2011 NHL Playoffs: 5 Things the Sharks Must Do To Win Game 3

Game 3 is a must-win for the Sharks.

While both teams have come back from an 0-3 deficit at one point, it's unlikely that Vancouver will allow the Sharks to go seven.

The tank will be loud and the San Jose played well in front of their home crowd against Detroit.

The Sharks did not go out quietly, despite the 7-3 score in the game.

The following are five things the Sharks must do to win Game 3.

5. Ben Eager Must Watch from the Press Box

Harry How/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, BC - MAY 18: Ben Eager #55 of the San Jose Sharks stands over and taunts goaltender Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks after scoring a goal late in the third period in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 Stanley C

As awesome as it was to see Ben Eager score on Luongo and talk smack through the twine, his actions in the game were detrimental to the team.

Selfish penalties resulted in pucks behind goaltender Antti Niemi.

His job is to light a fire under the team with his physical play, but his hit on Daniel Sedin does not belong in hockey.

His tripping penalty cost the team a goal.

In fact, he spent enough time in the penalty box that he made a saucy little friend.

4. Patrick Marleau Must Continue to Channel His Emotions Through the Game

Harry How/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, BC - MAY 18: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks prepares to throw a punch at Patrick Marleau #12 of the San Jose Sharks in the second period in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Aren

Before fighting Kevin Bieksa, Patrick Marleau didn't think:

I need to send a message,

or

I can't spend time in the penalty box

or

I haven't fought since December 2007.

He simply let nature take over.

Bieksa had been a force and a thorn in the team's side.

Marleau did what all hockey players are supposed to do:

Give up their bodies for the betterment of the team.

3. The Sharks Must Captialize on Maxim Lapierre's Nonchalance

Harry How/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MAY 15: Maxim LaPierre #40 of the Vancouver Canucks looks on during a break in play against the San Jose Sharks in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena on May 15, 2011 in Vanco

I know Maxim Lapierre was trying to be the bigger man when dealing with Ryane Clowe and Ben Eager.

Hats off to him.

But the playoffs are about emotion.

In no way should he have taken dumb penalties or maliciously try to hurt someone, but emotion and passion for the game should have motivated him to drop the gloves and fight Clowe.

Emotion and passion do not have an on and off switch.

Lapierre's job is to provide grit and energy to the Canucks team and he may not be able to provide that having hampered his instincts in Game 2.

The Sharks need to take advantage of this.

2. Ryane Clowe Needs to Continue to Do What He's Been Doing

Harry How/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, BC - MAY 16: Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks speaks to media during the Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals practice at the Rogers Arena on May 16, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Players like Ryane Clowe, who are willing to risk physical pain for the betterment of their club are what make hockey unique.

This man embraces his role on the team and gets the whole bench fired up.

Against Detroit he did not allow his team to leave the arena with their heads down, and he's done the same in Game 2.

He cannot get deterred by the penalties he took.

As long as he continues to play clean hockey, this man needs to continue to set the physical tone for his team.

1. The Sharks Cannot Fear the Penalty Box

Harry How/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MAY 18: Ben Eager #55 of the San Jose Sharks goes to the penalty box after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for standing over goaltender Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks (not in photo) and taunting him in the third period

Dumb penalties have no place in the game and neither do dirty hits, but physical play will pump up the team and gather momentum.

The Canucks are dangerous on the power play, but the Sharks cannot soften up out of fear of their top scorers.

Their focus should be cracking down on the penalty kill.

Antti Niemi will bounce back, and he's the most important player when they're a man down.

San Jose needs to be the most physical team on Friday.