San Jose Sharks Pave the Road to the Playoffs

San Jose took a major step towards playoff success last night with a gutsy, defensive, playoff-like victory in Alberta.

By eliminating the Flames when they had the chance, the Sharks eliminated a chance to meet them in the first round of the playoffs, and will now likely meet the Kings, the Red Wings, or the Avalanche.

Two of the possible playoff matchups for the Sharks are young hungry teams entering the playoffs for the first time in years. Neither one of them bring the grit, experience, or goaltending that can wear an opponent out in the first round if not steal one.

Two years ago the Flames took the Sharks to game seven in the first round and it was not easy on the Sharks. Long trips to Northern Alberta and back while fighting one of the top physical teams night in and night out wore the Sharks out.

This was evident going into the next round where the Sharks dropped the first two games at home against a hungry Dallas team.

I don't believe God would prefer the Sharks over the Red Wings or vice versa...if it is the Red Wings in the first however, San Jose will certainly need his/her help.

By winning last night, The San Jose Sharks showed that they are ready to win playoff type games on the road. Now they will face a more skillful yet less physical opponent coming into the grind to the Stanley Cup that will prove beneficial on the long road ahead.