Going back to 2004, the San Jose Sharks have lost a total of 7 straight Western Conference Finals games, a trend they would like to put an end to. After coming off of a tough Game One loss in Vancouver, the Sharks find themselves on their heels. “I don’t feel uncomfortable with a lead, that’s where I want to be,” defenseman Dan Boyle said after Canuck goals 79 seconds apart caused Sunday’s loss in the last 20 minutes. “We've got to find a way to finish people off. I think maybe getting that next goal. With a one-goal lead you try to get the next goal without giving anything up.”(Bleacher Report) The Sharks need to find a way to maintain a lead if they are to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. One thing that separated the men from the boys in Game One was the physical play of the Canucks (I'm not sure how Patrick McNally will fit in). Chris Higgins absolutely demolished Pavelski on a clean open ice hit that had Pavelski spinning. Above and beyond the physical play of Game Two, special teams may very well separate who goes home happy, and who doesn't tonight. Going into tonights game, the Sharks have a miserable 15.4% power play percentage coupled with an 82.1% penalty kill. Needless to say, this is one area the Sharks need improvement in. An area that does not need correction at either end is the goaltending. Despite the criticism that each netminder has faced by the media, both show outstanding numbers. While Luongo boasts a .918% and a 2.23 GAA, Niemi shows of a .908% and a 3.01 GAA. If the goaltenders play as they have been, and the Sharks pick up the intensity, look for tonight to be a close and hard fought game.
No comments:
Post a Comment