The Home Advantage Doesn’t Always Help; Sharks are 1-0 in series with Blackhawks

Game 1 of the much-anticipated round 3 against the Blackhawks did not go as planned for the Sharks. Even with the advantage of playing at home, San Jose lost 2-1 against Chicago.

By the end of the first period, the Sharks were feeling confident with their 1-0 lead, which occurred because of Jason Demers power play goal at 11:19. Maybe they were feeling too confident; the Blackhawks scored 1 goal in each of the following periods, and the goals were elementary and easily could have been stopped. However, these two goals, scored by Patrick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien, let Chicago win the game.

This loss is not to say that San Jose did not have a strong offence. In fact, the Sharks led the Blackhawks 45-40 with shots on goal. However, this shows that though the Sharks were fierce offensively, they slacked in defense. Evgeni Nabokov let 2 of the 40 shots pass, while Chicago goalie Antti Niemi stopped 44 goals of 45 shots. The Sharks did not have any penalties in the game, while the Blackhawks had five penalties against them. The Blackhawks were much more powerful defensively, and this is why the Sharks only scored during one of their five power plays.

Game 2 of the series will take place on Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in San Jose. The Sharks hope to win this one at home before they are sent to Chicago to play in unfamiliar territory and possibly lose both games.

Sharks Will Play Blackhawks in Round 3

The Blackhawks defeated the Canucks Tuesday night with a score of 5-1, determining the Sharks’ next opponent. Beginning sometime this week, round 3 will begin in San Jose, where the Sharks will play the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Sharks should definitely prepare themselves for the challenge the Blackhawks will bring. In the last round, the Sharks played Detroit, who was in fifth place in the Western Conference by the end of the regular season. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, took second place in the Western Conference and third place in the entire league. Granted, the Sharks were first place in the Western Conference and second overall, but if the Red Wings were a challenge, then the Blackhawks will bring anxiety.

The Blackhawks have many players that keep their offense powerful. Patrick Cane was one such player, and had 88 total points with 30 goals during the regular season. Even though he is a leading scorer for the Blackhawks, the Sharks do have some key players as well. Joe Pavelski has scored 9 of the 33 playoffs goals, and rookie Logan Couture has impressed with 3 clean goals as well. The offense for both teams is excellent; strategy, agility and speed will be what determine whose is better.

Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov had a falling out during game 4 of the Detroit series and let 7 goals pass. However, both of the Sharks’ goalies have played well throughout the playoffs. Nabokov so far has a 90.7 saving percentage, and of the little time Thomas Greiss has played, he has a 92.9 saving percentage. The Blackhawks goaltender has a 91.2 saving percentage for the playoffs, showing that both teams have skilled goalies. San Jose defense will need to stay strong like this if they plan to advance to round 4.

No date has been given yet for game 1 of this round, but possibilities for the date include Friday, May 14 in San Jose.

Sharks Defeat Red Wings and Move on to Round 3

There can’t be anything better than winning the last game of a playoffs series at home. Fans and players were all smiles Saturday night, May 8, when the Sharks clenched the final needed victory to advance to round 3, leaving Detroit in the dust.

At the end of the first period, the score was tied at 0-0. The Sharks, however, were hungry for victory and led the Red Wings 15 shots on goal to 6. Clearly the Detroit coach gave a good locker room chat to the team, though, because the Red Wings made 14 shots on goal, while the Sharks only made 3. Even though Detroit picked up their offense, the score was tied 1-1 at the end of the period, with goals by Brian Rafalski for Detroit and Joe Thornton for San Jose. Former San Jose captain Patrick Marleau made the goal of the game during the third period at 6:59. This made the score 2-1 with approximately 13 minutes left in the game, but the Red Wings were not able to come back with a goal. At the end of regulation, the Sharks took the 2-1 victory with pride as they advance into round 3.

The Sharks are not yet sure who their next opponent will be, but it is down to two teams: the Chicago Blackhawks or the Vancouver Canucks. The Blackhawks currently lead the series 3-2, and the home-ice advantage that most players love seems to not apply to them. Their two largest victories were in Vancouver, with scores of 7-4 and 5-2. Their other victory in game 4 had a 4-2 lead. This does not go to say that Vancouver is not playing hard. Both of their victories seemed expected from the beginning of each game; in game 1, they took the lead with a final score of 4-1, and in game 5 they defeated the Blackhawks 5-1.

