The San Jose Sharks are at crossroads entering tonight's pivotal game 4 showdown with the Vegas Golden Knights at the SAP Center.

Game 3 was a tale of two teams. The hungry, speedy Sharks that dictate play and suffocate the opposition and the sloppy, careless Sharks that sabotaged their chances to win the game.

Even when trailing 3-1, I never felt the Sharks were out of the game. San Jose proved they could play in a variety of styles and they showed they have the ability to match Vegass speed and pace of play. Throw is the ability to play shutdown defense, led by Marc-Edourd Vlasic and the Sharks could very easily be up 2-1.

Vegas used a series of unfortunate events for the Sharks to turn the tide of the game.

The Sharks killed two penalties in the first few minutes of overtime - one for too many men and one for delay of game - before William Karlsson scored at even strength to end the game.
Karlsson put a perfect show past Martin Jones and the rest is history.

The two quick penalties charged the trajectory of the game. A quick adjustment and the Sharks should be able to even this series up.

That was then and this is now. Game 4 is often the most important game of a series. There's a huge difference between a 3-1 and 2-2 series.

Here's what to watch for tonight:

- Marc-Andre Fleury has been nearly perfect. He had another 39 stops in game 3 and made an incredible save in overtime on Logan Couture. But I started to sense a bit of arrogance in MAF. There was a sly smirk on his face after some of his save and he even stayed on his feet a few time to knock pucks down. The NBC guys made mention of it on the broadcast.

I keyed in on this for the rest of the game and I realized, just as MAF realized - the Sharks are shooting everything high. Almost none of the shots came in at ice level. And when they were on the ice the, Sharks tipped them up high. I might be a bit naive, but perhaps the Sharks should allow a few of those ice level shots on net. Maybe one or two sneak through and at the very least MAF gives up a fat rebound or two.

- Cut down of the penalties (Captain Obvious). Some infractions are unavoidable, but the delay of games and the puck over the ice minors are killers. Even when Vegas didn't score with the advantage it allowed them to wear the Sharks down.

I expect the Sharks players and coaching staff to be extra diligent tonight.

- Paul Martin and Brent Burns were lost on the Karlsson OT goal. I was stunned to see Martin on the ice for overtime. He looked like he was skating in quicksand all night and he blew the assignment on the game winner. The veteran is a minus-4 in the series and it's no surprise he's out and Joakim Ryan is in. Ryan should be able to handle Vegas' speed more effeciently

The 24-year-old has three goals, nine assists and a plus-12 rating in 62 games this season. Ryan hasn't played in six-weeks but will skate with Burns. This change alone could be a difference maker for the Sharks.

- Joe Thornton looks like he will return to the Sharks lineup tonight. He's been taking warm-ups for the last three weeks, but today he skated in line rushes. Pete Deboer wouldn't confirm Jumbo's return, but game 4 with his team trailing in the series seems like the perfect time to get back in. If anything - his return will energize the bench and send the SAP Center into a frenzy.

- With two more power play goals in game 3, Vegas has five on 18 chances in this series - that's not great if you're on the Sharks PK. The Golden Knight are also outscoring opponents 15-1 at 5 v 5 through seven playoff games. Best case scenario for the Sharks is to not allow any power plays and Martin Jones pitches a shutout. Good times.

Enjoy the game,
Steve

Join the Discussion: » 5 Comments » Post New Comment

» Sharks offense in heating up; have they turned a corner?

» Radim Simek's return will help, but San Jose's issues run deep

» The Last Place Sharks; Should We Get Used To It?

» Evander Kane helping Sharks get back on track

» Patrick Marleau's big return masks Sharks woes