Game 3: San Jose 2 @ Montreal 1
San Jose closes out the series in another close one.
With elimination looming the Habs knew they would have to put in another solid effort like the previous game if the wanted to have the chance to continue the series, and San Jose knew that the Habs weren't as easy to beat as the first game may have suggested.
If it was even possible, the Habs played even a better game in the first period of game 3 then they did in game 2. With the help of 2 PPs the Habs were able to control the puck in the San Jose end for most of the period only allowing the Sharks to be in the Habs end for 56 seconds of the possible 20 minutes and only allow 2 shots. However with the 2 PPs the Habs were able to get 9 shots on net, but were not able to get one by Nabokov.
The second period would be another close period with both teams getting their chances but unable to get one past the goalie....until the Canadiens made a mistake. After receiving a long pass, Cheechoo entered the Canadien's zone with a 2 on 1. Cheechoo held onto the puck and the D-man slid to poke the puck away. With the D-man down and out, Cheechoo slid the puck over to Michalek for a 1 on 1 with Huet. Michalek would get the better of Huet and deke him out for the first goal of the game. The goal seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Habs. Shortly after the goal coach Frankididou was over heard saying in a frustrated manner, "I can't stop you". It wouldn't be long before Thornton would capitalize on another 1 on 1 with Huet, to put the Sharks that much closer to the second round. After the second goal, the Sharks stuck to a defensive game and turned down their offensive pressure.
After some hot dogs and beer for the capacity crowd in attendance, the 3rd period started. It seemed as though the Habs were trying everything they could to try and get back in the game. They knew it was time to play "desperate hockey" and get that goal that would get them back in the game. With 11:18 left in the game they would get that goal. Markov would take a blast from the point that Nabokov would juggle and let trickle in the net. With momentum on their side the Habs pushed for that tying goal. The Sharks stuck to their plan and just tried to play good positional hockey and limit the number of shots that Nabokov saw. Even though the Habs would have a few more chances before the final buzzer sounded, it would be the Sharks defence that would prevail and keep the score 2-1 for the win.
The Sharks will now fly back to San Jose and wait to see who they will face in the second round...and see if that Dora The Explorer concert is over yet!
Stats:
13 shots 22
29 hits 40
3 Stars:
Thornton 1 0
Nabokov 21 0
Hannah 0 2
Summary:
1st:
None
2nd:
SJ: Michalek - Cheechoo, Hannah
SJ: Thornton - Hannah
3rd:
Mtl: Markov
Great series Frankididou! After the first game you played some really good hockey and I had to struggle for my goals. And I was lucky that my defense played well enough to keep you off the score sheet long enough to get the wins. Take care.
With elimination looming the Habs knew they would have to put in another solid effort like the previous game if the wanted to have the chance to continue the series, and San Jose knew that the Habs weren't as easy to beat as the first game may have suggested.
If it was even possible, the Habs played even a better game in the first period of game 3 then they did in game 2. With the help of 2 PPs the Habs were able to control the puck in the San Jose end for most of the period only allowing the Sharks to be in the Habs end for 56 seconds of the possible 20 minutes and only allow 2 shots. However with the 2 PPs the Habs were able to get 9 shots on net, but were not able to get one by Nabokov.
The second period would be another close period with both teams getting their chances but unable to get one past the goalie....until the Canadiens made a mistake. After receiving a long pass, Cheechoo entered the Canadien's zone with a 2 on 1. Cheechoo held onto the puck and the D-man slid to poke the puck away. With the D-man down and out, Cheechoo slid the puck over to Michalek for a 1 on 1 with Huet. Michalek would get the better of Huet and deke him out for the first goal of the game. The goal seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Habs. Shortly after the goal coach Frankididou was over heard saying in a frustrated manner, "I can't stop you". It wouldn't be long before Thornton would capitalize on another 1 on 1 with Huet, to put the Sharks that much closer to the second round. After the second goal, the Sharks stuck to a defensive game and turned down their offensive pressure.
After some hot dogs and beer for the capacity crowd in attendance, the 3rd period started. It seemed as though the Habs were trying everything they could to try and get back in the game. They knew it was time to play "desperate hockey" and get that goal that would get them back in the game. With 11:18 left in the game they would get that goal. Markov would take a blast from the point that Nabokov would juggle and let trickle in the net. With momentum on their side the Habs pushed for that tying goal. The Sharks stuck to their plan and just tried to play good positional hockey and limit the number of shots that Nabokov saw. Even though the Habs would have a few more chances before the final buzzer sounded, it would be the Sharks defence that would prevail and keep the score 2-1 for the win.
The Sharks will now fly back to San Jose and wait to see who they will face in the second round...and see if that Dora The Explorer concert is over yet!
Stats:
13 shots 22
29 hits 40
3 Stars:
Thornton 1 0
Nabokov 21 0
Hannah 0 2
Summary:
1st:
None
2nd:
SJ: Michalek - Cheechoo, Hannah
SJ: Thornton - Hannah
3rd:
Mtl: Markov
Great series Frankididou! After the first game you played some really good hockey and I had to struggle for my goals. And I was lucky that my defense played well enough to keep you off the score sheet long enough to get the wins. Take care.
posted by Critter3 at 2:07 PM
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