It’s the morning after. What the flip just happened last night in game 2?
In a word: bizarre.
That’s the only way to describe the Sharks 7-3 loss in the NHL Western Conference finals. Well, actually, come to think of it, the word “embarrassing” also comes to mind.
If you’re like me, you probably did a little bit of Googling to find out exactly who this Ben Eager bull-dog is (or as many in the media are calling him, “meathead”). While you’ll find out he’s from Ottawa, has played for 4 NHL teams in 5 years, and is a PIM aficionado, you won’t find out exactly why coach Todd McLellan (a) kept him in the game so long, and (b) put him on the ice so early in the third period when the Sharks were only down two goals, and had the potential, however small, for a comeback.
Listen in as I talk with regular guest director/filmmaker Aaron Houston from Vancouver on this Stark Insider podcast. Safe to say he has a different interpretation of what went down.
If you’re a Canucks fan, you’re not only smiling because of the win, but also because this is a team that’s scoring across all four lines. Plus: the Sedin twins have awoken and according to Aaron are displaying the regular season form that propelled the team to the top of the league.
NHL Western Finals Game #2 Hang-over: San Jose humiliated by Vancouver 7-3
Featuring: Aaron Houston, director/film-maker, Sunflower Hour.
Listen now:
Some might say that the game wasn’t that bad or lopsided. After all, the Sharks were only down 3-2 at the end of 40 minutes. True. But the ice was tilted in Vancouver’s favor all night long. The teal and white didn’t register a shot until over six minutes in to the second frame, although they did manage to eek out another eight shots by the end of the period – most from a distance.
For the Sharks players, coaching staff and all the fans across the Bay Area, there’s a looming sense of deja vu all over again. Will we be hearing about “next season” come Sunday night… would could’ve been… if only…
The good news: the team returns to HP Pavilion where traditionally the Canucks and goaltender Roberto Luongo have not fared well. It’s noisy. And let’s just hope that fans give it their all. Knowing San Jose you can count on that. Benching Ben Eager, however, is something I’m hoping we can also count on.
