Sharks vs Kings PDSF Game 4 160420 postgame

Sharks got their power play going — and it was the only way they scored.  But they got three on the scoreboard.

And they kept the Kings to only two goals.

No goals scored in the first period

The Tank was rocking.  Think the fans helped energize the team after a couple of icings (when there was no time out — used on coach’s challenge for goalie interference on King’s first goal).

Postgame links

Sharks vs Kings PDSF Game 4 160420

The past is the past. Put it behind you and concentrate on the game at hand.

The Kings have been able to shut down the depth scoring of the Sharks.  (Only the top line and top PP units have scored for the Sharks; and the top D pairing.)

Time for some more bruises tonight.

(Start time for Friday’s game 5 has been set for 7:30)

Pregame news/links

Sharks vs Kings PDSF Game 3 160418

Sharks score first? Check.  Sharks limit the offense of the Kings – kinda.

Intensity ratchets up as the Kings score (on PP) to tie it up in the first, and it’s a defensive battle until (the first) OT.  Kings score 3:47 in.

Sharks seemed to be griping their sticks tight the whole night.  Lots of flubbed passes (not tape to tape), some miscues, etc.

News links (highlights or lowlights):

Barracuda vs Heat 160417

One last RS home game.  One last chance to get a point to get into the playoffs.

Barracuda twitter list | Opponent twitter | Barracuda preview

KDOW live feed | AHL Standings

AHL game summary | Barracuda recap | Gackle Report

Dell got the shut out with 41 saves.  Six different players with goals, including Gallant with his first of the season.

And the playoffs have been clinched.  The Barracuda open the Calder Cup playoffs (Pacific Division Semi-Final) at home for games 1 (Friday 4/22) and 2 (Saturday 4/23) against the Ontario Reign, in a best of five (games 3-5 will be in Ontario).

Sharks @ Kings PDSF Game 2 – 160416 (postgame)

Kings were unable to solve former backup Jones for more than 74 minutes (game 1 into 2), and it took the fifth power play of game 2.

But prior to that, the Sharks had already scored twice.

With a final flurry that the Sharks weathered with Quick pulled, and the Sharks take the 2-0 series lead.

Kings do not seem to be able to match the Sharks speed; the Sharks are taking the hits (and drawing penalties for the illegal actions) the Kings are dishing and bending not breaking.

Sharks radio analyst Hedican commented that Quick’s rebounds were going to dangerous areas, helping the Sharks take advantage.

Gaborik returned to the lineup, but was not a major factor.  Only Lecavalier scored past Jones.

News links (Pregame news/links)

Barracuda @ Heat 160416

Penultimate game of the season. Barracuda need one point to clinch a playoff berth in their two final games.  (If they do make it, their opponent is already known:  the Ontario Reign, aka the AHL affiliate of the LA Kings.  The Heat have been mathematically eliminated from AHL playoff contention, but can play spoiler.)

And they have one final opponent (of the regular season): the Stockton Heat.

Saturday’s game is in Stockton (and military appreciation night, their last home game of the season).  Sunday’s is the home finale.

Mirco Mueller was recalled, and then returned for the Sharks home regular season finale.  Matt Tennyson has been assigned to the Barracuda on a conditional assignment.  F Jordan Sims has been signed to a PTO.

Congrats to San Jose Barracuda’s Ryan Carpenter named Winner of Yanick Dupre Memorial Award as AHL’s Man of the Year.

Barracuda twitter list | Opponent twitter | Barracuda preview

KDOW live feed | AHL Standings

AHL game summary | Barracuda recap

The game did not start out well with Dell giving up two goals in the first five minutes.  First period ended 3-1 Heat.

Cuda took a 4-3 lead, but gave up two more to Heat, in regulation.

One more game to get one point to make playoffs.

Sharks @ Kings PDSF Game 2 – 160416 (pregame)

Sharks lead the series 1-0. Special teams were key in game 1.  And they were resilient when they fell behind the Kings, even giving up a short handed goal.

Kings may have lost Martinez to injury after game one.  They have recalled D Kevin Gravel after Martinez missed second half of game.  Regardless of Gravel’s participation, Doughty is prepared to play more minutes, if that is needed in Martinez’s absence. The Kings are concerned with the Sharks faceoff wins, especially in the offensive zone.

Update: Sharks – no lineup changes planned.  Kings – Martinez out, McBain in (NHL playoff debut); Gaborik cleared to play, game time decision

News links:

Sharks @ Kings PDSF Game 1 – 160414

And game 1 is in the books.  Sharks were able to overcome bad luck and some dubious officiating to get the win.

