Sharks @ Kings PDSF Game 5 160422 recap

Sharks scored three straight, missed on a penalty shot, then gave up three straight, leaving the game tied after 40 minutes.  But the Sharks came back with two more, plus an empty net, to push past the Kings and advance to the next round.

Donskoi, Tierney and Karlsson all scored their first career NHL playoff goals.  Nice to have secondary scoring help out in series.

Relief of finally getting past the Kings? Definitely.  Revenge for that 0-4 losing streak in 2014? Kinda, but what about the 2013 series loss?  All time, the Sharks and Kings are 2-2 in the playoffs.  This is the first time the series has been decided in less than seven games.

Sharks were clearly the better team in this series.

Perhaps my favorite stat of the series: The Kings had a lead in the series for a total of 4:02 (and that was only because they scored the first goal in game 1).

Thank you, Los Angeles Kings, for a good series.

The Sharks now wait for their next opponent, either the Anaheim Ducks or Nashville Predators.

Postgame news links

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.

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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!

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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

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.

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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.

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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.