May 10, 2010

Sharks Vs. Red Wings WCSF Game 4

The Sharks were once again at the Joe Louis Arena with the chance to sweep the Detroit Red Wings 4-0 in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. But the Wings and their fans weren't about to let that happen as they had the Sharks seeing red - a lot of red.

There is not much I can say about the game itself because for one, I didn't get a chance to watch but the last 2 minutes because of the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Montreal Canadians game that was on before it. Secondly, the score speaks for itself - Nabokov allowed 5 goals on 9 shots in the first period and was replaced by backup netminder Thomas Greiss in the second period. The Red Wings would go on to score two more goals, one in the second and another in the third. Franzen, "the Mule," scored a natural hat trick (3 goals in one game) plus an additional goal. Bertuzzi, Filppula, and Rafalski were the other goal scorers. The Sharks were spanked with a 7-1 loss, having many in the hockey world wondering if the "chokers" were back.

Not everything that happened in Game 4 was negative and even though this massive beating that the Sharks received from the Red Wings has the Bay Area once again reeling at the idea of another playoff loss, there still is high hope that the Sharks can finally put to bed their unsuccessful playoff history.

Evgeni Nabokov - While his total meltdown that resulted in a 5 goal deficit in 20 minutes was reminiscent of his Olympic performance, it wasn't all Nabby's fault this time around. Some of the goals he let in, should have been stopped but overall, it was the defensive play of the entire team that was missing. No one on the ice for the Sharks were doing their job and with the Red Wings facing elimination, the Sharks should have been more prepared to meet a very desperate team that has talent on all four lines. One thing to remember is that before this game (which resulted in a .899 save percentage), Nabokov had the best save percentage in the league and that after his poor performance in Game 3 against the Avs, Nabokov was stellar throughout the rest of the series. Nabokov can and should bounce back with a top notch game that will help the Sharks put down the Red Wings and their playoff history once and for all.

Thomas Greiss - The backup goalie for the Sharks doesn't get to play often and hasn't played at all in the playoffs. I've always questioned Greiss' abilities as a clinch player and someone who can come up big when needed. This was a great game to see what he could do and he was strong, probably the best player for the Sharks. With little support from the rest of the 5 Sharks on the ice, Greiss only allowed two goals while stopping some of the best scorers in the league - all at the Joe with 20 thousand screaming Red Wings' fans. I have to admit, from the replays I've seen, I was impressed with his performance and now I'm not as worried about the (knock on wood) unfortunate situation that could have Greiss back in the net during these playoffs.

The Big 3 - While most of the Sharks looked like they weren't ready or willing to play Game 4, the Big 3, especially Joe Thornton weren't about to allow the Red Wings an easy win. Jumbo was checking, fighting, and trying to set the tone that back in San Jose things weren't going to play out the same way. It might seem futile to work hard when your losing by such a wide margin but grinding the other team with hits and checks sends the message that you aren't about to be pushed around and walked on top of. A big complaint from last year's early exit was the Sharks lack of grit against the Ducks, basically allowing them to walk away with the wins and not forcing them to work for it. This time, the Sharks responded the way a hockey team should, punish the other guys as much as possible, no matter the score. Another plus for the Big 3 is that the lone San Jose goal that broke Howard's shutout bid was from Dany Heatley on a Power Play in the second period.

My first initial thought when I saw the score was to panic and think "it's happening again!" but then I realized that this is a different team and this loss could just be what the doctored ordered. The Sharks still had their 3-1 lead over the Red Wings and the jolt of such a massive loss might be enough to spark a bit of a killer instinct in the Sharks who need to return the favor of a dominating performance to close out the series. The Wings on the other hand, still has to win two more games in a row to force Game 7 if they have any chance to moving on. Oh, and did I mention Game 5 is back in San Jose which was recently voted the toughest building to play in by NHL players in a Sports Illustrated pole? If Nabokov bounces back, if the Big 3 keep hitting the back of the net, if the D get their act together, and if the whole team can get that bite and grind mentality into their heads - this series will be over in five games. If the Sharks lose this game, I think Detroit has a great chance of forcing a Game 7, because there is no way they are losing at home again. Only two teams have ever come back from a 3 game deficit to win a playoff series, let's hope it stays that way.