Faceoff Factor

Sharks vs. Flames: Game 4 Preview

Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League

Apr 14, 11:26 PM | Hype this story!

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Sharks (2) vs. Flames (7) Game 4 Preview
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Series Score: Sharks 1 – Flames 2
Game Time: 10:00 EST (Tuesday)
Location: Pengrowth Saddledome (Calgary)
Television: CSN-BA. Versus, RIS, CBC (HD)

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Preview
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One hit.

It seems that a thundering hit on Sharks captain Patrick Marleau by Flames defenceman Corey Sarich was all that was necessary to get Calgary back into game 3 on Sunday night.

The Sharks stunned the Calgary crowd by scoring three times in the first three and a half minutes. The Flames gained momentum, however, after Sarich delivered that hit and Iginla scored on the power play seconds later. At the end of the game, the crowd was on its feet, cheering their team for demonstrating their heart and determination by scoring four unanswered goals to win the game and regain the lead in the series.

Calgary’s backup goaltender, Curtis Joseph, shut the door on the Sharks after relieving Miikka Kiprusoff early in the first period.

“I have new respect for the (backup) goalies around the league … to come off the bench and play, it’s a different set of circumstances, for sure, but thank goodness our team rallied,” Joseph told Hockey Night in Canada. “Miikka’s the best goalie in the league as far as I’m concerned. I’ve been saying that for a few years now. I know my role … and I was glad to (help) tonight.”

The pressure is squarely on the San Jose Sharks going into game 4 on Tuesday night. They find themselves trailing in the series for the second time and must find a way to win in Calgary if they hope to make it to the second round. After essentialy going through the motions on Sunday night, I am beginning to question how much the Sharks truly want to win.

One great thing for the Sharks is that the Marleau-Pavelski-Clowe line has been fantastic. Pavelski had the game winner in game 2, and Clowe has 5 points and leads the NHL with 3 goals (as of Monday afternoon). That line needs to keep scoring if Calgary is going to continue to contain Joe Thornton.

The Flames, meanwhile, play like they want to win. They need to continue to play an energetic and physical game with the Sharks because it almost looks as though the Sharks are backing off.

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: Ehrhoff (ankle), Norton (back)
Calgary: none