Just like the little black cat that found its way onto the SAP ice in game 1, the San Jose Sharks should be counting their lucky stars they are up 2-0 in the best-of-7 series with the Nashville Predators.
Joe Pavelski scored a big goal in the third to break at 1-1 tie, Logan Couture scored another power-play goal in the second period, and Martin Jones made 37 saves for the Sharks. Joe Thorton's empty-net goal was the game-winner because Nashville kept coming all the way until the final horn.
But, it was Pavelski's goal that saved the day.
His goal was a soul crusher for the Nashville Predator. The Preds were coming on strong.
When Mattias Ekholm tied the game I was convinced they would find a way to get the next one and win the game.
Captain Cool was not about to let that happen.
To me, this goal is a perfect example of the zone Pavelski is in. The way he was able to control the puck, extend his are and get it around Pekke Rinne.
Special things are happening San Jose fan and its starting from the top and trickling down.
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The Preds were desperate and it showed. Nashville carried much of the 5-on-5, out shooting the Sharks 39-25. It's one of the rare times in this postseason that's happened. And yet they still lost to a Sharks team that admitted they weren't at their best.
Special teams were the difference in this game again. The Sharks finished the game 1-for-2 with the man advantage. Nashville failed to scored on all three of their power-play chances. The Predators are an abysmal 2-for-31 in the playoffs. San Jose is 3-for-5 in this series alone.
What does that say about the Sharks? Heck, what does that say about the Preds?
What it says to me is the Sharks are lucky to be in this position. With that said, SJ is in full control heading to Nashville.
The Sharks are a great road team and I expect more of the same as the series shifts to Smashville.
For the most part the Predators have very little playoff experience. How well will they respond to this type of adversity, especially after a physically and emotionally draining first round series? They will try and draw off the experience from the Ducks series for sure.
It won't be enough, but they will muster a win or two out of it.
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I want to get a hold of one of those Sharks rally towels. They are they coolest towels I have seen in a long time.
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I love empty-net goals. Having they ability to tack on another goal is paramount to a teams success.
Joe Thornton proved my point last night. His ENG turned out to be the GWG.
Did any of you expect the Preds to turtle when they fell behind? Me neither.
Thanks for reading, Steve Follow me on Twitter: @Faultlinehockey