Blades of Teal
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Pros and Cons From the San Jose Sharks Game 4 Defeat in Denver

By Lucas Burrell

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 02: Goalie Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks saves a shot on goal by Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche in the second period during Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center on May 2, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 02: Goalie Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks saves a shot on goal by Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche in the second period during Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center on May 2, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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San Jose Sharks Kevin Labanc carries the puck
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 02: Kevin Labanc #62 of the San Jose Sharks looks for an opening on goal against Tyson Jost #17 and Cale makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche in the third period during Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center on May 2, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The San Jose Sharks came down off their rocky mountain high by being shutout 3 – 0 in Game 4 versus the Colorado Avalanche.

After a decent start to Game 4, the San Jose Sharks got outpaced during the final two periods of the contest. Team Teal spent most of the night reacting instead of dictating the pace of play. This resulted in the Sharks getting shut out for the second time this postseason.

Despite the disappointing result there were a few things that Team Teal should be able to take solace in from Game 4. Here are a few glaring observations that the San Jose Sharks need to consider examining heading into Game 5 at the Tank.

Pros

Back to the Bay ~ The San Jose Sharks looked gassed during Game 4. They were seemingly a step or two behind the speedy Avalanche skaters. Whether you attribute the poor play to the altitude, the home ice advantage with last change, or the lingering affects from a rough 7 game series in Round 1. Team Teal was not prepared for what was in store for them in Game 4.

Luckily Game 5 is back at the Tank where their goal differential is a +7 compared to a -8 on the road over the first 11 games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Home ice advantage gives the Sharks last change which is crucial if Coach Pete DeBoer wants to match-up his best players against MacKinnon and company during crucial defensive zone starts.

A win in Game 5 would give Team Teal back control of this roller coaster of a series.  Even with help from the home crowd the Sharks are in for a tough task slowing down this Avalanches offensive attack.

Playoff Mode Martin Jones ~ The best player for the San Jose Sharks tonight was Martin Jones. He faced 27 shots while making 25 saves. The Avalanche made things difficult for the 29-year-old by generating 11 high danger shots against the lackluster Sharks defense.

Jones faced shots like this on countless occasions. Whether it was the Avs setting up plays in the offensive zone or off the rush, the Sharks netminder was under fire for the entire game. His strong play is a good sign heading into Game 5. Hopefully Martin Jones doesn’t have to be Team Teals best player on Saturday night but if so he’s exhibited the ability to step up these big moments.

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