Every game between Chicago and Vancouver has had quite the number of goals, which can mean one of two things: poor defense or strong offense. It is most likely the latter because the goaltending on both teams has been strong. In game 5, The Canucks goalie, Robert Luongo, made 29 saves of the 30 shots put against him; Antti Niemi of the Blackhawks had 20 saves. Both teams are effective in both their offense and defense, and this is a new challenge San Jose will need to prepare for. Game 6 of the Chicago vs. Vancouver series will take place Tuesday, May 11 at 8:30 pm. Watch the game for a taste of what the Sharks will be up against in round 3.

Wake Up Call: Detroit Won Game 4; Series now 3-1 Sharks

Nabby had an off night. The defense was asleep. The offense did not play hard enough. In almost every aspect of hockey, the Sharks failed to be successful in game 4 against Detroit, resulting in the Red Wings winning the game 7-1.

The first period predicted the entire game’s result; by the end of the period the score was already 5-0 Detroit. Sharks fans were embarrassed by the end of the second period, with a score of 6-1. The only thing to be excited about was that the game was not a shutout. Many were too frustrated to watch the entire last period, and with good reason. The final score of the game was 7-1 Detroit.

Detroit had a couple of key figures that contributed to their success in this game. First, Johan Franzen scored four of the seven goals, and the first three were within approximately four minutes of each other. Also, goaltender Jimmy Howard played well. Of the 29 shots on goal made by the Sharks, only 1 got past him.

Sharks fans cannot help but wonder if goaltender Evgeni Nabokov will not start for game 5. In the first period alone, he let by five of the seven total goals for Detroit. Of the nine shots on goal the Red Wings had in the period, Nabokov only saved four of them. After the first period, the Sharks replaced Nabokov with Thomas Greiss, who made his playoffs debut. He played excellently compared to Nabokov; he made 26 saves while in net and the Red Wings only scored two goals on him. His save percentage was much higher than Nabokov’s, so it is possible that he will start in the next game.

This wake up call for the Sharks should help them realize that even though they only need to win one more game, the round is not over. Sharks fans hope that they will come back strong for the next game. Game 5 will take place in San Jose on Saturday, May 8, at 7 p.m.

Round 2: Sharks Lead Red Wings 3-0

The Detroit newspaper with an article titled “No need to panic; sturdy Wings likely to rebound vs. Sharks” was wrong in their prediction of game 3 against San Jose. With the magic score of 4-3, which has been the score of every game thus far, the Sharks yet again defeated the Red Wings on May 5.

The Sharks were behind the Red Wings the entire game, which was worrisome, due to the fact that the Sharks rarely win games against the Red Wings when playing in Detroit. By the end of the first period, the score was 2-1 Detroit, and by the end of the second, 3-1 Detroit. In the third period, however, the Sharks picked up the pace and won.

The change of pace happened when Joe Thornton brought the score to 3-2; this gave the Sharks more energy, and they were able to keep up the good pace. Logan Couture, Sharks’ rookie, scored at 13:17 and tied up the game. This goal was crucial and brought the teams into overtime. The game winner in overtime was scored by former captain, Patrick Marleau, at 7:07.

With the Sharks leading the series 3-0, Detroit can officially be worried. Only 2 teams in NHL history have come back from being behind 3-0 in a series. Sharks fans can keep their heads held high as game 4 takes place Thursday, May 6 at 4:30 pm. Detroit will have to work hard for a comeback, and the Sharks need to remember that such a comeback is possible.

Round 2: Sharks Lead Redwings 2-0

The Sharks stayed strong Sunday evening in San Jose, and their hard work paid off. With another 4-3 win, the Sharks now lead the series 2-0.

The first period predicted how close the game would be; by the end of the period the score was tied at 2-2. The second period, however, brought a scare when the Red Wings took the lead with a goal at 2:00, making the score 3-2. The Sharks did not give up, though, and key players Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton both scored in the third period, resulting in the final score of 4-3.
Although the Red Wings fell short in goals, their goaltending was impressive. Detroit goalie, Jimmy Howard, may have let four goals pass by him, but he had 41 saves, which outdoes San Jose’s 28 saves by goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. Even though Detroit had more saves than San Jose, the Sharks’ 4-3 win shows that their offense is able to keep the pressure on Detroit’s powerful defense.

