Goat and Hero in the Same Game

Rissmiller scores in double overtime

It is rare in life when you get the opportunity to rectify a bad situation so soon after causing it. Fortunately for the San Jose Sharks, that rare opportunity came up for Patrick Rissmiller and he took advantage of it.

In the third period, the Nashville Predators pulled goalie Tomas Vokoun to gain the man advantage. Thanks to their defense, the Predators were able to hold the offensive zone on numerous Sharks clearing attempts; unfortunately, they had a little help from Rissmiller. After two turnovers, the young winger was forced to watch his mistakes turn into a last minute, game tying goal. The remaining seconds of the game ticked off of the clock and put the game into overtime.

In the first OT, it was clear that Rissmiller was struggling; his passes were off and he looked very uncomfortable every time he touched the puck. Who could blame him? Rissmiller would have iced the game with a couple of simple clears. I kept hoping that Coach Ron Wilson would sit him on the bench, but that was not an option given the fact that it was double overtime and Jonathan Cheechoo was out of the game with an injury. As a result, Coach Wilson continued to roll out all of his forwards.

Less than nine minutes into the second overtime, Rissmiller was checked hard to the ice, but showed his heart by continuing the shift that eventually led to the game winning goal. On the final play, Mike Grier picked up the puck and dished it to Patrick Marleau who was waiting at the Nashville blueline. After Marleau gained the zone, Rissmiller made a strong move to get behind the Nashville defense. Thanks to a slick pass from Marleau, Rissmiller found himself in the near slot with the puck and nobody in front of him other than Vokoun. With a quick snapper, Rissmiller put the puck by the Nashville goalie and ended the game.

Though the Sharks are off to a great start, it is clear to me that this series is going to be a tough one. I know that I have said that I like San Jose's chances against Nashville and that hasn't changed; however, the Predators really showed me something tonight. Being down two goals to the Sharks is not an easy situation to overcome, but Nashville found a way. In addition, Vokoun looked really strong in net making critical saves on a number of breakaways late in the game.

Bottomline: the Sharks lead the series and I'm happy about that...now let's hope that Jonathan Cheechoo is okay.

A San Jose Sharks Blog