In many ways, Game 3 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals was a microcosm of all that has always been San Jose Sharks playoff hockey: Look good early on, fight hard, inspire hope late in the goings, then lose in an utterly demoralizing manner.
Down two games to none to the fearsome Chicago Blackhawks, I fully expected the San Jose Sharks to play their best game of the postseason. They just may have. The only problem: Antti Niemi chose the very same night to play the game of HIS LIFE!
The fact that Antti Niemi was not chosen as one of the three stars is an absolute travesty as he was the ONLY reason the Blackhawks won this game, and has been the very best player on the ice thus far in the series, Dustin Byfuglien included.
When the Sharks scored less than two minutes into the game, I knew it was too good to be true. It (by virtue of a disallowed goal for Joe Pavelski’s alleged distinct kicking motion) of course was.
When the Sharks took a lead on a five-on-three power play, but failed to pad it on the ensuing five-on-four, I ...
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Article written by Patrick Goulding II