Sharks Gameday: San Jose Crisis

(Since it was too painful for me to try to write about the Sharks after Game 2, I enlisted the help of a guest author. Please welcome to Battle of California the American revolutionary hero and patriot: Thomas Paine. He is the greatest man who has ever lived, and he really really hated kings).

Dearest readers, THESE are the times that try men's souls. Those fair-weather fans who only support the team during the good times will, in this crisis, fade away or fall into the depths of despair; but he that stands it now, with courage and confidence and heart, will know that he is a true ally of San Jose.

Los Angeles, like hell, is not easily conquered. Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as VICTORY should not be highly rated.

Whether a San Jose victory in the series was declared too soon, I will not now enter into as an argument. The Sharks did not make a proper use of last game, neither could they, while they were in a crazed and disorganized state. However, the fault, if it were one, was all their own. They have none to blame but themselves - but no great deal is lost yet.

Game three is worth the world, if rightly played. If lost or neglected, then all Sharks fans will partake of the evil. There is no punishment that a team does not deserve when they have such an opportunity in front of them and then fail to rise to the occasion. 

I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that the Hockey Gods will not give up a team to defeat which has so earnestly and so repeatedly worked to overcome obstacles, by every decent method which wisdom could invent.

I thank the Hockey Gods, and I fear not. I see no real cause for fear. I know our situation well, and can see the way out of it.

I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue victory unto death.

The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth.

Dark Horse/Bright Horse

Somebody, anybody: be a blasted horse.

Prediction: Revolution. Sharks win 4-0.