Had the result of game six been different, we'd be talking about the heroics of San Jose Sharks' defenseman Marc Edouard-Vlasic.
Vlasic, affectionately known as "Pickles," has been the catalyst of the Sharks playoff run. Since his return to the lineup in game five of the Vegas series the team and Martin Jones has been at its best. Known more for his stout defense, Vlasic was an offensive weapon with a pair of big goals in the Sharks 4-3 overtime loss in game six.
His performance would have been the story had the Sharks won the game. Instead, we have to soak up the positives of a lost opportunity to close out a very tough series.
Gabriel Landeskog scored early in the first overtime to save Colorado's season. Until his goal. the Avalanche captain had been a minus-3 with two shots in goal.
Despite the loss, San Jose showed their unwillingness to quit. They tied the game three times, including a Vlasic tally in the final couple minutes of the third, before succumbing in overtime.
It was an entertaining game, but a frustrating one.
The Sharks went nearly half a game before they reached double-digits in shots - although it didn't feel that way. Additionally, I felt like Colorado was allowed to slow the Sharks attack by mugging them over and over and over - without fear of a penalty being called. The Avalanche were called for ONE penalty in the entire game and that call came in the first period. I found myself yelling at the TV on more than one occasion.
Even with the crowd, the altitude and the refs seemingly against them in this one, the Sharks found ways to stay competitive and give themselves a chance to win. I love that about thus group. They are never out of the game.
Now, the Sharks face another game 7. It's the first time since their very first trip to the playoffs that they've faced a game 7 in back-to-back series.
As fans, you have to like the Sharks chances to advance: 1. Because the game is at the Tank and 2. because the teams have traded wins in the first six games and it's SJ's turn.
I really, really like this group of Sharks and I can't imagine the season ending like this. It doesn't feel like this is how this book should end. That said, San Jose must play its best game of the playoffs if they have any chance on moving on.
Colorado has been allowed to hang around and they've proven to be as dangerous as any team left in the playoffs. Take Monday's game as a perfect example. The big line was held scoreless in regulation and were on the ice for all three Shark goals. Should have been an easy Sharks win, right? Not a chance. The Avs depth showed its ugly head. J.T. Compher and Tyson Jost provided the offense until Landeskog ended it. A nightmare scenario.
Now that we've woken up today from that nightmare, it's time for a dream scenario... Joe Pavelski returns for game 7 and collects a hattrick in a 3-0 shutout win. Dreamers gotta dream.
Stay nervous. Game 7 is on Wednesday night at the Tank.
Thanks for reading,
Steve
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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