Sharks Still Favored to Win Series vs Avalanche After Dropping Game 4

• The Colorado Avalanche won Game 4 to tie the series up at 2-2
• The San Jose Sharks could get back Joe Pavelski for Game 5
• The Sharks are just 1-for-10 on the power play in this series

The Colorado Avalanche played well in a must-win Game 4 to even their best-of-seven series with the San Jose Sharks at two games apiece.

Although the Avs got the win, the Sharks are still favored in the series. However, the Sharks are no longer huge -290 favorites to advance as they were after Game 3. Which team is the best bet now that we’re down to just three games?

Avalanche vs Sharks Series Odds

*Odds taken May 3, 2019

Sharks Offense Disappears in Game 3

In a bizarre twist in the series, the Sharks offense disappeared in Game 3. That clearly wasn’t expected as San Jose had scored at least three goals in every other game. The Sharks put 32 shots on Philipp Grubauer, but they weren’t able to find a way through. Grubauer had a measly .889 save percentage before this contest, so seeing him pull a shutout was surprising.

The Sharks blitzed him in Game 3 as Logan Couture – the playoffs leading scorer – had a hat trick. However, San Jose went scoreless on the power play and couldn’t muster up much via even-strength either, and ended up taking the loss.

Pavelski Back for Game 4?

There is some good news on the way for San Jose as Joe Pavelski looks like he could return for Game 5. He led the team with 38 goals in the regular season and they’ve been forced to survive without him through the first four games of this series.

He was on the ice on Wednesday and it looks like he could be getting closer to returning to action.

i’m more than a little annoyed that if the #SJSHARKS win the Stanley Cup, there will forever be an asterisk by it because Vegas is boo-hooing about the penalty called. it might not have been the right one, but it does look like Pavelski got tag teamed by Eakin and Stastny. pic.twitter.com/RzgjO3yyk0

— ? ? ? ? ? ? (@ilovealexis) April 26, 2019

Sharks Winning Without Power Play

San Jose was the sixth-best team in the NHL this season in terms of their power play. They scored on 23.7% of their chances and scored the sixth-most goals. However, their power play has mostly been a non-factor in this series. They have scored just one time in 10 opportunities.

And it’s 1-0 #Avs after the MacKinnon goal. Slo-Mo rejoicing #GoAvsGO pic.twitter.com/PJQG1cMMui

— Sean Towle (@seantowle) May 3, 2019

When you consider that they scored eight times in the opening round in 35 opportunities (22.8%), one has to wonder if they’ll be able to get on track in the final three games of this series. The fact that they’ve won without it is a good sign.

Jones Hasn’t Been the Problem

The Sharks nearly lost in the opening round because Martin Jones had been a disaster.

He was pulled in Game 2 and posted save percentages of .895 or less in four of the games. However, he’s been solid in this series. He has posted save percentages of .926 or higher in three of the four games.

Sneaky little cross check by Nathan MacKinnon to separate Couture from the puck. Dangerous or hockey play? pic.twitter.com/DucsEYXgzw

— ToughCall ?? (@ToughCallBlog) April 29, 2019

The key for San Jose is keeping Nathan MacKinnon off the scoresheet. Of course, that’s easier said than done, as he’s registered a point in eight straight playoff games, but with two of the final three games at home, they should be able to get the matchup they want.

Bet the Sharks

I liked San Jose at the beginning of the series and I still like them here. Jones is playing well, the team should get back Pavelski soon and if they get anything out of their power play, they’ll be in good shape.

? Nathan MacKinnon’s winner last night for Colorado Avalanche in their 4-3 win over San Jose Sharks!

The teams are now tied 1-1 in the series! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/JUUYUCgVBg

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) April 29, 2019

It’s been a surprising postseason and it wouldn’t be a complete shock if Colorado advanced but with two of the final three games in San Jose, I’m expecting them to move on.