San Jose Sharks: 3 keys to victory in Game 5

The Western Conference Finals is currently tied 2 games apiece as the series returns to San Jose. Here are three keys for victory in Game 5 for the Sharks.

The San Jose Sharks are one of the most fascinating teams in the NHL. They have been in the league for 27 years, and this season is their 21st playoff appearance. It’s hard to remember a season where they haven’t been to the playoffs but it’s easy to know that they have never won a Stanley Cup before. Always the bridesmaid never the bride, right?

Well, if the Sharks want to go back to the ball, they’re going to need to beat the St. Louis Blues. Here are three keys to victory for San Jose if they want to regain the lead on series.

3. Logan Couture

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Logan Couture has been incredible on this playoff run, with 14 goals in 18 games played. He has the highest playoff points per game percentage since 2016 and is just five goals away from tying Jari Kurri for most goals in a single playoff. Saying that he’s been on fire is an understatement and having a player who is playing like him is a massive bonus for the Sharks.

We see players go on stretches where everything they do ends up in the back of the net. Couture is going through that right now and the Sharks need to squeeze out every goal they can get.

2. Erik Karlsson

In Game 4, Erik Karlsson played over 25 minutes, which is a ton, especially considering that he spent a solid ten minutes on the bench in the third period, seeming to be in pain. Karlsson missed a huge chunk of the season with a groin injury and it’s been apparent throughout the playoffs that he’s not completely recovered.

Still, he’s been playing very well for the Sharks, averaging over 25 minutes a game. He’s heavily relied on and if this groin injury is even worse than before, this will be a huge problem for the Sharks. Hopefully, he has had some time to recover and maybe Peter DeBoer will have to shave some minutes off to ensure that he doesn’t make the injury worse.

1. Start on time

The Sharks have had problems starting hockey games all through these playoffs but thanks to their uncanny ability to score, they have been able to overcome it. However, against a stingy team like the St. Louis Blues, they need to be better. In Game 4, they came out sloppy and gave up two goals, a deficit that they couldn’t overcome. The Sharks had many great chances, but Jordan Binnington stood tall and stopped 29 of 30 shots thrown his way.

With a goaltender like Binnington on the other side, every goal matters and the Sharks need to make sure that they are at the top of their game for a full 60 minutes. Sure, sometimes they can score their way out of problems, but wouldn’t their lives be easier if they weren’t trailing in the first place?