A San Jose Sharks Blog

May 23, 2010

Well, not too much different to report after Game Four of the series between the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sharks came out strong, played well, got some good goals, but then let Chicago stick around long enough to tie things up and eventually take the lead. The difference this time is that the game-winning goal came on a bulls**t call. Simply because Patrick Kane has girly little hands and can't hold onto his stick, Dany Heatley was called for a slash late in the game and it gave Chicago the man advantage...on which they obviously scored. However, I guess I shouldn't complain about that single call because it wouldn't have mattered if San Jose (more specifically Evgeni Nabokov) hadn't let in two very soft goals in the second period. It's unfortunate that the referees had an impact on this game, but it's more of an unfortunate circumstance that San Jose couldn't shut things down after grabbing a two goal lead.

May 21, 2010

In a game where the San Jose Sharks had their chances to win the game, someway...somehow...the Chicago Blackhawks ended on top once again. After a bad game in San Jose, Evgeni Nabokov came back with a solid performance...one good enough to win. Unfortunately, Team Teal couldn't convert on a number of late power play opportunities. More specifically, other than Patrick Marleau, no other Shark could beat Antti Niemi who again had a stellar game stopping 44 out of 46 shots.

May 18, 2010

Well, that one wasn't very close. Do you think it's time to get serious and start shaking things up? I do. After losing Game One, it seemed like all of the players and coaches were too calm...too confident. There wasn't any real feeling of a need for change. Granted, the first game was close and it could have gone either way. However, the fact is that San Jose lost...so how could we not make some changes? Well, Team Teal came out with the same game plan and once again...it didn't work. In a last second attempt to shake things up, Coach Todd McLellan mixed up the lines...sadly, not enough to beat Chicago. Bottom line, our beloved Sharks just looked out-classed for the first time in a long time. Time to really shake things up.

May 16, 2010

The San Jose Sharks came out strong and put a lot of pressure on the Chicago Blackhawks and goaltender Antti Niemi. Unfortunately for Team Teal, Niemi was spectacular. Not only was he able to stop 44 shots on net, but the young netminder stole a number of chances that were all but in the back of the net. With this excellent goaltending keeping the game close, Chicago was able to come back from a one goal deficit, gain some momentum, and eventually get two past Evgeni Nabokov who also had a very good game.

May 8, 2010

Thanks to a complete team effort, the San Jose Sharks pulled through in Game Five against the Detroit Red Wings. In what was already an extremely intense series, the intensity in this game just seemed to be off the charts. From the drop of the puck, both teams seemed to be skating with a lot of speed...the passes were crisp...the shots were sharp...and the saves were stellar. San Jose and Detroit clearly were prepared to play.

May 7, 2010

Well, we knew it wasn't going to be easy. After getting beat three games in a row, the Detroit Red Wings had finally had enough and were able to come up with a big victory against the San Jose Sharks. The good news...no matter what the final score was...it still just one game. The bad news...well...we just looked pretty bad. That first period was a nightmare. I'm not sure what strategy or gameplan could have prevented all those goals from going in, but whatever we do...we need to make sure that it never happens again.

May 4, 2010

As everyone expected, the Detroit Red Wings jumped out of the locker room and onto the ice at Joe Louis Arena ready for blood. It was Game Three and they were down by two to the San Jose Sharks, but this game would be different. They were at home, the fans would be behind them, a nobody beats Detroit three times in a row. Well, things sure did look that way after 40 minutes of play. However, hockey spectators around the world are realizing something that true Sharks fans have known for the past six months...this season's edition of San Jose Sharks hockey isn't the same as it's been in the past...it's improved...very much improved.

May 2, 2010

With an opportunity to go up two games to zero, the San Jose Sharks protected home ice on Sunday and defeated the Detroit Red Wings by a final score of 4 - 3 in regulation. Though Team Teal came out strong...starting with a scoring chance on the very first shift, Detroit was the team to get on the board early. Fortunately, the Sharks stuck to their game plan, took advantage of their power play opportunities, and relied on both Joes to lead them to victory.

April 29, 2010

Well, the San Jose Sharks did exactly what I was hoping they would do...jump on Detroit early. With our short series and their long one against Phoenix, it was a perfect opportunity to take advantage of a tired team. So, just like clockwork, Team Teal chipped in three quick goals early in the game. Unfortunately, the goals came so quickly that the Red Wings had a ton of time to slowly crawl back into the game...which they did in true Detroit fashion.

April 25, 2010

I know that hockey is a team sport and that everyone has a role to play in order for the team to be successful. I also know that every San Jose Sharks player that hit the ice in the first round of these playoffs has worked hard and tried to do their best. However, this round against the Colorado Avalanche belongs to Joe Pavelski. Of course there are a lot of other players that have stood out including Ryane Clowe, Devin Setoguchi, Logan Couture, Scott Nichol, and so many more...but "Little Joe", who will now be referred to as "The Big Pavelski", was simply playing on another level.