Win the game (in regulation) and win the Division. Win in any other way, and secure a playoff berth for the Kings and keep the divisional crown up for grabs. Cliche aside, it's a big game. 2 points in regulation tonight and the Sharks can stay in the race with the Wings, take the division, and set their sights firmly on the remaining games in the season. (remember, divisional opponents are potential first round opponents)

Tonight's the night Sharks. Let's close it out.

Go Sharks!

 

Here we are, down to the second of the last regular season meetings with one of our most hated rivals, and all I can think is "I hate Corey Perry."

I hate Corey Perry. I do. I don't know what he's like off the ice, he could be a fine upstanding gent, but on ice, I hate him. He's annoying. He runs players, he runs goalies, he whines, he trips, he hooks, he slashes, and above all else he scores. Why does such a douchey player have to have talent as well? That's no fair. Corey Perry has to do things like score goals and be effective. What's worse is he falls into the Pronger category of "dude's you love to hate but would also love to have on your team," because of his effectiveness. Having to acknowledge that a guy is good, even if you hate him, is just so annoying to the part of me that demand I hate all others in the division.

On a completely different note, I was reading this article about Emery, and was not entirely surprised to learn that he and Heatley get along/like each other. Often times, the guys that seems like or are the most trouble have a pretty good understanding of how it is to be "that guy" and tend to bond. I find it interesting that Heater suggests he likes to get to know guys before judging. I suspect he has some experience on the other side of that equation and has learned from it.

Let's show those quackers who's boss tonight, boys!
Go Sharks!

 

Tonight, tonight, the Sharks can clinch tonight.

Ok, I will spare you all my attempts to turn "Tonight" into a Sharks related hockey song, but you have to admit, that'd be quite the feat. Not quite as good as the Sharks beating the Stars and clinching a playoff berth, which they could potentially do tonight, but it'd be a close second. Maybe a distant second is more realistic, but a second nonetheless.

Odds are good there won't be another elbow attack to Ott's head, which is for the best. As much as he might deserve a swift kick in the pants, that probably won't happen either. Destroying his team's playoff hopes though? That would be the best punishment Ott could ever get. There is also something inherently enjoyable about taking out a divisional opponent, and I really hope we get to witness the Sharks do just that this evening. As much as I love that crazy little star up there, I wouldn't want to meet his team in the playoffs.

Allow me to express my true feelings on this last 7-8 games of the regular season:

 

 

Seriously, who schedules 3 meetings with the Coyotes right at the end of the year?! NHL Y U DO DIS??? Of course no one could know how close these two teams would be in the standings come season's end, or the the Pacific would be the crazy division it is, but man what a way to end the season! I'm going to stock up on Tums, Advil, and yoga dvds so I can handle the stress.

What a game last night, eh? I got up to make a phone call at the office, came back and it was 2-1 Sharks! I wasn't even gone that long. That's when I knew it was going to be a wild night out on the ice. I was home in time to watch the third and it did not disappoint. Anytime the Sharks can mow down the Flames, it's going to be a good night of hockey. (Clowe fighting Sarich was also pretty epic. Dude, Sarich, be a gentlemand and take your helment off if you're going to fight.)

Tonight starts the last of eight games in the regular season for the Sharks, all of which are in their division. While tonight is only the second to last meeting this season against the Kings, it's high time the Sharks show them who's boss. Too many poor games against them earlier this season. Let's do this thing, Sharks. Time to show the division why swimming with Sharks in the Pacific is a dangerous game.

Gather your canoes, kayaks and dinghies Sharks fans, it's time to paddle on down to the Tank for some hockey.

The Coyotes had to go and win last night, which is so annoying for the Sharks. I mean, come on guys, the regular season is nearly over, can't you 'Yotes just coast? Do you have to be all up in our division and annoying like that? It's like you're actually playing the game, or something. So rude.

Hopefully we'll have Teeth back for tonight. Seems whatever he did looked worse that it really was, which is good. I believe Heater is eligible to return tonight as well. Keep those elbows down, sir. The Flames annoying the crap out of me too,  but let's just keep it to some good, clean checking, alright? Hip checks and ass checks accepted in all rinks.

What a crazy game that was! The Sharks score 3 goals in about 3 minutes in the first to move them into what would be an insurmountable lead. There was a goalie change 7 minutes in. 7 minutes! Holy crap, it was unreal. I wondered at the time if the pulled Halak for Conkblock in order to send  message to the team, but then Conkblock conkblocked everything coming his way, and I knew it was because is wasn't Halak's night.

Then there was the hatty that wasn't. JoePa was originally credited with three goals on the night, giving him his first NHL hat trick, but further review, and a gracious JoePa, awarded one of the goals to Patty thus wiping out the hatty.

Teeth slammed into the boards hard in the second. It was a scary thing to watch. You can see his one leg buckle and shutter violently against the force of hitting the boards. He didn't return, and had to be helped off the ice and into the locker room, although he did walk out of the Tank under his own power at the end of the night. He's been busily tweeting about haircuts and tv since, so, one assumes he's relatively ok. What looked like a broken leg may instead just be a few days of soreness. Here's hoping that's the case.

The Blues had to go make things exciting towards the end of the game, coming back to make the final score 5-3, though it was thankfully too late for a full comeback. While the Sharks responded well to losing Teeth, they really were on their heels in the thrid. I blame Randy Hahn, who wouldn't shut up about how a 3 goal lead was "the most dangerous lead in hockey," until the Blues started to score, of course. Bakes, who was filling in for the absent Drew, asked him "Are you happy now?!" when the Blues made it 3-1 and Randy said "Yes...NO!" We see how it is, Mr. Hahn. For your non stop promotion of a 3 goal lead, and general doomsday bringing, I award you last night's Bringer of Doom Award. It should go nicely with the others already on your shelves.