Upsets seemed to be the trend during the first two days of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Three highest seeds to play thus far, the Devils, Capitals, and Sharks all lost by one goal. The only teams to not be upset were the Coyotes (4 seed), Canucks (3 seed) and the Sabers (3 seed). And still, all three of those teams only won by a goal. In fact, all seven games so far have been decided by just a goal.
Maybe there is no clear cut favorite this post season? Only time will tell.
Tonight however, the Sharks must bounce back and regain their stride that helped them win 8 of their last 10 games in the regular season. Going down 2-0 heading back to Colorado would be a disaster and a forgone conclusion that the season might be over again in the first round.
My Keys to Tonight’s Game:
1.Evgeni Nabokov. I thought Nabby actually played well in game one. If not for that fluke bounce, the Sharks would have had the momentum going to overtime on Wednesday night. If Nabby can play another solid game, I like the Sharks chances of putting up more than one goal in game two.
2.The Sharks Defense. They need to do two things that they did not do enough of in game one. They need to A) put the puck on net when on offense. Doing this will create rebounds and more offensive chances. Besides for Rob Blake, everyone seemed very hesitant with the puck. B) They need to clear the Avalanche out from in front of their own net. I can’t tell you how many times we allowed them to just set up shop in front of Nabby. If someone is having a tea party in front of your goaltender, give them a nice check or a punch to the face. They have to be more physical.
3.The Crowd. I was there for game one. It was too quiet. I have been to Sharks playoffs games the past 4 seasons and this was the quietest I have ever seen it. Sharks fans, GET UP, GET LOUD, AND STAY UP! These players feed off of YOUR ENERGY. Be obnoxious and scream your lungs out! I truly believe that if you the fans get loud and rowdy, the Sharks will win and we will advance. It’s not just on the players……
Good Luck to us tonight…………….GO SHARKS