This could easily be titled “I Told You So” Part 2. But I’m above that.

The Sharks were unlucky in game 1, and that’s why they lost. They had some bad bounces, that should they have been more fortunate, would have led the Sharks to a close victory. The Blues had the same thing happen last night, and it’s part of the reason they lost.

But another part is that the Sharks outclassed them in every way. Martin Jones was able to stand on his head, thanks in part to his defense being in correct positions and actually trying to help their netminder out. The Vlasic deflection early is an example of this. But that’s not to take any credit away from Jones – his ability to stop Tarasenko’s very early breakaway is what got him in the zone and he stayed there.

The Sharks were able to out pass the Blues as well. It’s something the Stars only got done in the games they won, and it shows how to beat the Blues – good passing = good chances = good wins. That’s how the Sharks managed it, it’s how the Blackhawks and Stars managed to get the Blues to game 7.

Credit for passing goes to Pavelski, who as captain has instilled a sense of “find the guy with the best shot, let him take it” – he found Brett Burns and twice Burns scored. This is a contender for the Norris trophy and Pavelski deserves a chance at the Messier.

I guess I was completely wrong about that though – the Blues have not been able to take away Joe Pavelski. The guy they have taken away to this point is Logan Couture. They need to realize they have bigger fish to fry, because if they allow this first line and the power play to keep rolling it’s not ending. This is a team capable of maintaining momentum and it’s a team that could be called Proud Mary at this point – cause it keeps on turning. Rolling! Rolling! Rolling on the river!

The Blues need to find a way to slow the Sharks momentum, because if they can find a way to win the next game in the Tank, then the Sharks will be troubled – they don’t lose at home. But if they let the Sharks take the next two games, this series is over. The only way the Predators beat the Sharks was at home. The Blues may have lost their advantage in this series.

Rolling on the river.