Tough Loss for Sharks Forces Game 5 in San Jose

While a four-game sweep against the Detroit Red Wings dynasty would have been an awesome victory for the San Jose Sharks, the Red Wings' efforts alongside their energetic home crowd in Game Four have given them the opportunity to stay alive. Although the Red Wings completely dominated the scoreboard, winning the game with a mind-blowing 7-1, one win is only one win, and the Sharks still lead the series three games to one. Fortunately, the next game will be played in front of the San Jose crowd at the HP Pavilion this Saturday at 7:00 pm, all anxious to see their beloved hockey team advance to the Conference finals for only the second time in franchise history.

Tonight's game proved to be simply a down moment in the series. The Red Wings had a terrific game; in particular Johan Franzen (affectionately known as “The Mule” in Detroit after famed captain Steve Yzerman gave him that nickname), who managed a hat trick in just over three minutes of play, finishing the game with four goals and two assists. Additionally, Red Wings netminder Jimmy Howard played a phenomenal game, turning away 28 out of 29 shots, most of them difficult to block. The Sharks, however, did not have an “on” game, for example, as goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, who performed brilliantly on Tuesday's Game Three, allowed half the shots on him to go into the net. What the Sharks need is effective rest for the next day and a half before focusing and attacking Game Five with a vengeance to put the Red Wings away in front of the home San Jose crowd.

The only obstacle between now and then is to continue to persevere and finish off the Red Wings with another win. Even though the Sharks managed a 3-0 series lead, each game had been a tough battle. Last year, the Red Wings (then the defending Stanley Cup champions) unsurprisingly advanced to the finals, pushing the Pittsburgh Penguins all the way to Game Seven before the Penguins, arguably, barely pushed through to win the game with a 2-1 victory. This year, the Red Wings are even better, and to be able to advance past them this year in the playoffs will turn the San Jose Sharks into the new favorite to win the coveted Stanley Cup. The Sharks fans have a lot to believe in this year. Believe in your Sharks. Support your Sharks. It's the playoffs, so although there undoubtedly will be some down moments in the series, what matters is if, in the end, the Sharks persevere and emerge victorious.

GO SHARKS!

Game Four will be in San Jose's HP Pavilion arena at 7:00 pm this Saturday.
Tickets available tomorrow.