Pizza came between me and a Sharks game. I had two tickets to game 1. Section 128 with a free parking pass. I was excited that I got such a sweet deal. What held me back from going? I had to serve pizza all night. What made it worse was the heckling I got from my co-worker, who just happens to be a Maple Leafs fan. I blame the Sharks’ 3-2 OT loss on him, since he jinxed it.
It was painful to have to listen to the game on the radio in our kitchen and then go home and re-watch the game, but I’m doing it all for you guys.
Here are just a few thoughts that I had throughout the day and game:
I don’t know about anyone else out there, but I feel bad if I don’t follow my game-day rituals. I tried to wear my class ring, since it has the Sharks logo on it. I left it at home. I had to work, and I forgot to bring my lucky rosary along with me. I didn’t do my makeup the same way or wear a Sharks hat to work. Does anyone else have any weird rituals, or do I need some help?
********************
Thank God Michalek finally got a goal. I was wondering if I’d ever see the guy score one during the playoffs.
********************
I like Brian Campbell. Maybe it’s the red, curly hair, or perhaps it’s the fact that his nickname’s Soupy. That “like” that I feel towards Soupy was initially a “dislike” during the Flames series, where he was more invisible than the door I accidentally ran into today. Seriously, it came out of nowhere.
I think Soupy looked a little better tonight, leaving his feet to stop a two-on-one early in the first. It was a great defensive play.
He had more room and time to move with the puck this time around, and I think that's probably why he looked a little better tonight. In the Calgary series, once a Shark touched the puck, there was a Flames player (or maybe even more than one) right there. Their forecheck was insane. The Stars didn't pressure the Sharks as much as the Flames did last night.
What I didn’t like to see, however, was that dumb interference penalty he took at the end of the third. Definitely a lazy penalty from Campbell.
********************
Ehrhoff made his way onto my bad list tonight. He was on ice for two of the three Stars goals. On the Stars’ second goal, instead of lifting Morrow’s stick, he kind of just stands around and watches Morrow knock the puck in past Nabby. The look he had on his face as he looked up to the rafters was somewhat reminiscent of the look ex-Shark Scott Hannan used to have when he was on the ice for a goal. I’m not a big fan of Scotty.
********************
The Sharks need to block more shots. I watched the Stars’ first goal on my Tivo, and Marleau decided to jump up and avoid the shot as opposed to blocking it. It was so obvious that he did on the replay. I'm still a Marleau supporter, mind you. But I had to pick on him, it was just such a great example.
********************
The Sharks' special teams still need to improve more. I can’t say that enough. If you’re going to succeed in the post-season, some goals need to be scored on the power play.
********************
Did anyone else notice Rivet after the Stars' second goal? He looked like a mad man out there, hitting people left and right. I'm quoting Papa Marchell: "Did you see Rivet? He looked more like a forward out there! Look, he just hit someone! And another guy! Look, he's in front of Turco! What a nut!"
********************
What were the Sharks thinking on that Dallas goal in overtime? What made all the Sharks decide to crowd right around Nabby, when no one’s watching the open man (Morrow) on the other side of the zone?
What drove me even more nuts was seeing Nabby flop all over the place. Seriously, I don’t know what was up with that goal. Nabby really wasn't in position!
My final take on the game...
The Sharks had a pretty good game, and I think that the loss wasn't really for a lack of effort (which always drives me NUTS), but because of some unlucky posts and Turco's good game. I really think it just wasn't their night.
I’m hoping that this series doesn’t go to a game 7. The last series messed with my emotions more than any of those ex-boyfriends I have previously mentioned ever have. It always makes me mad when the Sharks let one slip on home ice, since…well…it’s home ice! However, it’s only game 1 and there’s plenty of hockey left to be played.
Yours truly will be rooting for our beloved Sharks at the Tank on Sunday, so if you see me around, come say hey and talk Sharks hockey with me!
-Danielle
[email protected] 
Join the Discussion:
»