The Sharks have one mission tonight: DO NOT GO DOWN 3-0! History has not been kind to teams that spot their opposition the first 3 wins, and a momentum swing with another game to go in San Jose could be just what the doctor ordered for a Sharks squad that has played well enough to still be in both games so far. But they still need to put it all together for a win tonight…
LAST GAME’S RECAP
Game 2 seemed to be much more anyone’s game than Game 1 did with its wild momentum swings. The Penguins went up 1-0 early, but then had to hold on for most of the rest of the game. The posts were both goaltenders’ best friends as more than a few shots rang off the iron, but in the closing minutes of the 3rd Justin Braun managed to convince the pipes to betray Matt Murray. Tied at 1-1, the game went to overtime where the Penguins ended it just minutes into the extra time on a well-screened shot past Martin Jones. All of this could just as easily have gone the other way.
TONIGHT’S ACTION
Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks (Game 3), 8:00PM EDT – NBCSN
After playing the Nashville Predators in Round 2, the Sharks should know all about how a series can swing after a 2-game lead. The Preds managed to push that series to 7 games, and San Jose has to be hoping they can do the same against the Penguins now. With both teams being literal inches away from dominating Game 2, the Sharks have to like their chances in front of an energized and frenzied home-crowd. Tomas Hertl will miss the game. Dainius Zubrus will draw in for the Sharks.
Why You Care Enough To Watch: There seems to be a feud brewing between Sidney Crosby and Logan Couture. My personal feelings about #87 aside, he and Couture have seemed to be pretty evenly matched thru 2 games so far – most of the scoring has been done by secondary and tertiary lines, not the big stars. If Crosby continues to get under Couture’s skin, whether legitimately or with the help of refs as Logan has asserted, it will be fun to see if things boil over and if Couture can manage to make Crosby accountable for how he feels the Penguins Captain has played.
Who wins tonight?
| Pittsburgh | 8 |
| San Jose | 28 |
| If Couture and Crosby fight, we all win! | 41 |
