Final, Canucks 4-2: A bizarre scene at the end of the game. Ryan Kesler and Ryane Clowe were jawing at each other, which prompted Clowe to drop Kesler with a glove to the face. Kesler remained on the ice for a couple of seconds as his teammates celebrated the win. It clearly looked like an act of frustration by Clowe. We'll see if anything carries over into Game 5.
The Canucks now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, which shifts back to Vancouver for Game 5.
This game was a bit strange, mainly because of the wild power-play chances. The Canucks only had 13 shots on goal, but they scored three goals on three five-on-three advantages. Henrik Sedin had four assists, a Canucks playoff record, while Daniel Sedin recorded three assists. Sami Salo netted two goals, his first points since the team's first-round series against the Blackhawks.
It will be tough for the Sharks to bounce back from this one, especially since Vancouver has a chance to close it out at home in Game 5. There's still been no word on Joe Thornton, who left the game in the third period after getting hit by Raffi Torres — a clean check by the way.
Game 5 is Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.
Third Period, 0:18, Canucks 4-2: Dan Boyle ripped a shot on Luongo, but he was able to make a nice save with his right shoulder. Upon re-entry, the Sharks continued to apply some pressure, with Marleau firing a shot wide of the net.
It looks as if this one's about to be in the books, though.
Third Period, 1:55, Canucks 4-2: The Sharks pulled the goalie with about two and half minutes remaining, desperate to get this to a one-goal game.
One of the officials didn't realize that the goalie had been pulled, though, and was ready to call the Sharks for too many men on the ice. After the officials convened, it was determined that the faceoff would be in the Vancouver zone.
It's all or nothing now for the Sharks.
Third Period, 2:41, Canucks 4-2: Well the Sharks aren't going quietly. Ryane Clowe nets a goal to pull them within two. The crowd has finally come alive, and the Sharks have a faceoff upcoming in the Vancouver zone.
Third Period, 6:34, Canucks 4-1: With a brief stop in the action, I was just wondering how everyone thinks both the Bruins and Lightning match up against either of these teams. I think regardless of the Stanley Cup matchup, it should be interesting.
The Bruins seem to be the most defensive-minded team remaining in the playoffs, therefore a Bruins-Canucks matchup could be an intriguing defensive-offensive showdown. If the Lightning move on, we should probably expect goals to come in bunches. But we'll just have to wait and see.
What do you think, though? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
Third Period, 7:30, Canucks 4-1: The Sharks have picked up the pace here in the third period, controlling the puck for the most part.
Joe Thornton got dropped by Raffi Torres after going for a puck up against the boards with his head down. He tried to return for another shift, but has since headed back to locker room.
Third Period, 10:02, Canucks 4-1: By the way, with Henrik Sedin's jaw-dropping assist on the Burrows goal, he now has four assists in this one.
His brother, Daniel, also received an assist on the goal, helping to spark the two-on-one rush. He has three assists.
Third Period, 12:58, Canucks 4-1: Well, the Sharks are finally on the board. It might end up being too little too late, but it's the first step towards a comeback here in Game 4. There is, after all, plenty of hockey to be played.
Andrew Desjardins is credited with the goal, as he deflected the puck past Luongo on a shot from the point. The goal was reviewed to see whether Desjardins' stick was above the crossbar, but it was determined that it was not. The goal is Desjardins' first of the postseason.
The Sharks then came off the ensuing faceoff with some more pressure in the offensive end. It looks like they're finally playing with a sense of urgency, but again it could be too little too late with the Canucks still holding a three-goal lead.
Third Period, 14:12, Canucks 4-0: The Canucks put what should be the final nail in the coffin here in Game 4, and what a highlight goal it was.
On a two-on-one rush, Henrik Sedin showed unbelievable patience, carry the puck to his back hand and slid it under Niemi's leg over to Burrows for a goal to make it 4-0. The Sedin twins really are wizards with the puck. Henrik probably should have shot this one, but you've got to credit his poise.
