04/14/2010 15:43
There seem to be a curse over the Sharks, who year after year lose early in the playoffs despite great regular seasons and strong rosters. There are now a lot of people who believe in the team from the sunny beaches and with players like Thornton, Heatley and Marleau should they just be able to go far. Players with experience and quality to put up a lot of points. Experience from really big games do they actually lack, and they are known for their ability to disappear from important games like these.
The Colorado started out great in the beginning of the season, but just as many people thought did they decrease in the standings after Christmas. The roster wasn’t good enough to keep up with the top teams in the Western Conference and they finished on the eighth place. It is a great result for a team who was brutal last year and this year has probably satisfied many fans in Colorado. But I don’t think the players are happy yet. I would guess the younger players are doubting. They are coming out with a young team in strong headwind, and they are playing a skilled and experienced top team. This can just end in one way: Sharks will win this.
Craig Anderson is the player who can keep the Avalanche in this series, and if he brings his top game like many times before can the games be closer than expected. I think the first game between the Sharks and the Avalanche will be close without any risk takers. The Sharks will own the game though, and spend the most time in offensive end. The score will be 3-1 to Sharks and you can watch it on gamecenter.nhl.com or espn360.com who show NHL live stream.
