It seems silly to be really nervous about tonights contest in light of the improbable come-back euphoria of the previous game (and the cringing and whinging coming from the Sharks camp), but that's certainly how I feel.
Why? Because, speaking quite technically, the Sharks proved themselves to be a better team than the Flames during the regular season. They are still the favorites to take this series. And they've just had 2 days of the entire hockey world, including their owns fans, questioning their man-hood after their spiritual de-pantsing in game 3.
In short, the Sharks are going to be a pissed-off and highly motivated adversary for the Flames tonight. I have no doubt they'll be looking to score on every rush and to put every red sweater through the boards at every possible opportunity.
The CLICHE keys to victory for Calgary: Weather the initial storm (perhaps better than they did last game) and stay disciplined in the face of the Sharks aggression. There'll doubtless be a lot of high-hits, slew-foots, pushing after the whistle and Jody Shelley's dirty looks. If Calgary is drawn into a special teams battle or goaded into repeating the debacle 2nd period from game 2, they'll most certainly lose this one.
Line-up stuff: I assume Craig Conroy will play with Tanguay and Iginla again, mainly because Keenan seems to be favoring the power on power strategy. And why not? Iginla et al. beat the hell out of Thornton's crew after about the 10 minute mark of the first period on Sunday - and that was with Tanguay constantly passing off pucks in prime scoring position. Another good game from these guys, meaning a point or two as well as the erasure of Thornton at ES, might just push the Flames one step closer to finishing off this upset.
Prediction - Flames win, 4-3 in OT. Iginla, Lombardi, Nolan and Huselius (GWG) for the Calgary. Clowe, Griere and Rissmiller for the San Jose.
Go Flames!
