SAN JOSE, Calif – The Joe Pavelski show goes on tour to the motor city after another multi-goal game. San Jose notched another one goal victory over the Detroit Red Wings last night in what was one of the most exciting playoff games this year.
Yes “The Big Pavelski” is what they are calling him in the hockey world and once again he did not disappoint if you are a Sharks fan. The reference comes from the famous movie “The Big Lebowski” or as the character in the movie played by Jeff Bridges preferred to be called “dude” or “dudorino” or even “his dudeness”. Pavelski has been the dude for the Sharks as of late contributing with three multi goal games in a row.
Nobody has done that since Mario Lemieux did it in 1992. He is also contributing on the defensive side of the ice as well. This 7th round draft pick from 2003 is the complete player. He kills penalties when asked to, plays the point on the power play, has been dominant in the faceoff circle and is currently leading the NHL playoff points race.
Last night he contributed with 2 goals and an assist on Ryan Clowe’s marker to take 2-1 lead. That play summed up the confidence and poise this Stevens Point Wisconsin native is playing with. Pavs as they call him in the dressing room entered the zone chasing down a loose puck 1 on 2. After he won the race against former Shark Brad Stuart he showed great patience and bought enough time for his winger Ryan Clowe to join the play. Without hesitation a pass that looked like it came out of a rocket launcher hit Clowe’s stick in front with Wings forward Valtteri Filppula on him and Ryan scored the Sharks prettiest goal of the game between his legs surprising the goalie Jimmy Howard and setting off an eruption at the Shark Tank.
This game was one of this spring’s most exciting because it was physical, it had great plays by great players and the lead changed hands three times with Joe Thornton netting the game winner with less than eight minutes remaining in the 3rd period. The game winner came on good fortune if you were dressed in teal. Red Wings captain Nick Lidstrom’s stick broke on a one timer shot from the point allowing Dany Heatley to break out on a 3 on 1 rush with line mates Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Heatley fired a snap shot which was handled by the Wings goalie but Thornton was there for the rebound and a 4-3 lead. That was Big Joe’s first goal of the post season and it was Heatley’s third assist of the game.
With last night’s win the Sharks take a 2-0 series lead but as opposed to the first round San Jose has had some breaks. The most noteworthy was Lidstrom’s stick breaking at an important time in the game but also the Wings have spent way too much time in the penalty box. Twice in last night’s game the Sharks had a two man advantage and three times in the series resulting in two goals. Last night Detroit was called for ten minor penalties versus the Sharks four and were out shot 45 to 31.
This series has some under tones which are worth mentioning. First of all the Sharks head coach Todd MacLellan was Mike Babcock’s assistant in Detroit from 2003 through the 2008 season when they won the Stanley Cup. They play a very similar style. These two teams playing each other is like playing against themselves. Both teams have skilled forwards and plenty of them, both have veteran defensive cores with great puck movers and both of these organizations can’t remember the last time they had a losing season.
It is now time for the Red Wings to make it a series.
According to coach Babcock “we have to answer the call and hold serve at home.” The Olympic gold medal winning coach’s quote when asked about penalties was “we’re in charge, we can’t be going to the box.”
“Half the players don’t get on the ice when you are in the box and it is tough to create momentum” The Red Wings were also dominated in the face-off circle which is something they are typically very good at and leads to their great puck control.
Although he let in 4 goals on 45 shots Jimmy Howard was a stand-out for Detroit along with Pavel Datsyuk who had a goal and an assist.
The series continues in Joe Louis Arena tomorrow night at 7:30 eastern time and promises to be a game you won’t want to miss.
Keep your sticks on the ice,
Contact Cam.Gore@prohockeynews.com
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