Third Man In

Because we've never heard Sharks fans ***** about a call, particularly against the Red Wings

Pavelski and Setoguchi were definitely the ones to watch coming into to series, and that's certainly the case after one game. They're an impressive duo right now. On our side, it's good to see Franzen and Cleary waking up (the Wings have found something playing Cleary with Miller and Abdelkader), and Datsyuk looked dangerous too. But overall, neither team looked very sharp tonight. The Zetterberg-Filppula-Bertuzzi line was uncharacteristically atrocious tonight, and the Wings didn't generate anything from their back end. I don't expect either to continue.

Can someone post a video of both plays?

The Wings didn't take the third off. I think the legs just weren't there. A game 1 on the road less than 48 hours after a game 7 often doesn't go well--Versus showed a stat that showed the road team something like 13-28 in that situation. The Wings were bound to lag a bit in the third, especially after a brutal call leading to a brutal goal. They'll be ready to play Sunday.

I kind of expected the Wings to lose this one. Neither team looked overly sharp, and the Wings in particular looked like they were still in Phoenix for 1:19 of the first. The officiating was inconsistent, but Franzen getting 2 minutes for holding while catching his balance after being highsticked in the face was unreal. That being said, the Wings can't expect to spot San Jose a 3-0 lead and go 0-5 on the PP and give up goals on 2 of 6 PKs and expect to win. Some bright spots: Cleary and Franzen look like they've finally come to play (yes, Franzen has points in every game, but we need him to score goals, and he looked dangerous tonight). Nabby looks very beatable. The Wings had the Sharks chasing them around for much of the game. I think a couple days to rest and refocus, and the Wings will have a good game 2. Go Wings.

Let's Go Red Wings! :clap: :clap: Let's Go Red Wings! :clap: :clap: :octo: *splat* :octo: *splat*

Same as on your boards--click the 'insert image' icon on the toolbar, then paste the url. We don't have ice girls, btw. They save that for LA, Anaheim, and Nashville

I feel like tonight's not the best night to steal one at the Tank because of the short turnaround from the last series. But that also means that tonight is a much bigger game for the Sharks--they don't want to play a more rested and settled-in Red Wings team on Sunday down 0-1. But I'm not going to be too worried about the result either way. Go Wings!

SJS/DET: 2-4 CHI/VAN: 4-2 PIT/MTL: 4-1 BOS/PHI: 2-4

TMI's Three Keys to the series Sharks: 1.) Top line has got to produce. Pavelski, Setoguchi, and everyone's second favorite Newfy, Clowe, have been outstanding, but the Sharks need two scoring lines producing. If they do the Sharks are scary. 2.) Which Nabby to we see? The one who in the past looked like Bryzgalov did in the previous round, or the one who's come to resemble Turco against Detroit? 3.) Consistency of effort. The Sharks tend to play a really strong first 10 min against the Wings, even building a 1-0 or 2-0 lead, and then fall off and let Detroit take over the game. Wings: 1.) Earth to Mule and Cleary. Wings need these two to produce this series. San Jose has great depth up front, but with these two rolling the Wings can roll three potent scoring lines. 2.) Puck possession. The Sharks are one of the few teams that have the ability to cycle on the Red Wings. The Wings must have great puck support getting the puck out of their end, cycle and forecheck well, and avoid turnovers and one-and-dones. 3.) Abdelkader, Helm, Miller, and (again) Cleary. These four players have really been able to turn the tide of games with their relentless forechecking, like they did yesterday in a 2-1 game. The need to create havoc and tire the Shark's D.

I can see you've been around here for over a year now, but I'm sure we'll see more of you in the next two weeks. So welcome to the boards!

Exactly. The award is the one award voted on by the players, so it makes sense to have it named after a player rather than a prime minister.

Wings were reminded of something important this series: how to beat a team that truly plays as a team. That Setocuchi line was lights out for the Sharks against the happy-to-be-there Avs, but it remains to be seen whether they can play as well from top to bottom as Phoenix. Nabby's not nearly the goalie Bryzgalov is right now. The Wings need to build off this series in the next round, continue playing a team game, and they'll be in good shape.

Let's Go Red Wings! :clap: :clap: Let's Go Red Wings! :clap: :clap: :octo: *splat* :octo: *splat*

We. Will. Win.

Just win.

Yes, yes that did happen that one time.