Pavelski, one of the Shark’s greatest players in this postseason, scored two of the four goals, and even had one assist. He is currently leading the NHL with the most goals for one player this playoff season, with 9 goals so far. He has been a key component to the Shark’s success. The other goals were scored by Ryan Clowe, assisted by Pavelski and Douglass Murray, and Thornton, with an assist by Dany Heatley.

So far, the Sharks have been fighting hard in this series, and their 2-0 lead seems solid. However, game three, which will take place in Detroit, may bring some weariness back into the Sharks if the Red Wings play well in their home territory. Game three will take place on Tuesday, May 4, at 4:30 pm.

Round 2: Sharks lead Red Wings 1-0

Both Sharks and Red Wings fans were in for a surprise Thursday night when the final buzzer rang and the Sharks won the series’ first game 4-3.

San Jose fans were on edge from the beginning, and it didn’t help that in less than 20 seconds, the Red Wings already had one shot on goal. However, the Sharks picked up the pace. In the first period, the Sharks made shocking Franchise History by scoring 3 goals in one minute and nineteen seconds. The Red Wings stayed strong, though, and by the end of the first period it was a 3-2 Sharks lead.

The Sharks’ winning goal in the third period was one of their two power play goals throughout the game. The Sharks had a 2-man advantage when they scored, and it is likely that without this advantage, the Sharks would not have won the game. Although the Red Wings came back with another goal, the Sharks clenched the lead. Sharks goalie, Evgeni Nabokov, made a crucial save with 18 seconds left in the game.

Although somewhat shocking, the Sharks played hard and now lead the series 1-0. Fans can’t help but wonder if the lead will last, but only time will tell. Game 2 will be on Sunday in San Jose at 4:30 pm.

OKTOBERFEST: A Treat for All Ages

When you hear the word “Oktoberfest,” what immediately comes to mind?  Probably a picture of a giant beer party!  While it is true that beer is largely featured, Oktoberfest is much more than that.  It is a centuries old celebration, enjoyed by people of all ages and nations, which is based upon a historical event.

Oktoberfest began as the celebration of the wedding of King Ludwig I of Bavaria to Therese of Saxony-Hildburhausen in 1810.  The field where the celebration took place, and which in now the center of the city of Munich, is called the Theresienwiese after Therese.  The celebration was so successful that it became an annual event except for during years of war and various cholera epidemics.  Now, about six million people attend Oktoberfest every year with about 72 percent coming from Germany and the rest from around the world.

Although its name suggests that the “fest” begins in October, Oktoberfest actually runs from the last week of September through the first week of October.  This year, the 176^th Oktoberfest  took place from Sept. 19 through Oct. 4.  The fest officially begins when the Lord Mayor of Munich says “O’ zapft is!” (the barrel is tapped) along with a twelve gun salute at noon on the first day of Oktoberfest.  Thus begins 16 (sometimes 17 and 18 depending on how the dates fall with German Reunification Day) days of fun.

There are over 200 attractions at Oktoberfest.  There are rides such as the famous Olympia Looping  and the Krinoline (a huge old-fashioned merry go round).  There are variety shows and there are runway games.

The food is hearty, such as Brezn (soft pretzels), Riesn Brezn (GIANT soft pretzels), Wuerstl (sausages), Hendl (roast chicken), Steckerlfisch (spicey, grilled fish), and Haxn (roast pork knuckle).  Not exactly vegetarian-friendly but there is always Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and Apfelstrudel (apple pastry) to fill up on.  And of course there is beer.

Another symobolic foods during Oktoberfest are lebkuchen hertzen (gingerbread hearts). They are small, medium or large gingerbread hearts with cute messages written in frosting for your significant other. They can be hung as decorations or if you can’t resist the mouthwatering smell, you may eat them.

Munich’s six major breweries are represented by 14 giant tents (Zelts) with a total seating capacity of about 100,000 people.  Once inside, it is hard not to become instant friends with those seated around you.  You may not speak the same language but a feeling of “Gemuetlichkeit” (acceptance, social belonging) prevails as you eat, drink, and listen to the Oompa music together. It is hard to accurately put Oktoberfest into words.  You really have to experience it for yourself.

