Cam Gore: Give the Sharks a pass

I have the feeling that the game will come down to who wants to play St Louis and who wants to play Vancouver... St Louis could very well win the next two games. They got the flames at home, and then they finish up with the Hawks at home (who probably wont want to risk injuries for a meaningless game)...

So who wants to play who? I know LA would want to play St Louis, beat them in all but 1 game last year, swept them out of the playoffs, and then swept the season series this year. I don't know if San Jose matches up with Vancouver or St Louis better, but I'd imagine Vancouver.

Either way, I don't see either team 'throwing' the game for a favorable matchup, but it could be interesting.

If St Louis doesn't win both of their games then it's probably a dog fight.

I have the feeling that the game will come down to who wants to play St Louis and who wants to play Vancouver... St Louis could very well win the next two games. They got the flames at home, and then they finish up with the Hawks at home (who probably wont want to risk injuries for a meaningless game)...

So who wants to play who? I know LA would want to play St Louis, beat them in all but 1 game last year, swept them out of the playoffs, and then swept the season series this year. I don't know if San Jose matches up with Vancouver or St Louis better, but I'd imagine Vancouver.

Either way, I don't see either team 'throwing' the game for a favorable matchup, but it could be interesting.

If St Louis doesn't win both of their games then it's probably a dog fight.
- bluecoconuts

You are forgetting that the Sharks may still fall to #7 and end up playing the Ducks. In fact I believe this is the most likely scenario.
a) Blues beat Flames at home tonight;
b) Kings beat Sharks in regulation;
c) Wild win against Edmonton (home) and Colorado (road).
If all these teams do what they are favored to do the Sharks end up playing the Ducks.

You are forgetting that the Sharks may still fall to #7 and end up playing the Ducks. In fact I believe this is the most likely scenario.
a) Blues beat Flames at home tonight;
b) Kings beat Sharks in regulation;
c) Wild win against Edmonton (home) and Colorado (road).
If all these teams do what they are favored to do the Sharks end up playing the Ducks.
- Aliaksandrhn

Yeah, but you guys can take the Ducks.

San Jose may have beaten Vancouver 2 times in regulation this year, but keep in mind thats 2 reg wins in 3 years as they hadnt ROW beaten the Canucks in the 2 previous seasons, not including the 4-1 series defeat in 2011. If the Sharks were wishing for the Canucks, I can't imagine why. Im sure the Sharks have had better success against the Blues in the last few years just guessing. As a Canuck fan im hoping for the Sharks, I see them as the most favorable 1st round matchup personally. Time zone being the main factor. Apparently the only predator a Great White Shark has in the wild in the is the Killer Whale.

San Jose may have beaten Vancouver 2 times in regulation this year, but keep in mind thats 2 reg wins in 3 years as they hadnt ROW beaten the Canucks in the 2 previous seasons, not including the 4-1 series defeat in 2011. If the Sharks were wishing for the Canucks, I can't imagine why. Im sure the Sharks have had better success against the Blues in the last few years just guessing. As a Canuck fan im hoping for the Sharks, I see them as the most favorable 1st round matchup personally. Time zone being the main factor. Apparently the only predator a Great White Shark has in the wild in the is the Killer Whale.
- gunner2233

Honestly, I wouldn't call SJ a favourable matchup but if it's between LA/STL/SJ then 99% of Canucks fans want SJ, not because they suck, but just because the other two teams are just really bad matchups for the Canucks and have much better puck possession numbers at even strength this year.

I am not assuming that SJ will be resting any players for this game as they need the win to get home ice advantage

Bring on the Sharks!

I've been wishing for a Thornton for Lu trade all year, but failing that, I'll take Niemi vs either of our goalies in a 7 game series. Should be an entertaining series and I like our chances. We're not favourites in any series this year, but I think San Jose would be a good series.

Good luck, fellows! Either win the Cup or I expect you to dump some of your older dudes in the off season.

Bring on the Sharks!

I've been wishing for a Thornton for Lu trade all year, but failing that, I'll take Niemi vs either of our goalies in a 7 game series. Should be an entertaining series and I like our chances. We're not favourites in any series this year, but I think San Jose would be a good series.

Good luck, fellows! Either win the Cup or I expect you to dump some of your older dudes in the off season.
- micah555

If the Sharks lose to the Kings on Saturday they will very very likely play the Ducks. In order for us to face Vancouver 2 things need to happen: Sharks lose to the Kings AND the Wild don't win both of their remaining games. Considering that they play Edmonton (home) and Colorado (on the road) this is very unlikely. There probably won't be Sharks-Canucks series in the first round.

If the Sharks lose to the Kings on Saturday they will very very likely play the Ducks. In order for us to face Vancouver 2 things need to happen: Sharks lose to the Kings AND the Wild don't win both of their remaining games. Considering that they play Edmonton (home) and Colorado (on the road) this is very unlikely. There probably won't be Sharks-Canucks series in the first round.
- Aliaksandrhn

Yeah, but Minnie has been pretty subpar in their last 10. The Oilers and Avs has the ability to potentially keep them out of the playoffs all together. I guess we'll how much misery loves company or if the Oilers and Avs just want to outdo each other for a higher draft pick.

I don't care who the Sharks play against. When the Sharks are clicking and have the momentum no one can beat them. If they are off then we will just get swept. Its all in the Sharks own hands. I'm not holding my breath for this team as they don't seem hungry to win very often.

Yeah, but Minnie has been pretty subpar in their last 10. The Oilers and Avs has the ability to potentially keep them out of the playoffs all together. I guess we'll how much misery loves company or if the Oilers and Avs just want to outdo each other for a higher draft pick.
- micah555

Looks Like Edmonton will not go easy! Nice of Minny to show up tonight when they are in dire need of a win!

Looks Like Edmonton will not go easy! Nice of Minny to show up tonight when they are in dire need of a win!
- Daceroni

All the teams in the league have some talent. If you don't play your best, you can lose. Now the Wild are down to 1 game to make it or not. I think Columbus is winning there game. That's a determined team.

If the Sharks lose to the Kings on Saturday they will very very likely play the Ducks. In order for us to face Vancouver 2 things need to happen: Sharks lose to the Kings AND the Wild don't win both of their remaining games. Considering that they play Edmonton (home) and Colorado (on the road) this is very unlikely. There probably won't be Sharks-Canucks series in the first round.
- Aliaksandrhn

I think your math was off. We shall see you in round 1, sir.

Ready for round two boys?