By Hockey Guru
I can't believe the news today. I can't close my eyes and make it go away. How long must we sing this song?
[For those who might prefer a different version to listen to, while reading:]
It's hard to believe the Western Conference Finals could be over today. Certainly the San Jose Sharks and their fans must really be living the opening lines to this song. It's unbelievable that the same old song for San Jose - as sung by the fat lady - is here once more. Their season is coming up short of the Stanley Cup Finals .... again.
San Jose has not played poorly. Maybe an argument could be made that Evgeni Nabokov played poorly in Games 1 & 2, but the end result in the latter would not have been any different either way. San Jose could have won Game 1 - and obviously, an OT game could go either way.
But watching these games, it just seems that Chicago has not been forced to put the pedal to the metal; that they have not really been pushed. Antti Niemi is looking more and more like a Stanley Cup winning goaltender, answering all the questions about goaltending being the weakness on Chicago's team.
Short of a series of Blackhawk injuries, the Magic 8-ball just does not foresee a good outlook for San Jose. While that may not be much of a fearless forecast, what do you want from me? This series is already over.
But San Jose isn't playing for the series today. They are playing for pride. They are sick and tired of the criticism, the questions about their heart and their toughness, based on past playoff failures. They will put desperation to a new level in Game 4 that may well end up in a parade to the penalty box if this game starts to get away from them. The Joe Thornton slash on Dave Bolland in Game 2 may end up looking like a love tap when all is said and done. What seems to follow desperation - once things start going the wrong way - is invariably, frustration. The frustration was there in Game 3. Even in a tie game, it seemed that Sharks players were looking to point fingers. The Guru seems to have noticed a chemistry issue brewing in San Jose.
This Chicago team is expected to play a similar game to their Game 3 effort, which included patience, allowing San Jose to slow the pace while they wait for their own opportunities. Those opportunities will come and Chicago will take advantage. If San Jose can remain focused and disciplined, this game will stay close and could even reach overtime again. Perhaps even allow us an opportunity to see a little more hockey in this series.
However, there is blood in the water, and when a Shark smells blood, it attacks and goes into a frenzy. Unfortunately, it is the Sharks themselves that are bleeding and their frenzy will lead to a lack of discipline. By the end of the 2nd period, frustration will take over and Chicago will put up a couple of power play goals and carry at least a 3-goal lead into the final 5 minutes.
Final score Chicago 6 - San Jose 2.
It will be another Madhouse on Madison as the Hawks punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals.
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