The Sharks lose another game, now behind in the series 1-3. It’s elimination time: win to extend season, or head home for the summer.
Pens scored first again; and got the only PP goal of the game. Sharks managed one goal, to avoid being shut out. Seems like Pittsburgh is able to counter the Sharks dump and chase better than the Sharks have been able to adjust to the Pens speed and scramble, taking advantage of the little mistakes.
The Sharks won’t be able to count on their power play with the officials keeping their whistles in their pockets for most of the game.
Pens will be inspired to win their fourth Stanley Cup; the previous three have been won on the road, so it would have special meaning to clinch at home.
But the Sharks would like to score first (hasn’t happened yet in the series), as well as have a lead (they haven’t had one of those either). Pavelski and Burns have not scored a goal this series.
Hertl is still listed as “day to day” (which per DeBoer in Czech means he’s lost for the season; lol). Everyone’s playing banged up; it’s just an issue of who can perform the best.
The last team to come back and win the Stanley Cup after being down 1-3 was more than sixty years ago. Sharks have an up hill battle, but they seem to play their best when considered the under dog.
Hope to see game 6 live on Sunday.