Third Period, 14:27, Canucks 3-0: The Sharks haven't been able to capture much momentum out of the gate in the third, but they do look a bit better offensively.
A shot got thrown on net that looked like Luongo had control of, but there was no whistle and play resumed. The next few minutes will be big if the Sharks want to fight their way back.
End Second Period, Canucks 3-0: They've played 40 minutes at the Shark Tank, and it's been all Vancouver. If the Sharks want to have a chance in this game, they'll need to come out and get on the board early in the third. The crowd is a non-factor right now and for good reason.
The Sharks actually lead in shots right now, 18-10. But with three five-on-three opportunities, you're bound to get some good scoring chances. It's not as if the Sharks haven't had chances of their own, though.
I mentioned this morning that the Canucks would need to be more disciplined in this game. They weren't in the first period, but they weathered the storm until they had chances of their own. The story of this one is that the Canucks have simply been more opportunistic than the Sharks.
Second Period, 2:28, Canucks 3-0: I mentioned Niemi's struggles against the Canucks earlier. While I wouldn't say this offensive outburst by the Canucks in the second period is the direct result of poor play on his part, he has looked a little indecisive at times when controlling the puck. The ability of goalies to control the puck is truly a lost art in today's NHL.
Kyle Wellwood had a pretty good angle for a shot, but Luongo was able to make a blocker save.
Fun fact: The arena hosted a Prince concert last night. That has absolutely nothing to do with what's going on on the ice Saturday afternoon, but I figured I'd throw it out there.
Second Period, 8:49, Canucks 3-0: Wow. After a delay of game call against Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray, the Canucks had their third five-on-three power-play opportunity of the game. Guess what happened.
Another goal has given the Canucks a huge 3-0 lead. Sami Salo scored the third goal as well, with the Sedin twins picking up assists — their second of the game.
Salo's only other point of the playoffs came back in the first round against the Blackhawks, but he's got two goals here this afternoon.
This crowd is completely deflated now. Any time you go 0-for-5 on the power play that will happen. But then when you go ahead and give up three power-play goals to your opponent on three opportunities, you're bound to get a really deflated crowd.
If it's any consolation for Sharks fans, though, look what happened when the Bruins had a three-goal lead in Saturday's game against the Lightning.
Second Period, 9:21, Canucks 2-0: The Canucks received another brief five-on-three chance after a too many men on the ice penalty against the Sharks, and they made the most of it.
Henrik Sedin fed the puck up top to Sami Salo, who fired a slap shot past Niemi. The Canucks did a good job of screening Niemi, especially Alexandre Burrows. The Canucks are now 2-for-2 on the power play on two shots.
Second Period, 10:44, Canucks 1-0: Well that didn't take long. Just seconds after beginning their five-on-three attack, Ryan Kesler lights the lamp for the game's first goal.
Kesler slapped a one-timer past Niemi from just outside the left faceoff circle. It's his sixth goal of the postseason.
After a big offensive zone faceoff win, the Canucks did a good job of cycling the puck and Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray committed too early, giving Kesler a clear shooting lane. He absolutely ripped it top shelf.
The Canucks will still be on the power play.
Second Period, 10:49, 0-0: Golden opportunity coming up for the Canucks. Torrey Mitchell is going off for hooking, giving the Canucks a five-on-three opportunity for a minute and 10 seconds.
Second Period, 11:45, 0-0: After five power plays for the Sharks, the Canucks will receive their first of the game. Dany Heatley is going off for two minutes for high sticking.
Second Period, 14:11, 0-0: The Sharks were able to finally get some pressure going on the power play, but they still haven't put anything up on the scoreboard.
Jamie McGinn seems to be a marked man for the Sharks, after injuring a couple of Canucks players in Game 3. He came in looking to make a hit and was flipped over in a wrestling-style backbody drop that drew some "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from the crowd. Keith Ballard, in the lineup in the wake of the Game 3 injuries, was the one who flipped McGinn.
Second Period, 17:54, 0-0: Another opportunity squandered by the Sharks. That's four power plays and nothing to show for it.
