Keys to Game 4
If the Predators knew that after three games, point-scoring leader Joe Thornton would have exactly 0 points, they would have thought that things would be going peachy in Music City. Key #1- Joe doesn't have to score to affect the game. The man is singlehandedly creating huge chunks of puck possession time and drawing penalties, which are two of the biggest keys to winning Game 4. The Sharks have to control the puck so they don't commit stupid penalties that allow the Predators' vaunted penalty play to create up top. If Paul Kariya can't touch the puck cuz he's on the bench while the penalty killers are on the ice cuz some exhausted defenseman just mugged Joe behind the net because Joe simply can't be separated from the puck legally, well, the Sharks have an edge. Plus, as Game 3 clearly showed, even if the Sharks don't score, Joe is wearing down the defensemen and allowing goal-scoring opportunities later in the game. If the Preds can't figure out how to stop Joe behind the net, that's the first step to victory.

Key #2- Patience- it's clear now that the Sharks have the edge in puck-handling skill and talent, but the Preds also realize that and are playing a counter-attack game. In Game 3, Neils Ekman made a ridiculously stupid pass to the blue line in an impatient attempt to keep the zone which led to the Preds' short-handed score. When in doubt, play the percentages, wait, and know that your superior firepower will ultimately prevail.

Key #3-Stop overpassing. Too often the Sharks are looking for the perfect play instead of putting the puck on the net and allowing mucky goals to transpire. Rookie Steve Bernier's slimy go-ahead goal at the end of Period 2 is a perfect example. No style points, just tons of momentum and a Tank losing its collective shit. Leave the aesthetics to the ice dancers.

Key #4- Keep Your Heads- Nashville is feeling desperate, and they will come out early and try to draw stupid penalities. Do not retaliate. Do not punk it up. Leave your machismo ethics at the locker room door. If they sense the Sharks will not bite, we will get easy penalities, an easy lead, and things could get ugly from there on in.

Game 4 is Thursday, April 27, 7:30, The Shark Tank, Fox Sports Net Ch. 40