Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Game 7

HECK YES! GO WINGS!

Red Wings-Sharks Preview

Whether it's been after a heart-stopping win or a crushing loss, San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan has always been consistent in his belief that new momentum is created at the start of every game.

Never before has McLellan hoped more that his belief in a lack of a carry-over effect was true than heading into Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.

The Sharks have squandered a 3-0 series advantage, blowing a pair of third-period leads to move to the brink of becoming just the fourth NHL team ever to lose a best-of-seven series after winning the first three games.

"It doesn't matter how we got here, whether it was 3-0 or win one, lose one," McLellan said. "What matters is the input we put into the game tomorrow. That will be the mental approach. Each of those individuals in there should be confident in their skill level and their commitment level. They've proven it before and it's just a matter of bringing it to the rink and putting it on the ice."

The Red Wings would seem to have all the momentum heading into Game 7 when they look to add another memorable accomplishment for a franchise that has won four Stanley Cup titles since 1997.

Detroit is the eighth team in NHL history to force a Game 7 after being down 3-0, with three of the previous seven completing the comeback -- including Philadelphia last year in the second round against Boston.

"You can't think about that," Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Your focus has to be on the same approach that we had in the last three games. We're one win away from moving on but we're also one win away from not playing anymore in the playoffs, so we know what's at stake. Our approach is going to be the same as we had in the last three games."

The winner advances to the conference final against Vancouver.


The rest of the article here.

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