Sharks Flounder: San Jose Lose Game One, Missing a Key Ingredient?

The San Jose Sharks lost Game One because the Chicago Blackhawks dominated the tempo, the hitting, AND the score sheet.

Where did I get this interesting factoid?

NBC's coverage of Game One, and the Chicago Sun Times, of course!

This morning, I woke up literally and figuratively as a SAN JOSE Shark fan, a.k.a "TibKid", and developed a more realistic analysis.

Let's take each point and consider:

TEMPO

The Sharks were able to get 44 shots on Nemo, Chicago's tender. (This does not include Jumbo and Heater's whiffs in the last minute.)

The Blackhawks must have been fist-pumping to the tempo so frequently that they neglected to play defense. Yes, CHI's cycle got effective in the third period. But, the Sharks had solid shifts throughout the game (from Manny Mol, Scotty Nic, and Torrey M. to name a few extras) that tilted the ice towards Captain Nemo's net. 

HITS

The Hawks "imposed their physicality" on the Sharks by rendering two more hits against the Men of Teal. Hardly, a dominating number considering the Sharks were on the power play for 10 minutes (when crushing the opponent is not a tactic.)

There is NO doubt, the Hawks bring physicality to every shift. But, to portray the Sharks as chickens to the Hawks' hawks is just bad journalism. 

SCORE

The Hawks won 2-1. They scored once more than the Sharks/Tibs, and that matters most.

Was it a 7-1 domination like we saw in Game Four at the Joe in Round Two? I won't honor that question with an answer. 

Simply put, the Tibs need to light the lamp. On many occasions, they were inches away from success. Unfortunately, playoff hockey is a game of inches.

Kudos to the Hawks on making the plays necessary to win the game. 

My Key Stat  

Giveaways: Sharks 20, Hawks 9.

Blame it on the rust, rest, or rink...it doesn't really matter. 

The Tibs had 11 more unforced errors, a lar-gin (combo of "large" and "margin") of error upon which championship teams are NOT made. 

What Would Ryane Clowe Do ? (WWRCD )

San Jose Shark Fans aren't throwing in their white towel because they ask themselves a simple question: "What Would Ryane Clowe Do?" 

To illustrate this process, Would Ryane Clowe:

1. agonize over the score sheet

2. read the blogs until his eyes bled (self-offense intended)

3. foul a pair of shorts over a 2-1 loss?

The answer is NO. The Tealed Pride of Newfoundland will bring intensity, grit, and skill to every shift in the Game Two.

Just like I will and hopefully...so will you. 

Go TIBS !!!