Tag: Pacific Division

Sharks vs Predators PDF Game 2 160501 postgame

And it looks like the Sharks continue to write their own/new story with home ice not being the issue it “seemed to be” during the regular season, as they are up 2-0 in this series.  (And they are the only team left playing that hasn’t had a regulation loss.)

Game 2 pregame news/links

In past seasons, the Sharks might have a late lead but be unable to hang onto it.  This spring, the Sharks are putting their foot on the throat with more force and confidence, scoring extra empty netters and late goals, regardless of the score.  This came in handy Sunday night when the ENG was the GWG after the late extra attacker goal by Nashville.

Also a huge sigh of relief after Vlasic was hit in the visor by a Weber slap shot (and suffered no injury!).

Black aces get tapped for playoffs.  (That’s goalie Aaron Dell; defenseman Mirco Mueller; forwards Ryan Carpenter, Nikolay Goldobin, and Barclay Goodrow.)

Postgame news/links

Sharks vs Predators PDF Game 2 160501

Around the ice we gather for game 2.  Sharks lead the series 1-0.

Game 1 post game news/links

With the Preds coming off a game 7, I knew that game 1 was for the Sharks to lose as they were the fresher team.

Now, to see if the Preds get any bounceback/recovery with another non game day. (They took Saturday off from on ice work.) And if the Sharks can improve on their first two periods, using their speed to the home team’s advantage.

On Saturday, the Preds recalled a third goalie.

With the Barracuda ousted from the AHL playoffs on Friday, there is no word yet (as of Saturday evening) of any “Black Ace” recalls for the NHL playoffs.

But there is an update on “Rally Cat”

CSN with local pre/post game shows:

Pregame news/links

Sharks vs Predators PDF Game 1 160429 postgame

Let the battle commence. (Pregame news/links)

The teams spent about the first five minutes of play feeling each other out and the Sharks worked on getting the rust out (with bad passes and missed positions).  Period ended 0-0.

Predators scored in the second on their second power play, leading 1-0 after 40 minutes.

The Sharks scored five straight, including two power play goals and two empty nets, in the third.  Predators desperately scored one with goalie pulled.  Hutton came in relief to play the last few seconds of the game.

(And as seen on TV: there was a black cat that ran across the ice before warm ups.  Not mentioned/seen at game, so perhaps it happened before the doors opened?)

Final score: Sharks 5-2

News links

Sharks vs Predators PDF Game 1 160429

And so it begins.

Series previews, general links

Predators are coming in hot (but probably battered) from their game 7 win two days ago.  Sharks have been healing and resting (with hard practices) for a week.

I’m expecting both teams to come out hard in the early part of the game to try and get an advantage.

Sharks have yet to change their line up this post season.  Haley, Zubrus, DeMelo,  Tennyson and Reimer have zero minutes of ice time (and the first four haven’t even dressed for a game).  Tennyson is back in NHL after three-game conditioning stint with AHL Barracuda.

Time for a little dreaming

News, links

Barracuda @ Reign PDSF Game 4 160429

Down 2-1, it’s win or go home for the Barracuda tonight.

Guessing Chartier and Labanc may get in the lineup.

Barracuda twitter list | Opponent twitter | Barracuda preview

KDOW live feed | AHL Standings

AHL game summary | Barracuda recap | Gackle Report

Chartier, Labanc and Brodinski were in the line up tonight.  But the Barracuda came up short, losing the game 4-1 and the series 3-1.  All season Dell has been very good; the significant issue was lack of offense.

Sharks – Predators Pacific Division Final – playoffs

Finally, a known opponent.

NHL Stats

Sharks twitter list
Twitter list of opponent news
Former Sharks on opponent: Carter Hutton; Scott Nichol (Director of Player Development)

Predators flew to San Jose on Thursday after winning their first round series in their first game 7 against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, and open up the series on Friday.

The Predators have never won a series against the Sharks, and the Sharks have never faced the Predators in the second round.  Sharks won both the 05-06 and 06-07 WCQF series against the Predators in five games.

The Sharks forwards average 6′ 1″, and 202.8 pounds; defense 6′ 2″ and 212.8. Forwards average age is 28.6, defense 28.4.

