Remember when the San Jose Sharks were routinely dismissed as early-round playoff chokers? They continue to thrash away at that reputation, with a chance to advance to their second consecutive Western Conference Final (and third in seven years) should they defeat the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on Friday night. It would be the Sharks second consecutive Conference Semifinal victory over the Red Wings.
Sharks Vs. Red Wings, Game 4: After Three Straight One-Goal Wins, San Jose Looks For Sweep
They look to build on their three straight one-goal wins in the series. The latest, in Game 3 on Wednesday night, came when Devin Setoguchi's hat trick goal in overtime gave them a commanding series lead. San Jose's been lead this postseason by Joe Thornton (7 assists, 9 points) and Ryan Clowe (4 goals, 9 points).
Should they win Game 4, it would be history making for the Sharks, as no San Jose team has ever swept any playoff series. They had a chance to sweep Detroit last season, but the Wings forced a Game 5 in the Bay Area with a win. Antii Niemi starts for the tenth time this postseason.
The Red Wings will look to do exactly what they did last season, which is make the Sharks travel back home to San Jose and play another game in this series. This time, of course, they'll try and force them back to Detroit. They've been led by Pavel Datsyuk (6 goals, 9 points) and Tomas Holmstrom (4 assists, 6 points) this post-season. Jimmy Howard will start his eighth game of the postseason.
We’ll be here all night with updates. Check out Fear the Fin and Winging it in Motown for more
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