Hockey Friday: Sharks vs Flyers

Tonight was a This Charming Candy favorites matchup, Sharks and Flyers.

San Jose has one of the top records in the NHL, but even so, they've been making a lot of mistakes over their last few games. They've gotten lucky to get the overtime loss a couple of times, including last weekend's game against the Blackhawks. One of the reasons to watch the Red Wings is that you're seeing a well-oiled machine (which also makes watching them feel a bit like watching something cold and not very interesting). The Sharks? They don't really come off as a well-oiled machine. Tonight they had a lot of communication problems, particularly in the first period.

In fact, the Flyers didn't seem to be a well-oiled machine either, though I know far less about them. They're known for their gritty toughness, so Pronger is a good fit with them. Ray Emery looked fabulous for the first two periods tonight and has apparently been on a streak.

But you know? I'm happy rooting for a not-well-oiled machine. Well-oiled machines are too bloodless. I'm a sucker for the underdog; I root against the Yankees. I like a little bit of mess in my sports teams. So, go Sharks and go Flyers!