The Sharks scored seven goals: four behind Quick and two own goals; plus the officials missed crediting the Sharks for a goal.  (So the final score could have been 7-1?)

NHL playoff rookies Donskoi, Karlsson and Tierney played quite well.

Kings did not play as well as they could, so even with the Sharks up 1-0 in the series, all that means is there’s three more wins needed, and they get harder to get the further you go.

Kings lost Martinez (missed 1+ periods).  And Gaborik didn’t play.

There’s at least another three tough games in this series.

Links:

Series preview: Round 1 – Sharks vs Kings

The Kings and Sharks face each other for the fourth time in the playoffs.  Kings have won two series (both seven games), Sharks have won one (six games).  Sharks won the 15-16 regular season series 3-2.

NHL Statistics

Sharks twitter list
Twitter list of opponent news
Former Sharks on opponent:  GM Dean Lombardi, coach Darryl Sutter

Kings ended the regular season on a bit of a slump (4-5-1 in last ten), losing out on winning the division.  The word that comes up in many of the series previews is that the Kings play “heavy,” a factor that many pundits claim will be the difference in the series. Kings led the league in hits with 2495 (30.4/game). And  they missed the playoffs last season.  They have a few banged up players who may miss the start of the series.  They have two Stanley Cups for the franchise.

The Sharks were two games under 0.500 at home, but led the league in wins on the road (including an early season 6-0 road trip).  They ended the season on a 5-5-0 run, coming up shy for division lead or even 2nd.  The Sharks also missed the playoffs last year.  They added a better goalie (tandem) and some veteran experience and leadership.  There’s even a new coach.

But what does all that mean for the series?  Well, most pundits are picking the series to go to seven games (regardless of the winning team), and one of the most watchable/sexy of the opening round series.

In my heart of hearts, I dream of the Sharks so dominating the Kings they sweep the series, busting the brackets of many.

It will be a hatred-filled, physical series.  It could be decided based on quality of depth.  (Interesting tidbit — if the Sharks’ AHL franchise, the San Jose Barracuda, make the Calder Cup playoffs, they’ll be facing the Kings’ AHL franchise, the Ontario Reign in the first round.  Hatred abounds.) Or the luck of the bouncing puck or (seemingly) capriciousness of officiating.  (With the Sharks having the better power play, the Kings may have to be on their best behavior to avoid tempting fate.)

With the majority of (EAST COAST) pundits not late night fans of California hockey, I take a lot of the pundits’ predictions and toss ’em.  They are based on stats (e.g., Kings are #1 in hits) and “ancient” (two seasons ago) events.  They forget that Sharks thrive in the deep waters, unseen, until they make their killing lunge; so too may these pundits be underestimating what the NHL Sharks have prepared themselves to do this post season.

The Sharks forwards average 6′ 1″, and 202.8 pounds; defense 6′ 2″ and 212.8.  The Kings forwards average an inch taller, 4 pounds heavier; their defense about 1/2″ taller, but average three pounds lighter (209.4).  Not an overwhelming difference (collectively).  Both teams have run the gauntlet of the Western Conference “Group of Death,” as well as the Sharks enduring the most grueling travel schedule of any NHL team this season.

Both teams know the effort it will take in the playoffs, and are willing combatants.  It comes down to will vs will on each side, with the physical ability (skill) to do so when the bruises get added on to every shift.

There are times I think the Sharks play better (challenge brings out the competitiveness) when the hits are hard/frequent and the teams well matched.  But I know they play the best when it’s every player participating and playing his best. It’ll be up to Captain Pavelski, the Sharks vets/leadership and Coach DeBoer to get that 18+2 cylinder (diesel) engine warmed up and ready to push through the toughest terrain/opponent to be the only team to sixteen wins this season.

Kings may have two Stanley Cups, but discount the Sharks and you’ll be chum.

Links to previews:

Updates:

Sharks vs Coyotes 160409

Sharks have clinched 3rd in division.  Now to learn (perhaps today) of opponent, and playoff schedule (tomorrow).

TV: CSN CA+  (JIP on CSNCA after A’s postgame circa 9:30pm)
Satellite radio (click for specific station)
Sharks Radio Network

NHL Standings
NHL Statistics

Sharks twitter list
Twitter list of opponent news
Former Sharks on opponent: Corey Schwab, prospect goaltending coach

Last home game of the regular season.  Sharks cannot have a winning home record.  Hoping for good momentum heading into playoffs.

Coyotes are out of the playoffs, but encouraged by what the future may hold.