But what do you know? The Sharks are going back on the power play, as Patrick Marleau drew a hooking call on Dan Hamhuis.
The Canucks are really playing with fire this afternoon, playing down a man time and time again — while on the road nevertheless. It could be just a matter of time before they get burned, although the Sharks have been far from impressive.
End First Period, 0-0: Kent Huskins had an opportunity from a pretty good angle with around a minute left in the period, but it looked like he pulled the trigger a little too early and Luongo was able to easily steer it aside.
The Sharks will start the second period with another power-play chance, though, as Raffi Torres received a charging penalty as time expired. It was a punishing hit, but it works out in the Sharks favor. We'll see if they can establish some sustained pressure this time around.
First Period, 1:59, 0-0: Sharks have a 9-5 shot advantage, but it's mainly because of their power-player chances. The Canucks have been the better team at even strength so far, although the edge is minimal.
First Period, 4:08, 0-0: Dan Boyle snuck a wrist shot through traffic, but Roberto Luongo was able to make his best save of the day thus far. The Sharks are now 0-for-3 on the power play.
The current Canucks group is in the midst of a long shift, but they'll have to stay out there because of an icing call.
First Period, 6:24, 0-0: The Sharks will have yet another chance to get on the board via the power play. After a nice offensive zone faceoff win by the Sharks, Tanner Glass again got a little too aggressive for the Canucks. He'll be given two minutes for boarding.
First Period, 6:32, 0-0: The Sharks were unable to convert on their second power-play chance of the game. The Sharks are outshooting the Canucks 7-4 right now
First Period, 9:28, 0-0: Kevin Bieksa had a good chance on a redirect, but his shot went just wide of the cage. Moments later, Bieksa was called for a high stick on Joe Thornton, so the Sharks will have another opportunity with the man advantage.
Dany Heatley has been invisible on the Sharks power play as of late. He'll need to pick things up. Let's see if the Sharks try to get him involved here.
First Period, 10:01, 0-0: We've just about reached the halfway point of the first period in San Jose. The Sharks had a power-play opportunity, but were unable to convert.
The game's had a quick pace thus far, which is usually the case with these two teams. We'll see if things settle down a bit as we get deeper into the game.
The Canucks' scoring chances have been of higher quality than those of the Sharks, but neither team has really threatened.
First Period, 19:34, 0-0: Well it was Joe Thornton who challenged the Canucks' Ryan Kesler to throw down at the start of Game 2. Today, it was the Canucks who were the aggressors. Tanner Glass challenged Jamie McGinn, who injured both Christian Ehrhoff and Aaron Rome last game. McGinn didn't take the bait, though.
Sticking with his aggressive start, Glass was called for a tripping penalty just 26 seconds into the action. The Canucks had a good short-handed bid, but Antti Niemi was able to make the stop as the puck slid across the crease. Niemi has never allowed less than three goals to the Canucks in his career, so he'll need to elevate his game on Sunday.
3:20 p.m.: It's certainly worth noting that the Canucks defense is a little banged up for this one. Both Christian Ehrhoff and Aaron Rome are out of the lineup.
3:10 p.m.: It's just about time for the puck to drop at the Shark Tank for Game 4 of the Western Conference final. The Sharks will need to come out and be physical from the onset like they were in Game 3. That allowed them to set the tone early.
8 a.m.: Vancouver Canucks seemed to be in complete control of their Western Conference final matchup with the San Jose Sharks, but the Sharks turned things around at home in Game 4 and have made it a series. On Sunday, they'll look to pull even.
The Sharks scored three goals in the first period of Friday's win, and then survived a furious comeback attempt by the Canucks to win 4-3. Patrick Marleau was stellar for the Sharks, racking up two goals and an assist.
San Jose had 10 power play opportunities on Friday and they took advantage of it, netting three goals with the man advantage. The Canucks will need to play more disciplined hockey, or else they could get bitten by the Sharks once again.
The old saying is that a series doesn't really begin until a team wins on the road. We'll find out if the Canucks can get things started, or whether the Sharks will once again enjoy some home cookin'.
