I could sit here and try to analyze and dissect tonight’s Game 5 between your Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks all afternoon. But it’s 82 and sunny and, honestly, I don’t wanna.
Besides, what would it help?
As close as these two teams are – three of the four games have been decided by a goal and two have gone into overtime – it’s always a quirky bounce, some rubber off metal or even a deflected slapper off a defenseman’s leg that decides things. You’d have to be crazier than Rev. Jeremiah Wright to think we’ll be treated to anything other than a tight, intense rumble.
And you know what? That’s the beauty, the allure of playoff hockey.
I expect the Stars (4-1 on the road this post-season) to play a high-energy game founded on great goal-tending by Marty Turco and a strong finishing kick in the third period. Up 3-1 in the series they still have some wiggle room, but a loss tonight and Sunday’s Game 6 back here in Dallas would feature some seriously puckering booties.
I’ll go out on a strong, sturdy limb and predict tonight is decided in OT. From there it’s anyone’s guess.
Mine? Stars-Red Wings, here we come. -- Richie Whitt
