I was surprised when Patty and Malhotra played well together earlier in the season. I’d try to make that happen because Malhotra’s so good at digging the puck out.

Man, when Seto missed that open net, I thought to myself “Shit, that could change the whole game right there.” I hate it when I’m right.

I haven’t been a fan of rolling with the big line dating all the way back to preseason— it puts way too many eggs into one basket. It has been something I’ve consistently banged on this entire year.

But at this point, I’m not sure you want to break them apart to start tomorrow night. McLellan has decided to go with them into the playoffs and lord knows that locker room doesn’t need any more uncertainty heading into game two. See how the first period rolls and then flip the switch if they don’t get it together.

Forty five minutes of horrible hockey last night from San Jose and they lose on a fluke bounce in the last minute. Probably the only positive I can take from this, but it’s a glimmer of hope nonetheless.

too much big on the first line…plus I’ll mistake the two until the cows come home…:P

3-11 in series when losing the first game.

I’m putting together a piece for FTR of Cup finalists that lost their opener. Basically, it’s about 20% of them.

I’d much rather the Sharks be taking goaltender interference or roughing penalties rather than hooking penalties.

Nichol was seen trying to do that one time when Anderson was having trouble with the puck – he sort of checked him, but the Avs got away with the puck anyway.

One thing that surprised me about last night was a lack of aggression. I was expecting the Sharks to be pissed about the way the game was going, throw a cheap hit on Duchane who’s got bruised ribs, or send one of their small guys head first into the boards or something..

I suppose it was too close and within reach to take stupid penalties, but still.

I comfort myself with the thought that it’s just one game.

Also: somebody needs to step up and Corey Perry the goaltender

That’s never a bad idea IMO if not just for the screens. When these Goalies get hot, that’s usually the only chance the other teams have no matter how much better on paper they look.

He can start thinking about it now, and he should have an answer for you sometime next month.

The top 3 lines can be considered 1a-1b-1c

No group should have significantly more minutes than another.

“They just get too damn comfortable and lazy.”

Yup. They wind up treating it like a power play, which looks pretty when they’re going but that doesn’t work against an opponent that’s hustling. I like these groups. This supersedes my post!

Totally acceptable considering the circumstances.

I’m loving how you’re loving this Sleek. It kills me, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t make me laugh.

Avs fans approve of this picture.

Wait, Mike wrote a primer?