For the third game in a row, the team that scored first lost. But like game 4, the Sharks’ steady pressure seemed to cause cracks in Calgary’s facade. And now, most of the Sharks’ best players are playing very well. Michalek would be the exception, but he did seem to a make a strong move or two last night that neither grier nor I had seen in a while. Nothing really panned out, but at least he’s starting to realize that 12 five-foot passes isn’t going to work.

In a series that’s been as tough and hard-fought as this one, there were a hell of a lot of pretty goals last night. Pav’s goal was just good positioning, but Marleau’s goal and Cheech’s first were of real highlight-reel quality. Both were lasers to the top corner, over the glove. And Cheech’s was on a 2-on-1, a recipient of a beautiful pass. You might say those Sharks had frickin’ laser beams on their sticks (sorry, couldn’t resist). The third was Calgary’s tic-tac-toe PP goal to make it 4-2. You just had to shake your head at that one. It was only about a 5 milliseconds into the Flames’ power play.

If Sharks fans are thinking the Sharks are in the driver’s seat, they’re right. But if they’re thinking San Jose just needs to keep the pressure up, and watch Calgary fold, they ain’t. This team demands respect- they do not quit, ever. Sure, they have their breakdowns and lapses like any team, but as last night’s bowel-clenching comeback indicates (thanks, El Burro!), they never stop. They will fight to the last whistle. And oftentimes past it.

McLaren only played 5:15 last night, Carle only 7:53, and Shelley only 1:35. The McLaren thing I guess makes sense; he’s obviously hurt. Maybe Carle’s on RW’s bad side again, but he’s been playing well. But Shelley only two shifts all game? It’s a waste of a roster spot. Unless Shelley is throwing out some Frederick Douglass type speeches on the bench (I’d buy that CD in a heartbeat), either play Jody more or get Curtis Brown out there. Essentially the Sharks were running 4 D and 3 centers. Not the best playoff strategy. You need a steady stream of fresh legs, and essentially running 15 skaters isn’t the way to stay healthy and jumping.

In other news, I’ll actually be in the booth for The Teal Spiel show this Sunday night at 10pm. It’ll be Chetan and myself, waxing poetic about the Sharks for an hour and a half. Please call in with your comments. I have a decent Sharks trivia question ready too, if I’m allowed. Either way it should be a blast, and there will be lots to talk about. At least after last night, we can be sure the Sharks will still be playing.