Ken Kal Previews Game 5 5-8-11
GAME 5 THOUGHTS
Had an enjoyable evening. I watched the Nashville - Vancouver game and those pesky Predators facing elimination found a way to win and force a game six in Music City. Vancouver isn't an easy place to win, but the Preds led by Joel Ward and David Legwand stepped up big time.
The Red Wings need to do the same thing today here in San Jose.
Detroit will need to build on that late goal by Darren Helm and carry that momentum into the first period of tonight's game. Getting off to a quick start will be key I believe for the Red Wings.
I liked Justin Abdelkadar playing on the line with Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves. That line has the ability to grind it out in the offensive zone. The other lines can build off that pressure that they put on the Sharks.
The team practiced yesterday for about an hour at the Sharks practice facility. It was a pretty intense workout. The team won't have a morning skate today. That's probably why they worked out so hard yesterday.
A couple of keys to tonight's game. Stay out of the penalty box. Get off to a fast start and try and take the crowd out of the game. Also, winning face offs especially in the defensive zone will be critical.
Got to get some pre-game notes done and get ready to jump on the team bus around 2:30 (pacific time)
It should be another good one tonight.
Talk to you after the game.