As Germans emigrated to other countries Oktoberfest celebrations have spread throughout the world.  We even have one every year in downtown San Jose and in nearby Campbell.  So if you can’t travel to the one in Munich there is generally one not far away that you can enjoy.  It’s not the same scope and feeling as in Munich, but fun all the same.

Yes Way, San Jose!

You’re on vacation when the cute guy you’ve been checking out finally walks up to you. He asks, “So, where are you from?” Excited, you reply, “I’m from San Jose.” That’s when he pauses and finally says, “Oh…isn’t that near San Diego?”

San Jose gets no love from those outside of the Bay Area. Everyone has heard of San Francisco, but not nearly as many have heard of San Jose, which is quite sad considering San Jose’s contribution not only to California but the entire country. Here are some of the top reasons why San Jose warrants a little more credit and recognition:

1. San Jose ranks as the 10th most populous city in the United States. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, San Jose places right before Dallas, Texas, and after Detroit, Michigan in terms of population. With a 2008 population count of 1,006,892 residents, San Jose surpasses more recognized cities like Boston, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Denver, Las Vegas and even San Francisco. And it is expected to have grown even more since that census. Yet, many people cannot tell you where San Jose is. True, Americans are not known for their geography, but still.

2. San Jose is home to two professional sports teams. The Sharks have been hitting the ice in San Jose since 1991, while the Earthquakes have been playing the field since 1995 (despite a brief two-year hiatus). Both of these teams play on the national level and have consistently proved themselves as worthy competition in their respective sports. Consequently, it cannot be argued that they are obscure teams or have just made the move to San Jose and therefore are not recognizable. Plus, the city is in talks to adopt the Oakland A’s, so that would be one more point for San Jose.

3. Dubbed the “capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose serves as a hub of technology. Hosting a large concentration of high-tech industries such as software, semiconductors and telecom, San Jose has established itself as an integral part of the economic market. As one of the leaders of the technology boom and the rise of the Internet in the 1990s, San Jose should have been put on the map. But apparently, some people were all too consumed by the whole idea of e-mailing someone to notice.

4. San Jose rolls deep in cash…really deep. According to the California Department of Finance, San Jose is the wealthiest city in America. San Jose boasts an average household income of $76,963, beating out other high-rolling cities like San Diego, Anaheim and, once again, San Francisco. Before the recession, the median house price reached $625,000 in 2005. Considering San Jose’s status in the field of technology and respectability in the professional field, that shouldn’t come as such a surprise.

5. It was the original capital of California. In 1850, California was officially adopted into the United States of America as the 31^st state. The first two California legislature sessions occurred in San Jose, and the city claimed prestige as the first city integrated into California after its induction into America. Sacramento eventually snaked the title of California’s capital, when legislative leaders decided they needed a location with better building options for a permanent legislature. While Sacramento took away California’s title, they can never take away the fact that San Jose was the state’s very first capital.

6. We’re diverse. San Jose ties with Los Angeles for the most immigrants. The US. Census Bureau reports that San Jose tops the list with 39.8 percent of its residents born outside of the U.S. This speaks loudly of San Jose’s popularity. After leaving their home countries, more immigrants shack up in San Jose than any other city in the nation, save Los Angeles. Obviously, San Jose holds some sort of value if so many people are willing to leave behind their old lives and set up a whole new life here.

7. San Jose’s own Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is the oldest Catholic parish in the state. Founded in 1803, St. Joseph’s parish has outlasted five major destructions (earthquakes and a fire) and undergone renovations. Yet throughout everything, the parish has remained. While this may not seem a reason to make tourists rush to San Jose, this little known fact shows something about the people of San Jose— they don’t give up. Despite destruction, they keep on re-building. That’s something worth noting.

8. Our name is in a song. Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “Do you Know the Way to San Jose?” was originally performed by Dionne Warwick in 1968. This was an international hit at the time of its release, climbing up both the American and British charts and even earned Warwick a Grammy. The song has remained a popular tune, with multiple artists covering it over the years, including the Temptations, the Supremes and the Carpenters. With these various versions by popular musical groups and singers, generations have enjoyed singing “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” But apparently, few of these fans actually know the way to San Jose.

9. San Jose is hotter than San Francisco, literally. According to AccuWeather, San Jose has an average temperature range between 50 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, Weatherbase proclaims that San Francisco’s temperatures only range from 51 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit,. San Francisco also experiences 5 more inches of precipitation annually. So, San Jose has more warmth and rain-free days than its more famous neighbor, San Francisco. Another point for San Jose!

