Let’s take a look at the top picks, plays and predictions for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
June 6th, 2016
Penguins vs Sharks
ML: +116 / -128
O/U: 5.5
Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.
You’re never in trouble until you lose at home.
That was the mantra heading into Game 3 for the San Jose Sharks. Sure, the team down 2-0 in a Stanley Cup Final is historically the team that goes home empty-handed, but that did not stop the Sharks from getting back in the series with a ginormous 3-2 overtime victory in Game 3.
Five and a half minutes into the first period of action, a misplay of the puck by Martin Jones led to a threat from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jones went to poke the puck in the corner but instead haplessly tapped it to a charging Matt Cullen. Cullen would bounce the puck off the side of the net, with Eric Fehr following with a missed chance. The puck would eventually bounce around to the high point, where Ben Lovejoy would turn and fire a slapshot to keep the puck in the zone.
The wobbling puck would take a wonky bounce off the shin of San Jose defenseman Roman Polak and sneak past Jones for the first goal of the game.
Desperately needing an answer and quick to get the crowd back in the game, the Sharks’ forecheck forced a puck battle along the far-side mid boards. Joe Thornton pounced on the loose puck and did what Joe Thornton does best- threaded the needle. He found Justin Braun, standing alone at the center of the blueline. With time, Braun settled the puck and let it rip.
Tie game. The goal was Braun’s second of the playoffs and of the series.
For the umpteenth time this postseason, the Penguins managed to apply pressure with less than a minute to go in a period. As the final minute was announced in the second period, Pittsburgh began to swarm the attacking zone. After a few errant passes and botched clearing attempts, the puck would squib across the ice to Lovejoy, again near the right point. Lovejoy launched an off-balance shot to the net, which Patric Hornqvist deflected to the back of the net.
After 40 minutes, Pittsburgh would lead 2-1.
Time ticked away in the third, and the Sharks entered the zone on a three-on-two. Joel Ward carried the puck over the blueline and decided to fire a shot at the net. It would pay off. The puck caught a huge piece of Matt Murray’s padding but would hit twine. And again, the game was tied. The goal was an egregious one for Murray to surrender. the shot came from a distance and looked to be in clear sight.
The Pens would again pepper Martin Jones but regulation time would end deadlocked.
Overtimes have generally ended quickly for the Pittsburgh Penguins. San Jose has at least had some experience in marathon games this year, having gone to triple overtime against the Nashville Predators in the second round (a game they would lose). And as overtime commenced, it looked like it was going to be another quick out for Pittsburgh. They held the shot advantage 9-3.
San Jose’s fourth shot, however, would be the difference maker.
Chris Tierney and Joonas Donskoi had a little give and go going behind the Pens’ net. With Tierney setting a pick for Donskoi, the young Finn wrapped around the net and lifted a wrist shot over the shoulder of Murray.
Ballgame. 3-2 final. We have a series.
Credit where it’s due: amazing shot by Donskoi. Perfect placement. By the same token, it’s another example of Murray being very beatable down low on bad angles. His post work, both stationary and laterally, leaves a lot to be desired.
It was a huge night for Joe Thornton as well, who registered two assists.
Major kudos to Justin Braun as well, who has goals in back-to-back games all while coping with the death of his father-in-law, as detailed by Puck Daddy here.
The Sharks will be without Tomas Hertl tonight as they were for Game 2. Dainus Zubrus was re-entered into the lineup in his stead.
Despite the momentum-shifting victory in the series, there still are a lot of holes in the Sharks’ plan of attack. They are still being outshot, and badly. They are still having to play catch-up, as they led for 0 minutes in Game 3. They are relying on their cycle and give-and-go strategy, which has been effective but is getting to be predictable. Variety and quantity has been proven to work against Matt Murray.
The Pens got an off-night from their goaltender, though their offense being stonewalled by Martin Jones certainly did not help. Conor Sheary was the lone forward without a shot on goal. Evgeni Malkin remains quiet, as he is pointless this series. He had just two shots on goal.
The special teams units were quiet on both sides as well. The Pens were scoreless on their lone powerplay opportunity, while the Sharks were unsuccessful in three attempts.
Side note: Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett will be playing the anthem tonight. Awesome.
The Sharks were good in Game 3, but they will still need to be worlds better tonight to even things up. You’re never in trouble until you lose at home. Without Hertl and without tightening up the shot attempt battle, the Sharks might be in a bit of trouble.
But then again, the Sharks are 8-2 at home this postseason. Of note though: they did not win their consecutive home game set against either Los Angeles or St. Louis. Only against Nashville.
Prediction: There could be trouble in San Jose tonight. Take the Pens to win. Play the under.
