Faceoff Factor

Sharks vs. Flames: Game 5 Preview

Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League

Apr 16, 10:26 PM | Hype this story!

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Sharks (2) vs. Flames (7) Game 5 Preview
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Series Score: Sharks 2 – Flames 2
Game Time: 10:00 EST (Thursday)
Location: HP Pavilion (San Jose)
Television: CSN-BA. Versus, RIS, CBC (HD)

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Preview
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Game 3 was a remarkable come-from-behind victory for the Flames, and game 4 was the same for the Sharks.

San Jose was trailing Calgary 2-1 with less than 5 minutes left in the game when Cheechoo scored the second goal for the Sharks and then Thornton scored his first of the playoffs with less than 10 seconds remaining.

“I was just waiting until there was under 10 seconds left in the game – perfect time. The game is not over until that buzzer rings and we played right to the end tonight,” said Joe Thornton.

It was a game that the Flames did not deserve to win, considering they managed to put only 10 shots on goal – a franchise low for the playoffs.

The Sharks have the opportunity to move within one win of clinching the series on Thursday night in their home arena. They need to work hard and challenge Kiprusoff. Hopefully Thornton’s performance on Tuesday gave him a little needed confidence that will make him a force on the ice in game 5, but the Flames also need to watch out for Ryane Clowe, who has 4 goals and 3 assists in 4 games.

If the Flames want to take the lead again, they need to do one thing – put pucks on the net. Ten shots on goal in 60 minutes is an embarrassment.

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