Lack of Finish

Where's the western conference killer instinct? You know - like what Sharks and Killer Whales are supposed to have? Oh right - this is San Jose & Vancouver we're talking about. I forgot for a moment.

When a dominant team is up 3-0 or 3-1 in a series they do everything in their power to bury their opponent & not let them up off the mat. Only days removed from what was potentially quickest 2nd round in post season history we've seen the Sharks & Canucks let the other team back in it. Both series are now 3-2 with the underdogs hosting game 6 in their rinks. This certainly increases the odds of seeing a Game 7 in this round afterall.

Kesler has done all that & more this series but one skater can't win a series on his own. Seeing him take the puck in the face Saturday night was painful - watching him score a goal after getting looked at only added to his awesome post season resume. He may not be a personal favorite of mine, but he can play on my team anytime. The guys all heart - something ALOT of Canucks need to learn a thing or two about.

Today the talk has been that Trotz is going to let the Preds open up their game tonight in game 6. It's probably gamesmanship on his part - it has to be. Nashville's leading scorers topped out @ 50 points (Kostitsyn & Erat were tied) during the regular season & have a single playoff goal combined so far. Not exactly a recipe for success. Nashville has to continue doing what works for them. Sit back, play their defensive system, hit a Sedin as often a possible & wait for their break - doing otherwise will only hasten their playoff exit.

I have to give San Jose the benefit of the doubt. Yesterday they outshot the Wings 42-22 but still lost. When Detroit has Pavel Dasyuk making such siiick plays as this one you knew it wasn't feasible for San Jose to beat Detoit in 4 straight - much like I think it's not possible for Detroit to beat the Sharks in 4 straight.

I don't think there'll be a game 7 this round - but if there is, the favorites got no one to blame but themselves. Let the panic begin.

In case you've been under a rock this playoff - The Green Men in Vancouver have been everywhere. I certainly give them credit for being creative, but I think this clip is my favorite of them.

Enjoy tonight's game everyone! Go Smashville!

-PD