The Predators forwards average about the same height, more than two pounds heavier, and a year and a half younger.  Defense is half an inch shorter, more than six pounds lighter and again about a year and a half younger.

Nashville is riding high after its first game 7, and a win.  So could come in “hot” against the Sharks who haven’t played for a week.

This will probably a physical series, based on the # of hits each team had in the regular season.  Predators averaged more than a minute more of penalties per game than the Sharks.  Sharks scored more goals and let in fewer goals than the Predators.

While both teams had good road playoff records in the first round, and the Sharks had a poor regular season home record, I don’t know that it’ll be that much a difference with the intensity of the second round playoffs.

And sometimes all the stats and calculations in the world don’t mean a thing when the puck drops.

My call: Sharks in 6.

Series preview, news/links

Barracuda @ Reign PDSF Game 3 160428

And off the guys head to Ontario, where they haven’t won all season, with the series tied 1-1.

But that doesn’t mean there is no hope for the Barracuda.

Playoff results are not indicative based on the regular season results.   It’s an issue of which players are on the roster “today”, how teams are playing through their injuries, and how “hot” players/goalies can get.  With a bit of influence/encouragement from the fans.

Except that Michael hasn’t played for the Barracuda this post season yet.

Reign’s Sutter missed another day of practice. Reign Coach updates on injuries.

Gackle feature on Goldobin.

AHL daily preview

Sharks prospect Chartier is heading to Ontario for the AHL playoffs after being ousted from WHL playoffs.  (Guessing it’s doubtful for tonight, but he may arrive in time for puck drop.)  Labanc signed to AHL ATO and heading to Barracuda.

Barracuda twitter list | Opponent twitter | Gackle preview

KDOW live feed | AHL Standings

AHL game summary | Barracuda recap

Barracuda outshot 43-17, outscored 3-1.  Dell pulled after giving up 3rd goal on 39 saves.  Goldobin scored the lone goal for San Jose.

Hopefully both Chartier and Labanc can be in the lineup tomorrow.

Barracuda vs Reign PDSF Game 2 160423

The Barracuda lost game 1, 2-1.

24 hours later, the rematch. In a best of five round, this game is very important.  This is the last Barracuda home game of the series; the remaining three games will be in Ontario.

Boudreau has been signed to an AHL ATO, but did not play.  (Sims was released from PTO after end of regular season).

Reign expect Gavel back in the lineup for game 2.

Barracuda twitter list | Opponent twitter | Barracuda preview

KDOW live feed | AHL Standings

AHL game summary | Barracuda recap | Gackle Report

Barracuda open the scoring, get a two goal lead, then give up a goal, score another, and hang on after a late goal against to win 3-2, tying the series.

Lerg, Carpenter and Goldobin had the goals for the Barracuda.  Boudreau and McNally made their pro playoff debuts.

Next up: Game 3.  In Ontario, where the Barracuda have not won all (regular) season.  The Barracuda have a watch party planned for Thursday 4/28.

Barracuda vs Reign PDSF Game 1 160422

Barracuda host the Reign for the first game in the best of five, first round series.  The Cuda host game 2 on Saturday; play then shifts to Ontario for the last three games in the series (including games 4 and 5, if needed).

Barracuda’s record against the Reign was 3-6-3-0 this season.

This series is in the shadow of their NHL parents’ playoff series.

Here’s hoping the Cuda are stingy, unwelcoming hosts and get the win!

AHL Series preview | Sportsnet AHL Calder Cup preview

Barracuda twitter list | Opponent twitter | Barracuda preview | Gackle preview

KDOW live feed | AHL Standings

AHL game summary | Barracuda recap

Dell played well, but the Cuda lose game 1, 1-2.

Sharks @ Kings PDSF Game 5 160422

Sharks leading the series 3-1.  Kings, with pride, will be doing all they can to force a game 6 on Sunday.

This is the Sharks’ NINETEENTH straight playoff game against the Kings.  And the Sharks would really like to get another opponent for #20.

Sharks need to show their killer instinct, ala real life sharks, and get this series over.  Let’s prove that a good road record is all it can be.

News links