Sharks vs. Flames: Game 3 Preview
Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League
Apr 12, 09:07 PM | Hype this story!
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Sharks (2) vs. Flames (7) Game 3 Preview
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Series Score: Sharks 1 – Flames 1
Game Time: 10:00 EST (Sunday)
Location: Pengrowth Saddledome (Calgary)
Television: CSN-BA. Versus, RIS, CBC (HD)
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Preview
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Game 2 on Thursday night saw the development of many stories. First, there was the goaltending battle between Evgeni Nabokov, who earned a 21-save shutout, and Miikka Kiprusoff, who faced 43 shots and kept the game within reach for the Flames.
“They were both unbelievable. Naby saved the game for us a few times, early in the first period and then again at the end of game to keep it a 2-0 game. Kipper was just as good,” Sharks centre Joe Pavelski told Hockey Night in Canada after the game.
Then, there were the penalties. Calgary was on the receiving end of six consecutive penalties in the second period, allowing 17 power play shots in that frame.
Finally, there are questions about the officiating in this year’s playoffs. ‘Rough and tough’ teams like Calgary and Anaheim spent a good deal of Thursday night in the penalty box and were burned because of it.
“I’m biting my tongue here,” said Calgary coach Mike Keenan, who stated before the series that he hoped the officials would let the teams play a physical style of hockey.
So, as the teams shift to the Saddledome in Calgary for Game 3, we see the series tied at one, but there is room for improvement on both sides.
The Sharks need to figure out their power play. They had one of the best power play units coming into the playoffs, but managed only 1 goal on over 16 minutes of power play time.
The Flames need to work on two things. One, get more shots to the net, and two, play a physical game without taking penalties. It’s very hard to win games when you’re stuck in your own zone trying to kill penalties.
Click here for the series preview, including team and individual stats for the Sharks and Flames.
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Injuries
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San Jose: Norton (back)
Calgary: none
Comments
Eric Politowski
Apr 13, 06:01 PM
I think the Sharks will win this one. 3-2.
Ashley Gallant
Apr 13, 10:19 PM
Well, it’s about 3:30 into the first period, and I think you’re a little off on your prediction. Sharks win, yes…but it’s already 3-0. Ouch.
Sea of red = stunned.
Let’s see how CuJo does.
Matt Bodenschatz
Apr 13, 10:47 PM
First off, it’s unreal how red the crowd is! What a sight!
Secondly, Clowe just steamrolled his way to two goals in the opening moments, and with a third on the board, things look bad for Calgary — but they seemed to gain an extra step after the big hit on Marleau.
This is what playoff hockey is all about! I love this time of year!!
Ashley Gallant
Apr 14, 11:26 AM
Um, looks like I was wrong about that win haha. I stopped watching around 10 minutes or so into the game because it was about midnight, but I recorded the rest of it so I’ll have to watch the game.
And Matt, you’re right about the crowd. It gives me chills just to see that sea of red. It’s amazing to think that literally 95%+ of them are in the same red Calgary jerseys.
Man I’m excited now…Go Flames.
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