Detroit Continues to Dominate San Jose

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Detroit Continues to Dominate San Jose

Another game against the Detroit Red Wings...another loss for the Loss column. What is it with these guys? They have trouble winning against almost everybody this year, but when it comes to the San Jose Sharks, they just seem to be unbeatable. Some fans say it's mental, Team Teal just can't seem to find a way to stand up to their childhood bully. Others say its a sign of respect in how well Detroit prepares for us. What do I say? Maybe a little of both. However, if I look at that game as a single contest...ignoring all of the history between these two team, I'd have to say we shot ourselves in the foot...plain and simple.

After going up by two goals, thanks to Jumbo Joe Thornton, San Jose quickly delivered two jabs to the Red Wings' face and bloodied their nose. Unfortunately, instead of going for the knock-out punch, the Sharks dropped their gloves and let Detroit take advantage of an opening. I don't know why I'm using boxing as an analogy, but I'll stop. The opening I was referring to was the powerplay...to be more specific, a 5 on 3 powerplay. During that man-advantage, the Red Wings cashed in quickly and tied the game at two goals apiece. Any momentum that had come from the early Sharks lead had now disappeared.

According to former Sharks Head Coach Ron Wilson, strong special teams and great goaltending wins you games. Well, Detroit sure did prove that theory after 60 minutes. If it weren't for the two powerplay goals and Jimmy Howard's 32 saves on the night, San Jose would have been in that game. Or better yet, if Team Teal converted on their two powerplay opportunities over the last two periods, who knows what the result may have been. Either way, it was a disappointing loss.

Fortunately, there is no time to dwell on it. Due to the Olympics, the Sharks find themselves staring at an 11 day road trip, all across the East, where they play six times...with one back-to-back. And who do we play on the second half of that back-to-back...you guessed it...Detroit. It's time to focus.

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