Faceoff Factor

Sharks vs. Flames: Game 7 Preview

Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League

Apr 21, 11:45 PM | Hype this story!

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Sharks (2) vs. Flames (7) Game 7 Preview
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Series Score: Sharks 3 – Flames 3
Game Time: 10:00PM ET
Location: HP Pavilion (San Jose)
Television: CSN-BA, RIS, Versus, CBC (HD)

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Preview
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After allowing the Sharks to gain a 3-2 series lead, the Flames came out on home ice and played their best game thus far in the playoffs. Maybe the blizzard outside helped the team get in the hockey spirit, or maybe it was because they were facing elimination. Whatever the case, the Flames were nearly flawless as they beat the Sharks on home ice to force a game 7.

Calgary’s goals may not have come from the big four in the no-goal dog house (Tanguay, Huselius, Lombardi, Conroy), but they did manage to get secondary scoring without the help of Iginla, who was held pointless. They also played an all-around physical – but disciplined – game, with Regehr setting the tone with an open-ice hit on Thornton. Even Huselius played a physical game, and that’s saying something.

Right now, the Calgary Flames truly believe that they can win this series, unlike in last year’s series against Detroit. They are confident and determined, and if they continue to build on what they displayed in game 6, then they will be very difficult to beat.

The San Jose Sharks, meanwhile, are trying to keep it cool in California. They also say that they believe that they can win (really, who wouldn’t say this?), but their uninspired play in game 6 leads one to question whether they can bring it in game 7.

In order for the Sharks to win the series, they will need to attack the net and not think twice about it. They need a little less panicked Milan Michalek (who overplayed the puck right into the corner while on a 3-on-1 break on Sunday), and a lot more in-your-face Ryane Clowe. The Sharks also need to play solid hockey for a full 60 minutes, something that they have yet to do this postseason.

This is it.

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); McLaren (lower body)
Calgary: none