Joe Thornton decided to play some hockey last night.
That's good news for the Sharks, who were able to pull out a 3-2 over-time victory after surrending a two goal lead in the third period.
Thornton finally elevated his play. He broke a zero-zero deadlock in the first period, drawing a hooking minor on Ryan Getzlaf by driving the net, and then banging in a Marleau shot from the side of the net on the ensuing power-play.
Later, towards the end of the second period, Devin Setoguchi was able to walk out from behind the net and snap one short side on Jonas Hiller. It was the first weak goal Hiller's given up all series, a series in which he's been excellent for the Ducks.
Going into the third at 2-0, it seemed inevitable that there would be a Game Six. The Sharks were outshooting the Ducks 29-13, and finally had their top guns getting involved in the play.
Enter Scott Niedermayer. He was constantly jumping into the play all night, doing his best to get the Ducks into the second round.
The Ducks first goal came after Niedermayer passed the puck up the boards on the outlet to Andrew Ebbett. Ebbett was able to make a slick pass to the center of the ice, and Ryan Carter, just moved to the second line, was able to beat Nabokov five-hole with a hard one-timer.
Less than four minutes later, Corey Perry striked to tie the game at two apiece. Niedermayer lugged the puck up ice, creating a three on two. Douglas Murray, who has been dynamite for the Sharks in this series, made a rare blunder by attempting to step up on the Ducks' Captain. Niedermayer made a nifty backhanded pass to Corey Perry, who slid the biscuit through the wickeds of Nabokov. Tie game.
In OT, Jumbo Joe made a giant play. Coming down on his off-wing, Thornton threw a shot at Jonas Hiller. Thornton then beat his defender to the net, took another shot, controlled the rebound, circled the net, and centered in front to Marleau. Marleau was able to sneak one just by Hiller and over the goal-line.
Full marks to Joe Thornton. He finally elevated his game, and made a play for his team when it appeared as if the Sharks were heading into the abyss. His re-united line featuring Marleau and Setoguchi tallied seven points, three more than they had in the first five games combined. All game, he was constantly chirping with Getzlaf, letting the Ducks know he wasn't going to roll over and play dead...something most people expected. By firing shots (he had five) and driving the net, Thornton was finally able to create some offense....
Over in Chi-town, the Blackhawks continued the series' trend of winning on home-ice. They pummeled the Flames in the first period, registering three power-plays, 15 shots, and 3 goals. Calgary had zero power-plays, three shots, and zero goals. The game was pretty much over at that point.
After the Hawks' fourth goal, Mike Keenan pulled Miikka Kiprusoff.
Questionable move.
You couldn't really blame Kipper on any of the four goals he allowed. Pulling your star goalie, who you already have a shaky relationship with, in a situation that doesn't necessarily call for the change in net...well, I don't like the move. Kiprusoff stormed to the Flames locker room after being pulled, first making his way to the bench quite slowly.
Drama alert....
Today's action features two pivotal sixth games. The Rangers will try to finish off the Caps at the Garden without the services of John Tortarella, who was suspended for squirting water at a fan, launching that same bottle into the stands and hitting an unsuspecting woman in the face, and then threatening the fans with Aaron Voros' stick. Apparently Torts can preach discipline, but cannot practice it himself.
In Raleigh, the Canes will face elimination as they try to pull even with the Devils.
Stay tuned...
No comments:
Post a Comment