Things are looking good for the San Jose Sharks. For a team that has struggled so far in the 2011 NHL playoffs with a -9 first period goal differential leading up to tonight's game, spirits must be high in the locker room right now with a 1-0 lead. Antti Niemi has been standing on his head, and made one of the best saves I've seen in the playoffs so far. The lone goal in the first came from Setoguchi's tip-in through the legs of Howard off of Boyle's shot from the point. With a home ice advantage and a 1-0 lead, the Sharks are in a good position to put away the Red Wings and advance to the Conference Finals. It will be interesting to see how things shape up in the next forty minutes of hockey.
Note: Franzen and Datsyuk are both in Detroit's line-up despite speculation that they may be out due to injury. Franzen exchanged slashing penalties with San Jose's Thorton at the end of the first period.
Second Intermission Update:
San Jose found a way to maintain a one goal lead over Detroit after the first period. The Sharks went up by two goals thanks to Pavelski's two vs. one goal assisted by Clowe and Wellwood. Kronwell's goal closed the gap to only only one goal with 3:35 left in the period just 53 seconds after Pavelski's goal. The Sharks are dominating the game in general, evident by the fact that they are outshooting The Red Wings 31 to 15 after the completion of two periods. If Howard doesn't get more help from his teammates in the third period, Detroit's season is going to come to an end in twenty minutes.
Post-game Update:
Howard got the help necessary in a very busy third period. San Jose looked like they were going to pull away after Couture's early third period goal, but Detroit's not the kind of team to go down without putting up one hell of a fight. Three unanswered goals from Ericsson, Cleary and Holmstrom gave Detroit the 4-3 win. Datsyuk had three assists on the night as well as a few plays to remind everyone why he has the best hands in the league. Detroit must be grateful he was in the line-up. San Jose became the second team in two days to blow a game five opportunity to advance in front of their own fans; Vancouver did it yesterday.
Howard commenting on his performance with his usual sense of humility:
Detroit Coach Mike Babcock:
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