The Chicago Blackhawks did indeed prove that this series is far from comparison with the Eastern Conference battle, as there isn't as much fight between the two teams in the West as there is in the East. The Sharks did show up a bit in Game Three, but it would have been an absolute crime if they didn't. The Blackhawks were ready for them, however, forcing the momentum back in their favour most times the Sharks would have a good push or a power play in their favour. It was almost as if the Blackhawks were toying with them a little bit.Nevertheless, the Sharks did get some good pushes at some crucial times, opening the scoring early on in the 2nd period and forcing overtime with a goal with less than five minutes to play in the 3rd period. For a 2-2 game going into the extra frame, the Sharks had to work extra hard. In overtime, there was quite a bit of good skating from both sides of the rink, but the Blackhawks proved to be a little too much, as Dustin Byfuglien scored his 2nd game-winner of these playoffs to put the Sharks to the brink of elimination.
Well, as I expected, Scott couldn't hold onto 1st place through this game, as the Blackhawks top scorers were out to play against the Sharks in Game Three. Neil B. really had the chips fall his way last night, as Jonathan Toews had 2 assists, Patrick Kane had an assist and Dan Boyle had 2 assists for his team, helping him take a 2-point lead in the pool going into Saturday's Eastern Conference action.
Patrick Marleau and Dustin Byfuglien were the only two players to also pick up a pair of points for the pool, Marleau a couple of goals and Byfuglien scored the game-winner, but Byfuglien is the only one of the two with any roots in the top seven teams in the pool. Marleau was chosen on 18 teams, but he hasn't helped anyone to the top.
Game Four will be going on Sunday afternoon and I have a feeling that the Sharks will be put out of their misery or at least have the 8-Ball run over them before it's all said and done.
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