SBNation.com - NHL playoffs 2016: Stars top Blues in Game 1, Sharks pull away from Pedatorshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2016-04-30T17:25:00-04:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/113056872016-04-30T17:25:00-04:002016-04-30T17:25:00-04:00Harbinger of bad luck spells doom for Sharks
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<p>SO CUTE!</p> <p>If the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">Sharks</a> lose their series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a>, you can all blame this poor cat.</p>
<p>During warmups before Game 1 at the SAP Center, a black cat somehow found its way onto the ice and cursed the Sharks in the process. Reports of doom, gloom and destruction have come out of San Jose since the incident.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJ7Q56jvGRg" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>A black cat that cute cannot be bad luck for anyone, I don't believe it.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE: </b></p>
<p>On Saturday afternoon, CSN reporter Kevin Kurz reported some alarming news:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The black cat on the ice last night was simply shooed out of the building. Sorry for the unhappy ending.</p>
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKurzCSN/status/726474839368716288">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p>Before you send angry tweets at the Sharks, their media director offered a happier update:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/KKurzCSN">@KKurzCSN</a> Not true. The cat has been found at SAP Center and is safe with food and water. More details to follow.</p>
— Scott Emmert (@ScottEmmert44) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottEmmert44/status/726518008974209025">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p><b>UPDATE 5/1: </b></p>
<p>The Sharks <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25574231/sharks-offer-heartwarming-update-on-mysterious-black-cat-from-game-1" target="_blank">released a statement</a> on their plans for their cat friend, who has affectionately been nicknamed Joe PAW-velski. A local animal shelter will take care of the cat, in hopes it gets adopted in the future if there is no owner.</p>
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<p>The Sharks are making arrangements to transfer "Joe PAW-velski" to a local animal shelter, where it will undergo a full health examination and a microchip scan, to ensure it does not already have an owner.</p>
<p>In the event the cat is healthy and is not micro-chipped, the Sharks anticipate that the cat will be made available for adoption. If that is the case, the Sharks will provide more information via the team's social media channels and sjsharks.com when it becomes available.</p>
<p>San Jose Sharks Chief Operating Officer John Tortora issued the following statement:</p>
<p>"The amount of interest generated by 'Joe's' appearance and those wishing to adopt him has been overwhelming. We want to make sure the cat is safe and healthy and returned to its rightful owner, in the event it has a microchip. If he is indeed a stray, our goal is to find the best home for him with the support of our local animal shelters. If families are interested in adopting 'Joe' but unsuccessful, we strongly encourage you to consider adopting another animal in need of a good home from one of our terrific local animal shelters."</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11542734/sharks-playoff-hopes-over-after-black-cat-runs-across-the-iceMary Clarke2016-04-30T08:00:03-04:002016-04-30T08:00:03-04:00East Coast bias takes a seat as Western Conference shines
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<figcaption>Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Western Conference put on a show that only they could provide. </p> <p>We might have found the West Coast's answer to the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Penguins</a> and <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Capitals</a>.</p>
<p>Scratch that, we have. We always knew a <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Stars</a> and Blues series would bring something special to the playoffs. And just like the Blues and Blackhawks before them, the Central Division's heavy hitters are giving us some of the most fun playoff hockey to watch.</p>
<p>Put the speed and high skill level of the Stars together with the Blues bruising blue liners in front of arguably the playoff's best goaltender in <span>Brian Elliott</span>, and you'll get something akin to Game 1 on Friday. While the Blues looked like they were still coming down from their Game 7 high, the Stars were firing on all cylinders. It was a lot of north-south hockey, and much of it ended being gloved down by Elliott — who saved 40 shots in a game that saw 74 between the two teams.</p>
<p>The Stars high-risk, high-reward style of play makes for some scary times for Dallas fans, but it's such a fun system to watch. It can catch up to them like it did in their series with the <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wild</a>, and yet it only failed them once in Game 1 late in the third. Much of the game had that pond-hockey feel, with counter rush after counter rush going up and down the ice at will. And if this was just the first game, I hope this series goes seven — with multiple overtimes in between.</p>
<p>There may not be — and excuse the pun if you will — as much recognizable star power out in the west, but they sure know how to play entertaining hockey.</p>
<h4>Scores</h4>
<p id="paragraph7" class="pgh-paragraph">Stars 2, Blues 1<br><a href="https://www.fearthefin.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sharks</a> 5, <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Predators</a> 2</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph8">* * *</p>
