Tonic Immobility: Canucks & Sharks, Game Four

> Smart and Stoic: Game three was lost in the first seven minutes of the game. Ehrhoff was at fault for the Marleau PPG tally to open the game and sat for four minutes for highsticking that caused the game to be out of reach quickly. Besides staying out of the box, Vancouver can’t allow San Jose to take the early lead for a fouth straight game. Losing Ehrhoff is a huge blow offensively and Rome has been quietly efficient in his own end, but this is hopefully where losing Grabner is going to pay off. Ballard is a step up from Rome and Alberts can play strongly in his own end, but the onus will be heavier on Edler and Bieksa to produce from the back end. Up front there are no excuses for the Sedins, Burrows, the Kesler line and the Lapierre line to fail at ES; they need to keep their feet moving and bring the game back into the Sharks end. Luongo needs to be much stronger too. Vancouver can have some confidence they made something out of nothing by the third period on Friday, but only a complete effort will send them home with a commanding lead and not a split series. 

> More Of The Same: 

McLellan got everything he wanted out of his team on Friday: strong start, excellent special teams, composure (mostly) and a win in front of the home crowd. Getting Clowe involved in the scoring as well as strong games from Marleau, Thornton and Boyle is exactly what the doctor ordered. Niemi had a strong game too and shouldn’t be faulted for Vancouver’s spirited third period comeback effort. San Jose has to execute the same today: stay out of the box, make Vancouver fallable and school them on special teams. Should Eager make a return and, for that matter, McGinn?
Couture should suit up while Demers remains out.

> Impress Your Friends With Knowledge!: Ryan Kesler has handed the torch off to Kevin Bieksa who has four points (3G, 1A) in three games in addition to 11 PIMs, 15 hits and five blocked shots.