10. San Jose is raining men. Well not exactly. But, as of the U.S. Census in 2000, there are approximately 102 to 103 men for every 100 women. While it may not seem like there is a surplus of men when Bellarmine mixers maintain a ratio of three boys to one girl, the facts don’t lie. So girls, you can afford to be picky…as long as you’re living in San Jose, that is.

Summer Play in San Jose

Research papers. Last-minute projects. Finals. Then, at last, what we’ve all been anxiously anticipating– summer vacation, our long-deserved break from homework and projects. It’s the time when we can actually be lazy without a tedious assignment or stressful group project nagging at the corner of our minds. Say goodbye to stumbling around sleep-deprived and hello to blissfully sleeping in every day.

Relaxation is a good thing, but don’t let it get the best of you during the few precious months of vacation. You’ve got all the time in the world, so make the best of it and explore the many fun summer opportunities here in San Jose.

Want to plan a casual night out with a big group of friends? Make it possible by going to a local festival, Willow Glen’s 14th Annual Dancin’ On the Avenue, beginning at 5 p.m. on June 20. As one of the most highly attended street fairs of the summer, this event has much to offer with the variety of stores and restaurants on Lincoln Avenue. Be sure to stop by the newly relocated Bella James boutique, and don’t forget to check out Fleurish if you need a gift for a friend. Added in with a bunch of food booths and music (and that fact that it doesn’t end until 10 p.m.), this street fair is a definite must for any Pres girl looking for a night of food and fun. Admission is free but food prices will vary.

Plan a day at one of the many theme parks the San Jose area has to offer. Great America officially opens daily for the summer beginning May 23. Summer simply isn’t complete without at least a few trips to this thrilling amusement park. With rides like the Demon and Flight Deck (aka Top Gun), Great America guarantees an exceptionally thrilling experience. Additionally, this May, Great America plans to unveil Buccaneer Battle, a new pirate-themed water raft ride. This new attraction added alongside the other numerous rides is definitely sure to liven up your summer. One day at the park costs $46, but season passes are on sale now for $75.

Sometimes those summer days are hot enough to make even the most patient person irritable. One way to cool down is to take a trip to Raging Waters, which opens May 9. Admission is around $30 for one day, while season passes cost $50. The San Jose Raging Waters certainly has much to offer as one of the biggest water parks in California. With rides such as Shotgun Falls and Dragon’s Den, it’s definitely both an exhilarating and efficient way of combating the summer heat.

What could be more fun than spending a day in downtown San Jose and visiting the San Jose Museum of Modern Art? Admission is affordable, at only $5 per person. Here you are given the chance to experience unique, contemporary art. For example, one exhibit explores how artists use unconventional materials to create new techniques, from using ballpoint pens to snake bones.

One relatively new rock tour coming to San Jose is the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. Kicking off its first ever tour last summer with renowned bands such as Disturbed, Underoath and Dragonforce, the Mayhem Fest has already gained a solid reputation among rock fans. Taking place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre on July 11, the tour will feature heavy metal legends Slayer, as well as Killswitch Engage, Behemoth, Trivium and more. Ticket prices vary from $35 to $60, depending on your seating preference. It’s sure to be a blast with such a lively line-up. Plus, if it follows last year’s footsteps, then there will be free energy drinks. Enough said.

Summer in San Jose just isn’t complete without attending Music in the Park. For over 20 years, people have enjoyed listening to a variety of music in downtown San Jose. Held each Thursday night beginning at 5 p.m. in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Music in the Park offers free concerts complete with food and beverages sold by local downtown restaurants. One night to keep open is Thursday, June 18, when the popular band Third Eye Blind will be headlining. Just be sure to bring a blanket or chair and you’re good to go.

Another one of the many musical events happening here in San Jose this summer is the American Idols tour. It will be held at the HP Pavilion on July 12. Again, prices vary from $40 to $70 depending on seating preference. With so many talented singers, this season’s American Idols tour is sure to be worth your money. Besides, who could pass up a chance to see Adam Lambert in person?

So summer vacation is finally here, and San Jose is full of plenty of opportunities and events. Go out and enjoy them. You’ll have more fun screaming away on Drop Zone or rocking out at a concert than sitting around the house all day.