San Jose Sharks Look To Make History In Game 6

San Jose can move on to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history with a win over St. Louis in Game 6.

The San Jose Sharks franchise has waited 25 years for this particular moment. A chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final on home ice with all of San Jose behind them.

Following their big third-period effort in Game 5, team teal can eliminate the St. Louis Blues in Game 6 tonight when the two teams square off at SAP Center.

Now it certainly won’t be easy as the Blues have faced elimination against the Blackhawks and Stars, but both of those situations were Game 7s where they were ahead for most of the series.

St. Louis has played much better hockey away from Scottrade Center where they’ve posted a 6-3 record during the playoffs, including a 6-3 win in Game 4. Meanwhile, the Sharks are 6-2 on home ice so something will have to give tonight.

It should be quite the scene at the Shark Tank as San Jose looks to use the energy from the raucous crowd to help push this team to new heights. Buckle up cause it’s sure to be a wild ride.

Players to Watch

More from Blades of Teal

• San Jose Sharks fans need this Erik Karlsson shirt from BreakingT
• Norris Trophy odds show Erik Karlsson a step above the rest
• Are you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?
• Korenar deserves a chance at the NHL level
• Three prospects the Sharks should consider drafting

Sharks: Joe Pavelski. Pavelski has been there for this San Jose team in every big moment. He delivered in Game 5 to knock out the Kings. He scored the game-winner in Game 7 against Nashville. He brought it with team teal trailing in Game 5 against the Blues with two huge goals.

He’s elevated his game and his teammates have followed. Pavelski is riding a six-game point streak (four goals, five assists) and his line is a major reason why team teal finds themselves in the position they are in. He’s tied with Logan Couture for the playoff-lead with 21 points, and tops the league with 12 goals and four game-winning goals this postseason.

Blues: Brian Elliott. Elliott will draw back in for St. Louis as Ken Hitchcock goes back to his workhorse. Elliott has been very solid overall throughout these playoffs with a 2.34 GAA and a .925 save percentage, but he was victimized in Games 2 and 3 by San Jose.

In the three games against the Sharks, Elliott has a 2.59 GAA and an .899 save percentage, but he has come up big for the Blues with their backs against the wall in these playoffs. Needless to say, all eyes will be on the St. Louis netminder to see how he responds.

Keys to the Game

More from Sharks News

• Norris Trophy odds show Erik Karlsson a step above the rest
• Red hot Couture provides a much needed boost
• Sharks return to SAP in sight
• Ryan Donato shines in his revenge game
• Tomas Hertl is off to a hot start

1. Discipline

Both teams were victims of losing their cool in Game 5 as Roman Polak and Kevin Shattenkirk each took undisciplined penalties which led to power-play goals for each side. With the emotions running high, the Sharks have to make sure they channel that energy in the right way.

They can’t give the Blues any gifts on the power play as St. Louis has shown the ability to convert on the man advantage. Be smart and sound in all areas of the ice, especially through the neutral zone and in your own end.

Keep doing the things that have made you successful during the first five contests and rely on each other. San Jose has done a great job of picking up their teammates throughout this run.

2. Manage the Game

There will be plenty of buzz in the building tonight and expect the home team to be flying from the initial puck drop. The Sharks want to apply the early pressure and get that first goal to plant that seed of doubt in the Blues.

However, there will be ebbs and flows in this one where St. Louis will come with a push. San Jose has to manage those situations and make sure they don’t panic.

The Sharks have to be smart with the puck and use their speed to attack the Blues. Keep the crowd engaged throughout the night as they’ll be ready to erupt at a moment’s notice.

Next: Sharks Three Keys To Finish Off Blues

3. Seize the Moment

As Chris Tierney noted after their Game 5 victory, these opportunities only come around every so often and you never know when you’ll get back. Paul Martin talked about the desire to win this for all the guys that have worn it for so long in San Jose after falling short. Add it all up and the Sharks have a big chance to make history tonight.

They’ve already made it to an extent, but to finally break through to a Cup Final would be huge for this franchise. Don’t let this opportunity pass by and reward all those fans who have been there through all the highs and lows throughout the years.