In three games so far of this series:
SJS has scored 3 EN goals, 3 5v5 goals, 3 PP goals
NSH has scored 5 5v5 goals, 3 PP goals
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 4, 2016
The San Jose Sharks
Special teams are the story of this series and I don’t anticipate the Sharks going 3 for 5 on the penalty kill to continue. They probaly won’t go 0 for 4 on the powerplay either, so the mantra of “stay out of the box” is still in effect. It doesn’t seem to be working, but it’s worth repeating.
In case you desire some detailed analysis on these Sharks, check out our series preview:
DeBoer said Wednesday that several players were being medically evaluated prior to game four. Since it’s the playoffs, the chance of a player sitting out for less than a missing limb are microscopic, I don’t put too much stock in that. The Preds are nursing their own injuries, but the opposition also having ailments may offset that. Expect a practice report later this afternoon.
The Nashville Predators
The roster is the biggest question going in to tonight’s game. Will Laviolette scratch Mike Ribeiro again? (Please?) Will Pontus Åberg get his second NHL game? Is Colton Sissons’s knee still attached to his body?
The Predators have shown their chops at five on five and had their best PK and PP performance of the playoffs on Tuesday. There was a lot more movement on the man advantage and a lot less giving the puck up along the wall. Even if they don’t get a goal, keeping up that pressure is always a good thing.
I look forward to the Preds coming out with their foot on the gas tonight looking to even up the series heading back to San Jose. If those bounces keep coming, they should be able to.
Relevant Information
You can watch it on CNBC at 9 eastern, 8 central or listen on 102.5 The Game.