Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Notes: Sharks still have yet to play with lead in Cup Final
Share This Post
Comments
Monday, June 6, 2016 - 11:30am
Follow @kkurzcsn

SAN JOSE – Prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Final, scoring the first goal was a strength of the Sharks through series wins against the Kings, Predators and Blues. In 19 games, San Jose took a 1-0 lead in 13 of them, going 10-3 in the process.

Against the Penguins, though, the Sharks have yet to play with a lead, as it’s been Pittsburgh that’s opened the scoring in all three games. Getting that first goal in Game 4 at home would be a welcome change as the Sharks attempt to tie up the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece on Monday.

“Yeah, we'd like the lead,” Pete DeBoer said. “The game plan isn't not to play with the lead. We're trying (laughter).

“For some reason we haven't started well here in the three games as far as scoring. We've got to do that. I'd like to be in that position. I think the game changes at that point.”

The Sharks are 7-2 when leading after the first period, and a perfect 8-0 when up after two in the playoffs.

[KURZ: Morning Skate: Hertl ruled out as Sharks look to even Final]

“If we get the first one, we usually roll pretty good when we get the lead,” Chris Tierney said. “The building will be rocking and momentum will be huge if we can get the first.”

The Sharks, of course, will be attempting to turn the NHL’s final round into a best-of-three. Should they win Game 4, the pressure could shift to the Penguins, who will have two days to think about returning home for Game 5 at Consol Energy Center on Thursday.

San Jose’s game has gotten incrementally better in each game of the series, spending much more time in the offensive zone in Game 3 than in the first two. It’s up to the Penguins to respond in Game 4.

"You get deeper in the series, the games get more important,” Logan Couture said. “We obviously know what it means. It's either 3-1 or it's 2-2. It's going to be fun to play at home again."

Tierney said: “Our mindset is to win the game, obviously, and put ourselves in the position where the series is tied and we can take the lead in the series. … We don’t want to be going down 3-1. We expect their best effort tonight.”

* * *

Justin Braun has been a focal point of late due to the emotional roller coaster he’s been on after the death of his father-in-law. His subpar Game 1 was cause for concern, too.

But in games two and three, the 29-year-old defenseman has not only scored one goal in each, but he’s been a big part of the reason that Penguins stars like Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have yet to register a goal.

“I thought he was excellent [in Game 3], DeBoer said. “With what he's dealt with, I don't know if you can understand the emotion of kind of the last week for him, last couple weeks.

“He's one of those quiet guys that just shows up every day and punches in, does his job. Really we wouldn't be here without him either. He's been exceptional.”

[KURZ: Sharks' Karlsson 'tenacious on the puck' as Hertl's replacement]

His partner Marc-Edouard Vlasic is no stranger when it comes to getting overlooked, as Braun arguably has throughout the Sharks’ successful season and subsequent playoff run.

“He can skate, he’s got a great stick, can shoot the puck, he’s never out of position, and he’s been flying under the radar even lower than I have,” Vlasic said.

* * *

The SAP Center ice surface has been a topic of discussion for much of the season, including earlier in the year when Couture referred to it as “garbage.” That, and further criticism from DeBoer resulted in large dehumidifiers being installed in February.

Of course, it’s now June, the temperatures in San Jose have been well over 90 degrees. That makes the ice more difficult to manage.

Pittsburgh’s Ben Lovejoy said: “We’re playing hockey in California in June. This is a great atmosphere to play in but the weather outside is 100 degrees. You can’t expect the ice to be like Edmonton in February.

“Ice across the NHL isn’t perfect. We have concerts in these buildings, soccer games, arena football games, it’s part of the deal. We understand it. We’ve been doing it for years. It’s not an excuse, we need to adapt to it.”

Patrick Marleau added on Monday that the SAP Center staff is “trying to do the best they can.”

“When it’s hot out, there’s things you can’t control,” he said. “I guess you can kind of see how the puck bounces sometimes.”

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Highlights: Warriors smashed, Cavs push series to 2-1
Bumgarner explains why he wasn't happy with way he felt vs Red Sox
Bochy on Williamson's first career homer: 'Got just enough of it'
Williamson reflects on first career homer, receives ball from Amy G

Giants

Rewind: Williamson's first homer gets big win for Giants
Giants re-sign postseason star Travis Ishikawa
Instant Replay: Giants beat Sox on Williamson's first MLB homer
Giants notes: Cain faces hitters; New catcher for Bumgarner
Read More

Athletics

Rewind: Adversity hitting A's from all angles right now
Instant Replay: A's shut out in Milwaukee, lose fifth straight
Notes: A's Hill suffers setback, scheduled for MRI
A's lineup: No changes for Game 2 behind Jesse Hahn
Read More