<h4><a href="http://s.sbnation.com/join/zh/nhl-signup" target="_blank" data-ref-index="16">Get the biggest NHL news, rumors and analysis in your inbox every morning!</a></h4>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph9">* * *</p>
<h4>3 things we learned</h4>
<p id="paragraph10" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>1. Brian Elliott had one hell of a game</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">And it's a shame the Blues were not able to put up more offense for him. Elliott had to face a shooting gallery from the Stars, including 17 in the second period alone. He stood tall and allowed just two of 42 in the game and was a big reason why the Blues were only down by one headed into the final 20 minutes of the game. Elliott was so locked in, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11542208/brian-elliott-blues-save-facing-backwards-stars" target="_blank">he didn't even need eyes</a> to save a juicy Stars chance late in the first period.</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph">You win some, you lose some.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>2. The Sharks won even though a black cat crossed their ice</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">San Jose's home barn <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11542734/sharks-playoff-hopes-over-after-black-cat-runs-across-the-ice">had a run in with a black cat</a> during warmups and the Sharks almost lost Game 1 to the Predators after sleeping through 40 minutes of hockey.</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssnw2GA657s">Coincidence, I think not!</a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>3. Speaking of the Sharks, they scored five goals in the third period!</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">When it rains, it pours for San Jose. After being shut out for 42 minutes, <span>Tomas Hertl</span> got the scoring started for the Sharks then they never looked back. Two from <span>Logan Couture</span>, an empty netter from <span>Tommy Wingels</span> and a gorgeous goal from <span>Joel Ward</span> that broke the game open for the Sharks 2-1 were all San Jose needed to best Nashville despite the slow start.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://vplayer.nbcsports.com/p/BxmELC/nbcsports_embed/select/media/RPdq2_x8J_Yv?parentUrl=" frameborder="0" height="351" width="624">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">They almost had a sixth too earlier that would have broken the 1-1 tie, if not for that pesky post.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://vplayer.nbcsports.com/p/BxmELC/nbcsports_embed/select/media/6FhPKGQKWn7r?parentUrl=" frameborder="0" height="351" width="624">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<h4>Impact Moment</h4>
<p>Young Radek Faksa's second career playoff goal was the 2-1 game winner for the Stars.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://vplayer.nbcsports.com/p/BxmELC/nbcsports_embed/select/media/ZUepIcLVZXgE?parentUrl=" frameborder="0" height="351" width="624">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph33">As our own Pat Iversen puts it:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did we all give Radek Faksa's goal celly the attention it deserved?</p>
— pat iversen (@Pat_Iversen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pat_Iversen/status/726251149746040832">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Tweets from Tony</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph34"><i>Remember Tony, AKA <a data-ref-index="22" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/soIoucity">@soloucity</a> on Twitter, <a data-ref-index="23" target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/26/11510078/twitter-user-falls-in-love-with-playoff-hockey">who fell in love with hockey</a> during the <a data-ref-index="24" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Blues</a>/<a data-ref-index="25" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Blackhawks</a> Game 7? We're dedicating a section in our recaps to the gems of his Twitter account during the playoffs.</i></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elliot laughs at ur shots</p>
— Tony X. (@soIoucity) <a href="https://twitter.com/soIoucity/status/726219767216885760">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">yea.... i went too far with that last one. i cant tweet again till we score <a href="https://t.co/aHqNHharaH">pic.twitter.com/aHqNHharaH</a></p>
— Tony X. (@soIoucity) <a href="https://twitter.com/soIoucity/status/726220342889320448">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rule #1 never tweet about goalies.</p>
— Tony X. (@soIoucity) <a href="https://twitter.com/soIoucity/status/726235806835167232">April 30, 2016</a>
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<h4>Stat of the Night</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Crazy stat: the Stars have been outscored 28-3 in third period of these playoffs</p>
— Davril Lavignezo (@davelozo) <a href="https://twitter.com/davelozo/status/726235751604719617">April 30, 2016</a>
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Make it 28-4 now, but still crazy.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/30/11542964/2016-nhl-scores-playoffs-stars-blues-predators-sharks-joel-wardMary Clarke2016-04-30T01:19:31-04:002016-04-30T01:19:31-04:00Three-goal third period the difference in Sharks 5-2 win
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It took 40 minutes of hockey for the Sharks to wake up, and boy did they ever in the third. </p> <p>After almost sleeping through the first two periods of hockey, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">Sharks</a> found their footing in the third to take Game 1 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a> by a score of 5-2.</p>
<p>The Sharks outshot the Predators for most of the game, but it didn't feel like it as Nashville got most of the better scoring opportunities in the first two periods.</p>
