I’m amazed at my self control sometimes.
Another good point you bring up is that Detroit is capitalizing on our miscues. They get 4 defensive mistakes in San Jose’s end, they score 4 goals. Can’t say the same for us. It seems like every time we make a mistake it ends up in the back of our net. Seemed to be the same against LA. I never could understand how a team can hold a 2-1 shot advantage and be tied or losing a game, until you look at mistake capitalization. Sharks will need to do more of that in Game 6.
by Chicago Shark on May 9, 2011 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Time to fly home and wait for game 6. Ugh, I can’t watch it though I have to work.
by Chi MapleShark on May 9, 2011 8:04 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
glad i didn't fly down to SJ to watch this
would’ve been a hard one to see in person.
though i don’t really believe in carry over, and with how close the last two games are i don’t see detroit winning two more like this.
i’ll be worried when it’s game 7 and we have a one goal lead going in to the 3rd.
Shake it off and PLAY YOUR GAME
That needs to be the message on the plane today. I’m sure it is already. The Sharks are the better team when they don’t get all lack luster and forget that a hockey game is 60 minutes long. We were dominate except for the last 15 minutes of the 3rd. Doing that against Datsyuk and the Red Wings is just brainless. They will expose you and make you look like grandma’s out on the ice the moment you have your guard down.
The Sharks are a great road team so I think game 6 is theres if they play the way they did the first 45 hockey minutes of the game through the entire game. Maybe a good step up by Patty may do the trick as well.
C’mon Sharks!!!! LETS END THIS!!!!!! GO SHARKS!!!!!
PS: And please Sharks- I REALLY don’t want to have to pay for game 7 tickets. Toss me a bone here man!
Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...
GO SHARKS!
If the good lord is willing
It will be on Tuesday
by Indiana Titan on May 9, 2011 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
They have to want it bad enough
They have the talent, and at times proved they could play with pretty much anybody. But how bad do they want the Cup? We’ll see.
Anybody think Niemi played poorly?
For all the talk of Versus announcers about how well Niemi has played, I think he has been anything but. I understand he plays a scrambling style, but he has given up enormous rebounds, but constantly out of position, and done an extremely poor job playing the puck. The only game the two teams played even, in my opinion, in this series was Game 3. San Jose has controlled the other four games in this series but only won two. These seems to be a continuation of years past, great team, poor goaltending. It is especially telling to watch Niemi after watching any amount of the Canucks-Predators series in which both goalies are dazzling. The stats also point to Niemi being poor in the playoffs as well. There are only TWO goaltenders that have started at least two games in these playoffs with a worst save percentage than Niemi, Sergei Bobrovsky and Ilya Bryzgalov. Both their teams got swept. Is this not a testament to how good this San Jose team has been? For those that wish to point to Niemi’s playoff success last year, that is overblown to. His .910 save percentage was 8th (out of 16th) starting goalies in the 2009-10 playoffs. I for one am not sure why the team continues to run him out there on a night to night basis.
by John Henry Schroeder on May 9, 2011 12:12 PM PDT reply actions
Don't know if I'll say "poorly"
But there is a very big flaw in his game that the Wings are exploiting. Niemi is not tracking the puck as well as he should be through traffic, and is ending up down and out of position far too much in high traffic situations.
The Wings are scoring a lot with traffic in front of the net and a lot of scrambling between the slot and the crease. Part of this is Niemi being down, and part of this is the defenseman not keeping their skates and ending up sprawled on the ice as well, and part of this is the forwards not collapsing to take away time and space in those prime scoring areas between the slot and the crease.
Niemi has not controlled the play well in those areas, but he is doing other things right. We might need him to steal a game, something he hasn’t quite done yet.
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
I’m not sure Niemi actually can steal a game. He can be better than he has shown the last two games. But he’s never shown the ability to completely take over a game the way many of the other goaltenders in the playoffs can/have.
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Member of FearTheFin's Mod Squad and The Knights Who Say NI-emi...
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by ZeroIndulgence on May 9, 2011 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
This is something I’ve been wondering about
Hi everyone…I’m relatively new to hockey, as I just started following the Sharks in January (a friend of mine has been a die-hard fan for years) and have been lurking at FTF then. I really appreciate all the articles and comments here, b/c they have helped me learn a lot about the game. I didn’t see Game 5, but I was wondering how much of that 3rd period collapse should be attributed to bad D and how much to Nemo, so your comment helped me understand thing better. One of the fan comments I read about the game—I think it may have been at WTC—mentioned that the Wings were screening Nemo and Holmstrom was parked in front all night. If that’s the case, were the Sharks just not shoving the Wings out of the way? What are the rules as far as what the Sharks can do in those situations to get DET out of Nemo’s face and not get them a penalty?
Players can not make avoidable contact with the goalie when he's in the crease (the blue area)
Thomas Holmstrom is a big strong guy and he’s very hard to shove out of the way. If you don’t have a guy big enough to move him out of the way (guys like Chris Pronger and Rob Blake), you need to make sure he’s less effective in other ways. Part of that is keeping him from moving with the puck, so that he’s not ALWAYS screening the goaltender. Part of that is making sure Niemi has some lane to see around him without too much distraction. Part of that is making sure fewer shots come through in that case. Part of that is making sure Holmstrom’s stick is occupied so he can’t deflect the puck.
It’s a tough thing to overcome, and it’s part of why Detroit has been so effective for so long.
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
Hey there!
As I like to say, it’s never a penalty if you can get away with it. It always seems to me that ref’s let more infractions go during the playoffs. So as long as it’s not too obvious or the player isn’t flopping in a believable way, then you s/b able to move him out of the way. But that’s Homer’s kitchen and where he makes his bread & butter. Even though Nemo tends to flop down and back in his net, he does cover the bottom of the net. Nabby used to stand more upright and some goals would trickle in between his pads, i.e., five hole.
Welcome and enjoy ( I always do ).
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