Sharks and Penguins prepare for game 3 in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Pittsburgh Penguins and the San Jose Sharks held practice at Sharks Ice in San Jose on a Friday day-off. Sharks Ice is the practice facility, just a few miles from SAP Center. There are four rinks in the building. On this day, the place is swarming with media from all over the world waiting to get a chance to speak with the players and coaching staff alike. Outside the temperature is nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but inside it’s nice and cold.

The Penguins lead the series 2-0, having won both the games in front of their home fans, where a single goal made the difference, before heading to Northern California. The Sharks will need to find that secret recipe that will help them to defeat the Penguins before it’s too late.

When asked how they could turn the series around, San Jose Coach Peter DeBoer said, “We talked about some things that we think we can do better today. I think our support, not just coming out of our own zone, but all over the ice, is always important. A little bit off. Obviously, you have to give them some credit. Their speed pushes you into positions where if you’re off by a couple feet, you’re in trouble. We’ve gotten used to that over the first two games. I think we’ll be much better. “

They are also hopeful that being back home, sleeping in their own beds, and playing before the home crowd will be key ingredients.

The Penguins are playing on the west coast for the first time in several months. Coach Mike Sullivan was asked about that impact. “Well, we’re dealing with the same challenges that San Jose’s dealing with. I think the fact that we have the extra day in between is certainly helpful. We’re trying to keep our guys on the same time schedule from a routine standpoint. I think our strength and conditioning guys, our medical staff, does a great job as far as making sure that we do everything within our power to help them nutritionally and otherwise so that they can recover properly and fuel their bodies the right way. I think we’re doing everything within our power to try to meet that challenge.”

In previous matches, San Jose has had a tough time trying to keep up with the Penguins, they have been lacking in puck opportunities as well.

“You always want to play with the puck more. I think we were prepared that this was going to be a different series. Just look at Pittsburgh’s record from Christmas on. Look at their analytics from Christmas on. Look at what they’ve done against some very good teams and how they’ve made them look. I think we’re prepared for this more than maybe some of the people watching. This is going to be a series of momentum. We’re going to have it for a little bit; they’re going to have it for a little bit. I think it’s whoever can carry it for more,” said DeBoer. “It’s not going to look like maybe some of the series in the past where we’ve dominated for long stretches. They’re a very good hockey team. They’re not going to allow you to do that. We’ve got to be comfortable in that. We can’t get frustrated by that.”

Let’s take a look at some of the pictures taken during team practices by PHNs Jack Lima.