<p>A scoreless first gave way to a favorable second for Nashville. Mike Fisher gave the Predators the opening goal 4:33 into the second period on a left circle snipe. The Sharks second penalty of the night sent the Predators on the power play, where Fisher's quick shot got past <span>Martin Jones</span> for the 1-0 Nashville lead.</p>
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<p>A Sharks power play of their own evened the score two and a half minutes into the third. As time was winding down on the extra man advantage, <span>Tomas Hertl</span> was open at the side of the cage and snuck the puck in between the pipe and <span>Pekka Rinne</span> for the 1-1 equalizer.</p>
<p>The goal woke the Sharks up, who then started to outpace the Predators. Tommy Wingels had Rinne beat during a furious series of Sharks pressure, but was only stopped by the post in the dying minutes of the third.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wingels comes close <a href="https://t.co/JCXWNlMGJ6">pic.twitter.com/JCXWNlMGJ6</a></p>
— Stephanie (@myregularface) <a href="https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/726274522912006148">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p><span>Joel Ward</span> got behind the Predators defense just moments after and made Nashville pay. A toe-drag got separation from Rinne as Ward was able to pot the 2-1 game winner around the goaltender's leg on the backhand. <span>Joonas Donskoi</span> made the play happen with the pass to Ward that split the Nashville defense in the offensive zone.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a beauty <a href="https://t.co/Tg0zx3LoUf">pic.twitter.com/Tg0zx3LoUf</a></p>
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn/status/726275463858016256">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p><span>Logan Couture</span> extended the San Jose lead with the Sharks' second power play goal on a backhanded deflection in front of Rinne that made it 3-1.</p>
<p>A double deflection off of <span>Brent Burns</span>' skate and Ryan Johansen's face from a point shot got past Jones with 1:49 to play that made it 3-2 but Couture's empty net goal sealed the deal 4-2 just 20 seconds later.</p>
<p>Wingels put the dagger in San Jose with one more empty net goal after blocking a shot from <span>Shea Weber</span>.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/30/11543126/sharks-predators-2016-results-score-nhl-playoffsMary Clarke2016-04-29T22:38:50-04:002016-04-29T22:38:50-04:00Stars start Round 2 strong with a 2-1 victory over the Blues
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<figcaption>Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A fast-paced game benefited the Stars in the second round opener. </p> <p>Despite a brilliant performance from <span>Brian Elliott</span> in goal, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> were not able to muster enough offense as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Stars</a> bested visiting St. Louis 2-1 in Game 1 of the second round.</p>
<p>Both teams combined for 74 shots on goal in a up-and-down match which saw Lehtonen take the win with 30 saves.</p>
<p>Elliott could only do so much for the Blues, who looked sluggish defensively and allowed 42 Stars shots.</p>
<p>After a scoreless first, the Stars were finally rewarded with the first goal in the second period from Antoine Roussel. Strong puck movement in the zone after a good rush up ice had the Blues standing still on defense. Dallas capitalized as the rebound fell right to Roussel in front and with Elliott down and out of position from the first save, the Stars took the 1-0 advantage around the halfway mark of the game.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="351" width="624" src="http://vplayer.nbcsports.com/p/BxmELC/nbcsports_embed/select/media/Qo_pZVLQk_sN?autoPlay=false">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>The Blues finally had sustained offensive zone pressure in the third period and were able to get the tying tally past <span>Kari Lehtonen</span> with eight and a half minutes to play. Rookie defenseman <span>Colton Parayko</span> went point to point with <span>Kevin Shattenkirk</span> at the blue line, before blasting home a puck in off the right post for the 1-1 score.</p>
<p>Dallas wasn't to be outdone, as less than four minutes later <span>Radek Faksa</span> pounced on an Elliott rebound. <span>Ales Hemsky</span> got behind the Blues defense and pulled a toe-drag move that had the netminder sprawling. The trailer Faska poked home the easy 2-1 tally for the Dallas game-winner.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11542452/stars-blues-2016-final-score-results-nhl-playoffsMary Clarke2016-04-29T21:05:48-04:002016-04-29T21:05:48-04:00Brian Elliott makes backwards save to keep game scoreless
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<p>The Blues netminder was either really lucky or has eyes sticking out of the back of his helmet. </p> <p><span>Brian Elliott</span> has already proved his might in the first round against the high-scoring offense of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Blackhawks</a>. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> goaltender has no tall task in Round 2 against the explosive offense of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Stars</a>, but he already has a pretty good start.</p>
<p>Not only did Elliott make the original save here on this incredible blitz from the Stars, he also made one... backwards.</p>
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<p><span>Patrick Eaves</span> had the original chance from the side of the net to get at it, then a near fumble by <span>Kyle Brodziak</span> almost put the puck into his own net. Elliott was somehow able to close the pads blindly before <span>Jason Demers</span> could swipe the puck through the five-hole.</p>
