Five things San Jose Sharks must do to avoid elimination in Game 5 - 2011 NHL Playoffs
The San Jose Sharks are once again in a position that they have been in many times before. The Sharks are on the verge of elimination in the National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs Western Conference Finals when they face off against the Vancouver Canucks
on Tuesday.
Considering the Sharks statement that every game is game seven for them, it sure does not look like it when analysing the previous four matchups. Vancouver defeated San Jose in game four in the Sharks hometown by a disappointing 4-2 score and unleashed their
wrath upon them. San Jose had high hopes in this series and were planning to finally advance into the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in their franchise’s history. But the path Vancouver has chose includes devouring the Sharks without any mercy.
If the Sharks are serious about winning this year’s Western Conference Finals, than there are a few things about their game-play that needs to be changed immediately. Making these seemingly small improvements to themselves can not only help them win but
will ultimately lead them to winning the Stanley Cup. Five things San Jose must do are:
Control the Penalty Time
Giving out power play chances to the Canucks has probably been the biggest reason for their losses so far in the series. While Vancouver easily kills the penalty time they give, San Jose gives them an open hand, which allows the Canucks to score without
any check and balance.
Game four collapsed due to multiple penalties at a single time which allowed Ryan Kesler and Sami Salo to score three consecutive goals within two minutes during the second period and ultimately was the cause of their defeat. If they are unable to lockdown
the opposition while down a player, than they should at the least control the amount of bench time they get.
Create Special Teams
For every combination of players that Vancouver sends on the ice at various times of the game, San Jose should be ready to counter that strategy with special teams of their own. Creating a forceful trio of their own to face off against the Sedin twins and
Ryan Kesler will not only help them to tackle the game better but will allow the players to get that much needed rest instead of burning themselves out.
Take Quality Shots
San Jose outshot the visitors in game four by a huge 35-13 difference but they still lost. It was not the quantity but the quality that counted and worked for the Canucks. Instead of taking wild shots, the Sharks must work on opening up opportunities for
themselves and fellow teammates and then firing the puck.
Move the Puck Around
Moving from A to B has been the only concern so far and that has not helped them at all. Instead of focusing on just reaching Roberto Luongo for the shot, San Jose must move the puck around and outrun the Canucks. Instead of one man breakaways, the Sharks
need to play hockey and play it strategically well. Bouncing the puck off of the boards a few times before racking it in to the opposition’s defensive end will help in tricking the defensemen and goalie, thus allowing for more chances at scoring.
Play Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau More
Both Couture and Marleau have been phenomenal players throughout the regular season and playoffs. Their pro’s and con’s need to be determined and is San Jose’s best shot at avoiding elimination and rerouting the Canucks. They have seven goals each in the
postseason and hold the key to winning the series.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.