Sharks

Gretzky praises Crosby: 'Took his play to another level'
Limiting Pittsburgh's shots on Sharks priority list
Sharks staying loose ahead of Game 5 in Pittsburgh
Mailbag: Sharks Dillon, Polak struggling against Pens
Read More

49ers

Rams waive Bailey, but gunshot victim will stay around team
49ers minicamp observations: Offense wins the day
49ers' Joe Staley to compete on game show
No regrets for retired 49ers LB Borland: 'Sound decision'
Read More

Raiders

Del Rio joins Twitter, plans to 'share a little insight'
Report: Von Miller rejects Broncos' $114.5 million offer
Raiders' Cooper, Smith to compete on game show
Heeney earns Raiders confidence: Time to 'prove these guys right'
Read More

Warriors

Klay fires shots at Cavs: Mozgov pick in Game 3 'kind of dirty'
What to make of Warriors' on-and-off performances
Instant Replay: Warriors manhandled by Cavs in Game 3
Warriors ready for Love-less Cavs, must 'cut off LeBron'
Read More

NCAA

Two years after taking Cal job, Martin finally signs contract
Six-month sentence for Stanford swimmer draws strong response
Former four-star QB Kline to transfer from Cal yet again
Report: Ex-Deer Valley star expected to transfer to Cal
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Williamson's first homer gets big win for Giants
Alex Pavlovic

GIANTS VIDEO

Bumgarner explains why he wasn't happy with way he felt vs Red Sox
Bumgarner explains why he wasn't happy with way he felt vs Red Sox
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Rewind: Williamson's first homer gets big win for Giants
  • Giants re-sign postseason star Travis Ishikawa
  • Instant Replay: Giants beat Sox on Williamson's first MLB homer
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Adversity hitting A's from all angles right now
(1)
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

Glen & Ray find positives in Hahn's short outing vs Brewers
Glen & Ray find positives in Hahn's short outing vs Brewers
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Gretzky praises Crosby: 'Took his play to another level'
(2)
ProHockeyTalk

SHARKS VIDEO

STL: Facing elimination in Cup Final, will DeBoer shorten bench?
STL: Facing elimination in Cup Final, will DeBoer shorten bench?
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Klay fires shots at Cavs: Mozgov pick in Game 3 'kind of dirty'
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

Highlights: Warriors smashed, Cavs push series to 2-1
Highlights: Warriors smashed, Cavs push series to 2-1
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Klay fires shots at Cavs: Mozgov pick in Game 3 'kind of dirty'
  • Instant Replay: Warriors manhandled by Cavs in Game 3
  • Warriors ready for Love-less Cavs, must 'cut off LeBron'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

NBA Mock Draft: Kings pick floor general; Warriors target project
James Ham

Kings Video

STL: Joerger wants Cousins to be 'voice of positivity' for Kings
STL: Joerger wants Cousins to be 'voice of positivity' for Kings
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Rams waive Bailey, but gunshot victim will stay around team
(2)
Associated Press

49ers VIDEO

Colin Kaepernick participates in drills on Day 1 of 2016 49ers minicamp
Colin Kaepernick participates in drills on Day 1 of 2016 49ers minicamp
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers minicamp observations: Offense wins the day
  • Torrey Smith reflects on Ali, not afraid to speak his mind
  • 49ers' O-line coach: Davis would have to prove himself
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Del Rio joins Twitter, plans to 'share a little insight'
(3)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Carr not fond of fights in practice: 'Got to take care of each other'
Carr not fond of fights in practice: 'Got to take care of each other'
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Del Rio joins Twitter, plans to 'share a little insight'
  • Heeney earns Raiders confidence: Time to 'prove these guys right'
  • Lynch confirms retirement, won't return for hometown Raiders
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Dempsey, USMNT bounce back, beat Costa Rica 4-0
(2)
Julio Lara

More Stories

Burlingame Dragons FC, Quakes affiliate, beats Argentina
Sans Messi, Argentina wins Copa America opener at Levi's
(1)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Rewind: Adversity hitting A's from all angles right now
(1)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Rewind: Williamson's first homer gets big win for Giants
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers minicamp observations: Offense wins the day
(20)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Del Rio joins Twitter, plans to 'share a little insight'
(3)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Klay fires shots at Cavs: Mozgov pick in Game 3 'kind of dirty'
See more >

JAMES HAM

NBA Mock Draft: Kings pick floor general; Warriors target project
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Limiting Pittsburgh's shots on Sharks priority list
(2)
See more >

RAY RATTO

What to make of Warriors' on-and-off performances

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

VOTE YOUR FAVORITE ALL-STAR TEACHER

ast

Vote for your favorite All-Star Teacher here!

The winner gets $20k for his/her school!

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Highlights: Warriors smashed, Cavs push series to 2-1
Highlights: Warriors smashed, Cavs push series to 2-1
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California