<p>Talk about having eyes in the back of your head there, Elliott.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11542208/brian-elliott-blues-save-facing-backwards-starsMary Clarke2016-04-29T09:00:03-04:002016-04-29T09:00:03-04:00Blues travel to Dallas for heavyweight Round 2 vs. Stars
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How to watch Game 1 between St. Louis and Dallas. </p> <p>After two straight days of East Coast action, the West starts their Round 2 matches with a Central Division heavyweight series. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Stars</a> get underway in the second round at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN.</p>
<h4>Scouting the Blues</h4>
<p>St. Louis has seemingly exorcised their playoff demons after besting the resilient <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Blackhawks</a> in Round 1. They'll have a tough task here versus the Stars, this year's Central Division champions, but they've had Dallas' number with a clean 4-0 sweep during the season. The Blues give up home ice advantage to the Stars as well thanks to the standings, but they were essentially even in and away from their barn.</p>
<p><span>Brian Elliott</span> should get the start in net, continuing on from his remarkable first round performance where he put up a .929 save percentage against one of the most potent offenses in the NHL.</p>
<h4>Scouting the Stars</h4>
<p>After avoiding a scare against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Wild</a>, the Stars take their playoffs back home to face the Blues. Dallas had trouble with their Central rivals this season and they'll be missing second overall points leader <span>Tyler Seguin</span> for <a href="http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-stars/stars/2016/04/27/jim-nill-seguin-need-least-four-five-days-starts-skating" target="_blank">at least the opening two games</a> thanks to an <span>Achilles tendon</span> cut. Even so, the Stars offense is loaded still with <span>Patrick Sharp</span>, <span>Jason Spezza</span> and <span>Jamie Benn</span>, with the last two rounding out the top three point scorers of the playoffs thus far.</p>
<p><span><span>Kari Lehtonen</span> will likely get the start for Dallas, building off of his series win in Minnesota. </span></p>
<h4>St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p id="paragraph3" class="pgh-paragraph">8 p.m. ET | Game 1, Western Conference Round 2<br>American Airlines Center | Dallas, Texas<br><b>Local: </b>N/A | <b>Nat'l: </b>NBCSN, CBC, TVAS<br><b>Live stream</b> at <a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank" data-ref-index="13">NBC Live Extra</a> and <a target="new" href="https://gamecentrelive.rogers.com/" data-ref-index="14">Rogers GameCentre</a><br><b>More coverage: </b><a href="http://www.stlouisgametime.com/" target="_blank">Blues blog</a> | <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2016/3/18/11262428/dallas-stars-injury-tyler-seguin-out-3-4-weeks-cut-achilles-tendon-tampa-bay-lightninghttp://www.defendingbigd.com/" target="_blank">Stars blog</a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11529136/stars-blues-2016-time-tv-schedule-nhl-playoffs-watch-onlineMary Clarke2016-04-29T08:00:03-04:002016-04-29T08:00:03-04:00Fresh off a Game 7, Predators face Sharks to start Round 2
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How to watch Game 1 of the second round between Nashville and Anaheim. </p> <p>After taking down the Pacific Division leaders from Anaheim, the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Predators</a> have no small task ahead on them in Round 2. They'll face the <a href="https://www.fearthefin.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sharks</a>, who ousted the <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a> in five games, in Game 1 of the series at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.</p>
<h4>Scouting the Predators</h4>
<p>Long breaks have proved costly in the playoffs so far --<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/28/11522288/2016-nhl-scores-playoffs-lightning-islanders-ducks-predators"> looking at you Tampa Bay</a> -- so the Predators could have an edge coming into Friday's game with just a day off instead of the week the Sharks have had. To play devil's advocate, they did just play a Game 7 two nights prior, so the emotion crash could be tough coming into a building like SAP Center. The Predators will need their best defensive players -- <span>Shea Weber</span> and <span>Roman Josi</span> -- and the goaltending of <span>Pekka Rinne</span> to shut down the skilled Sharks offense.</p>
<h4>Scouting the Sharks</h4>
<p>San Jose will be battling Tampa Bay syndrome in Game 1 as they attempt to shake off rust from their last hockey game played one week ago to the day. Goaltender Martin Jones -- who out-dueled former teammate <span>Jonathan Quick</span> last round -- will have to face two of the Predators top scorers in <span>James Neal</span> and <span>Filip Forsberg</span> in Round 2. It's imperative the Sharks not run out of gas early or they'll face the same fate as the <a href="https://www.rawcharge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lightning</a> and drop Game 1.</p>
<h4>Nashville Predators at San Jose Sharks</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph3">10:30 p.m. ET | Game 1, Western Conference Round 2<br>SAP Center | San Jose, California<br><b>Local: </b>N/A | <b>Nat'l: </b>NBCSN, CBC, TVAS<br><b>Live stream</b> at <a data-ref-index="13" target="_blank" href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/">NBC Live Extra</a> and <a data-ref-index="14" href="https://gamecentrelive.rogers.com/" target="new">Rogers GameCentre</a><br><b>More coverage: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators blog</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthefin.com/">Sharks blog</a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2016/4/29/11528248/sharks-predators-2016-time-tv-schedule-nhl-playoffs-watch-onlineMary Clarke