Steve's Prediction: First Round Exit

by Steve Kennedy / Bay Area Blitz

The Sharks so very often take a lead in a game during a playoff series, blow that lead, then blow the series as a whole. This is exactly what Sharks’ fans should expect if the Sharks continue their disturbing playoff trend.

Sharks fans seem to be less and less excited for the playoffs as the years go by, and no one can blame them. For some reason their team seems to be content with having a great regular season, and making unremarkable playoff exits.

Last night the Sharks came out of the gate with one of the best starts they've had in their playoff history, scoring three goals in the first 3 1/2 minutes, and chasing Mikka Kipprusoff from the net. Kipprusoff left the ice in a fit of rage, smashing the glass with his stick and throwing it down the hallway that leads to the locker room. You can’t blame the guy. After all, giving up three goals in that short span of time of a playoff game is inexcusable.

However, the Sharks, felt that this lead was enough, started to coast through the game. Their captain was run over multiple times, bloodied and battered and yet they showed no emotion, no fire, and no heart. They allowed the Calgary Flames to walk all over them without any fear of retribution.

Here is a lesson: A three goal lead is not enough to sit back on when you have 55 minutes left, and you are getting repeatedly run over, beaten and bruised in a playoff game. You can’t do that against a playoff game that has a history of knocking you out from the playoffs. Last night’s game was a playoff game that will more than likely decide whether or not the Sharks will make a first round exit.

This is starting to become a disturbing trend in the recent world of Sharks hockey. They manage to show great talent, poise, and determination during the regular season, only to drop off unexpectedly during the playoffs.

In the 03-04 season, the Sharks were tied two games a piece with Calgary in the Western Conference finals, only to completely sputter out in the final two games, only managing one goal. In the 05-06 season, they were up 2 games to the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, only to lose four in a row. The Oilers basically pushed the Sharks around and had their way with them, even shutting them out in the final game of that series. Last season, the Sharks had a 2-1 series lead versus Detroit in the second round, only to lose three in a row and again scored only one goal the final two games.

Evgeni Nabokov said it best himself when he said that the Sharks were playing like boys and the Flames were playing like men. If the Sharks don't start playing like men, we're going to see a first round exit. And if history repeats itself, it will be another completely lackluster exit leaving an even more disappointed Sharks fan base.

Sharks fans will have the opportunity to see if the men or the boys come to play tomorrow night. If it's the latter, at least they have another Pacific Division banner to show for their efforts this season. But there’s no point being the Pride of the Pacific when you can’t even put up a remarkable playoff run.