San Jose Sharks Collapse in 3rd Period Once Again

The San Francisco Giants' World Series run in 2010 was dubbed "torture" by fans and the media. Maybe now they can refer to the San Jose Sharks' playoff run as "torture."

In Game 3 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, the Sharks rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win it 6-5. They went on to eliminate the Kings in six games. The Sharks then led 3-0 in their second round series against the Detroit Red Wings, only to see the Red Wings win three straight games and force a Game 7, which was decided by one goal.

Yesterday, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Canucks, the Sharks led 2-1 in the 3rd period, but Vancouver scored two quick goals to win the game 3-2.

However, there is a method to this madness.

The Sharks need to play better in the 3rd period. Their inability to hold leads and score goals in the third has been well documented thus far in this postseason. San Jose has allowed 15 goals in the final 20 minutes of regulation in the Stanley Cup playoffs while scoring just 11.

San Jose held a 3-1 lead 54 seconds into the third period in Game 5 of the West semifinal against Detroit, but gave up two goals in a 1:46 span and went on to lose 4-3. One game later, they allowed two goals in 1:54 over the final 20 minutes to force a Game 7, where they gave up a goal 1:46 into the third, but miraculously held on to win 3-2 at home on Thursday.

“I don’t feel uncomfortable with a lead, that’s where I want to be,” defenseman Dan Boyle said Monday after Canuck goals 79 seconds apart forged Sunday’s loss in the final 20 minutes.

“We've got to find a way to finish people off. I think maybe getting that next goal. With a one-goal lead you try to get the next goal without giving anything up.”

Easier said than done. The Sharks gave up two quick goals and never regained their composure. Vancouver applied continuous pressure and the Sharks were unable to get anything going in the Canuck zone. 

“Last night we just turned pucks over. We looked at some video this morning. We had so many turnovers in the third period and you can’t do it against that team. They’re too good", said coach Todd McClellan.

Game 2 is on Wednesday and puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 PT. 

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Relentless+pressure+forces+Jose+collapse/4789029/story.html#ixzz1MZNlTMTz