[NHL] Official Playoffs 2011 Thread

Winning four games in an NHL playoff series requires a focus and understanding of specific goals that must be accomplished on the ice. Those goals, which go far deeper than putting the puck in the net, are the blueprint to beating an opponent. That schematic will contain critical points on how to seize momentum in games, how to effectively pressure the opposition, how to disrupt its rhythm and establish your own and, finally, how to neutralize the skills of key players on the other team.

If executed correctly, that plan will eliminate your opponent's strengths, exploit its weaknesses and ultimately put you through to the next round.

In preparation for the first round of the NHL playoffs, we've scouted the top four seeds in the East and West, identifying three strengths for each and how to limit their impact. We've also identified an X factor that could be exploited in order to unseat each of them.

Here we examine how to halt the San Jose Sharks.



Pavelski, Clowe, Setoguchi and Couture

The secondary quartet of Joe Pavelski, Ryane Clowe, Devin Setoguchi and Logan Couture has alleviated some of the demands on Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley. Just because they're not the big three, do not underestimate them. They have the abilities to make you pay and while you may shut down the "big line", this group can still beat you. Pavelski and Couture can make plays and you have to pay special attention to their skill. Couture loves to join the play quietly and pounce on chances as they come his way, while Pavelski can make great plays with the puck. Make Couture handle the puck and don't allow Pavelski to get it and you force them away from their strengths.

Power Play

The Sharks have been poor on the penalty kill this season. They don't beat themselves by taking needless penalties, but if teams can force them to take "necessary" penalties, you can exploit this weakness. San Jose is comfortable playing in tight games and scoring on them in these situations can prove to be a difference. Also, this is the area where you can really work the goaltender and force him to expend some energy.

Boyle

They have a premier player in Dan Boyle, who makes a difference in the game. He is like a rover, can jump into the rush and carry the puck as well as any defenseman. He is like the option QB in football: You must have acute awareness of where he is and account for him at all times in all zones. To lessen his effectiveness, make him handle the puck first in his zone and force him to give it up when he is under pressure and 180-plus feet away from your net.

X Factor

Outside of Boyle, the Sharks do not have a dominant defenseman. Further, they have playoff inexperience in Jason Demers and Ian White. Teams have to find a way to exploit this weakness of San Jose and create doubt in the Sharks' minds that, once again, they may fall short.

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