Sunday 26 May 2013

NHL Three Stars: Niemi, Burish the unsung heroes of Game 6 for Sharks

Harrison Ford (the world's second greatest Harrison, in the opinion of some), takes in Game 6 between the Sharks and Kings.

No. 1 Star: Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks

With their backs against the wall, the Sharks got a stellar performance from Niemi, who stopped 24 of 25 shots in San Jose's 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. How he didn't get one of the three star nods at the game is criminal.

No. 2 Star: Adam Burish, San Jose Sharks

Hear me out. Burish made a huge impact in his Game 6 return, stepping onto the Sharks' fourth line instantly turning it into their most effective line in this game. He won all four faceoffs he took, he has a game-high 4 shots, and his line, with Andrew Desjardins and Bracken Kearns, was the only San Jose trio to finish with an even-strength Corsi (plus/minus for shots attempted) in the pluses. Burish finished plus-7, and Desjardins and Kearns both finished plus-8. Great game for Burish.

No. 3 Star: Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

Thornton opened the scoring for the Sharks at 6:09 of the first period, which is ideal, since the Sharks are undefeated in this postseason when scoring first.

Honourable mention: Nice touch to observe a moment of silence for veterans on Memorial Day weekend:

Conn Smythe Watch: 1. David Krejci, Boston Bruins; 2. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins; 3. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; 4. Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks; 5. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins; 6. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins; 7. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings; 8. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins; 9. Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks; 10. Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks.

Did You Know? The home team is 18-3 in Round 2.

Dishonourable mention: Dustin Brown's dive on Dan Boyle's high-sticking penalty was pretty egregious and crummy. Be sneakier, Brown. That's why we love you.



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