Western Conf. Finals: (1) VAN vs (2) SJ

[lockedge]

sharks are TERRIBLE in 3rd periods lol

looks like the refs are winning the series 1-0, interesting to see who wins the next game.

Yeah, 4 powerplays to 1(5-2 penalties, but the last ones evened out)....Sharks either need to be more disciplined, the refs need to be more aware, or both. Probably both.

Grats to the nucks for the first win. They scraped by after the Sharks gave them the win in the third(apparently). Let's see what happens in game 2.

[Loch]

sharks are TERRIBLE in 3rd periods lol

looks like the refs are winning the series 1-0, interesting to see who wins the next game.

I assume that the refs were all over SJ in the last 25min... no, wait. That was the Canucks.

I'm actually really getting sick of the 'refs won that game' bitching and moaning in the post season. Last year when the Hawks beat the Canucks I never once said 'oh the refs won it for them'. I similarly believe this year the refs aren't winning for the Canucks.

The off-side on Heatley? Missed call, definitely.

Refs 'winning' the game? Get a friggin' clue.

(not directed at you Praba... but conspiracy theorists in general)

[MXHockey]

Great game. Hope we see 6 more of them and it goes down to the wire.



Cheers.

[Mr_Sausage]

Maybe Doug Wilson needs to go on a whine/crybaby rant like Gillis did and spew forth all sorts of numbers about how the Canucks were getting screwed in the penalty department.

I lost a lot of respect for Gillis after that.

As for the game itself it was pretty exciting. If Neimi didn't stand on his head this game could of been a blowout. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Loch]

Maybe Doug Wilson needs to go on a whine/crybaby rant like Gillis did and spew forth all sorts of numbers about how the Canucks were getting screwed in the penalty department.

I lost a lot of respect for Gillis after that.

Yeah... I didn't agree with Gillis's rant but I think he did it part to take the focus/pressure off of his team. As someone observed at the time the Canuck players started getting questions about their GM's rant rather than about choking away a series to Chicago...

If Wilson wants to have a rant he certainly is welcome to, and he will be no more and no less right that Gillis in doing so.


Regardless, it's good hockey, as has been the case pretty much all season when these two teams play. I think it is an insult to both squads to say that the refs are deciding games.

[JagrBomb]

I assume that the refs were all over SJ in the last 25min... no, wait. That was the Canucks.

I'm actually really getting sick of the 'refs won that game' bitching and moaning in the post season. Last year when the Hawks beat the Canucks I never once said 'oh the refs won it for them'. I similarly believe this year the refs aren't winning for the Canucks.

The off-side on Heatley? Missed call, definitely.

Refs 'winning' the game? Get a friggin' clue.

(not directed at you Praba... but conspiracy theorists in general)

the nucks won the game in the third, they played much better, and i even said the sharks are TERRIBLE (hence while i capitalized it) in the third.

sharks need to be more disciplined, take out eager, and im not sure now is the time to dress huskins after missing so many games. he's slow enough as it is lol.

the calls were all going in favour of the nucks, no one can deny that. it's hard to disagree with that statement when you have 4-1 ratio in favour of canucks, and a BRUTAL offside call on heatley.

canucks are winning the series 1-0, as well as leading in dives 1-0 lol.

[Loch]

[Otto2000]

Hahaha.... yup. Ah, the expenditure of time.

[lockedge]

TO be honest, if both teams play the way they did tonight(well, with the exception of the Sharks losing their legs in the third), I'm going to be happy. I wouldn't even care if the Nucks swept my sharks, since the sweep would be in name only, with how close the games would be.

Though I am hoping for at least 6 games.

[ml_cow]

That 3rd period was nicely dominant by the Canucks. If the Swedes wake up while our other lines continue to play well (and lou can stay in the net) then ill be happy with whatever outcome occurs.

But as it stands, im pleased that we just need 7 more wins.

[Big Ev]

At least nobody can say the Sharks choked if they lose the series.

[lobo1969]

At least nobody can say the Sharks choked if they lose the series.

What if they lose in four straight?

[spitball]

game one thoughts;

sedins had more room in the shark's zone last night, than in the entire nashville series combined. they are effective and dangerous when they have space to create attack off their cycle.

the shark's d needs to be more physical and aggressive in their own zone. as a group, they are too slow to try and skate with the canuck forwards.

the canuck's edge in team speed allowed them to own the puck through most of the game. the sharks need to solve that problem, quickly.

the canuck's team commitment to defence is so complete, just about anyone could play goal for them right now. luongo doesn't have to be great, just good enough. for the most part, he has been.

[lockedge]

What if they lose in four straight?

If it's 4 straight really close games without any defining and huge blunders, I don't think anyone can say they choke.
I mean, had the Sharks swept the Wings last series, it still wouldn't have changed the fact that Detroit game them a hard run for their money in each game.

[angus]

San Jose needs Demers back. Him and Vlasic have been their best pairing and are pretty mobile - without him, the defense was a mess (especially in the third).