Welcome to the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Long time Sharks fans (myself included) will tell you that it’s no surprise that all the critics and prognosticators picked St. Louis in this series. When San Jose is picked to be one and done, they’ve shocked the world. This will need to be one of those series.
When being dominated 11-3 in goals in the four game series, including 2 shutouts against, you start to wonder what needs to be done. One such idea could be inspired by George Costanza.
San Jose will have to climb a defensive mountain in St. Louis. The Blues allowed the fewest goals and led the league with a 1.89 team goals against average. Clearly, their defense is good. Their goaltending is greater. A problem for Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock is which goaltender to start? Both Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott were epic in the turnaround for the Bluenotes.
For Team Teal to shock the hockey world, they must continue to pressure. Move their feet on the power play to confuse their defenders and make them work for the puck. The offensive capability is there. Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, and Logan Couture each had 30+ goal seasons. The three along with Ryane Clowe and Joe Thornton were key to a four game winning streak that snuck them into the postseason.
While the Blues have two netminders that can take them to the promise land, San Jose will put all it’s eggs for Antti Niemi. The Sharks goaltender no longer have bad games. St. Louis will take advantage and they don’t need much offensive support to win.
A tall task but one that can be accomplished. Game 1. LET’S PUCKING DO THIS!