And the biggest thing I can come up with is the ability to change ones game plan.
The Sharks only had 3 shots on net during the 2nd period of play. For a Team that is built to be an offensive power house, the strategy last night simply didn't work.
Nabokov had an okay game. The first goal allowed is one I believe who could have stopped, but he was screened so making the stop would have be difficult but in the playoffs to win you have to make those difficult stops to keep your team in the game. The second goal wasn't Nabby's fault... It was Rob Blake's and his inability to pressure the Avs players in his own zone.
As far as the rest of the team if Ryan Clowe and Devin Setoguchi weren't on the ice, it would have looked like a bunch of teal sweaters coasting around the ice.
For Game 2 the Sharks must be able to adapt to what the Avs throw at the them and respond in an effective way. Whether that means changing our offensive scheme or changing line combinations. The effort and the heart needs to be increased.
This might be premature to say but...
Game 2 is a must win for the Sharks. If the Avs go back home winning both games then they can play .500 hockey the rest of the way and still win...
Here's hoping McLellan can get some better effort out of the Sharks on Friday.
I will be watching that game as well and hopefully I will be writing a more positive post after the game.
As always...
Keep your head up...
(I know I'm trying too)
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