More analysis on our "talent" filled roster starting with the new guys.....
Dan Boyle- When BC bolted for Chicago during Free Agency everyone including myself was crying over the loss of the smooth skating and offensive minded defensemen. (as much as Shark fans hated his playoff performance, one must admit he was the best Sharks defensemen they have had in a long time). Props for DW bringing in one of the top 5 defensemen in the league. That's right Dan Boyle is that good. The added bonus here is that he has a right handed shot and can actually score. While Campbell was good at passing and skating his ability to slap the puck was fairly week. This should not be an issue with Boyle as he can skate shoot and pass equally well. Fans will, mark my words forget about Campbell and relish Boyle for the next five years.
Rob Blake- This 38 year old defensemen who turns 39 in December was an expensive acqusition- 5yr 1 million deal. Was this a good move? Time will tell whether the one time Norris Trophy and Cup winner still has anything left. For DW to fork over that much money means he believes that he does. Looking at Detroit's older statemen in Chelios and Lidstrom, one would hope Blake can still bring it. His biggest asset will be his shot from the point. Also being right handed, I would imagine McCllelan using him on power play units. His mere presence on the power play is enough to effectively change the way teams prepare for the Sharks. In the past we all know Joe would hang out on the halfboards and play catch with Patty in the right wing corner. Teams would always collapse down low to take away the lower part of the net due to a lack of scoring threat from the point. This should change with Blake.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
New Season!
Looking at the Sharks roster this season, there's no reason in my mind why we (The Sharks) cannot win the Cup this year. One could argue it's the most talented roster we have ever had. Shall we count the ways or players?
Lets begin with the young guys.
Devin Setoguchi- This guy just flat out has wheels and is super confident. He has a great shot and a nose for the net. Look for him to be a staple on the third line and perhaps challenge for a spot on the second line.
Torrey Mitchell- While we are on the topic of speed, there's no faster skater other than Michalek, then this sophomore. Who can forget his short handed goal against Anahiem last year after being tripped up? Look for him to be smarter defensively in his second season and chip in 10-15 goals on the third line and as a penalty killer. Mike Grier linkens him to a Todd Marchant type player.
Marc-Eduard Vlasic- As much as he has struggled his second season, this player perhaps might be the smartest guy on the team. When asked if what he would be doing if not playing hockey, he responded that he would have been an engineer. With the addition of Blake and Boyle, Vlasic can take a few pointers to work on his offensive game. One would hope he blossoms into a solid two way defensemen down the road.
Christian Erhoff- No other player can benefit more from the veteran additions of Blake and Boyle than Erhoff. Renown for his hard shot that never gets on net, one is keeping his fingers crossed that the light bulb will go on. Aside from that, Erhoff is a very good skater than can 'skate it out of trouble' in his own zone. Needs to improve on turnovers in own end and taking penalties at the wrong time.
Joe Pavelski- When the Colorado Avalanche won those Cups years back, one could point out the obvious talent they had. The Forsbergs, Sakics, Roys, Youngs, Deadmarshes. They key player that is often neglected is Chris Drury. A guy who wants the puck on his stick and delivers when the game is on the line. Fortunately for the Sharks, they have a guy they call "little Joe". Not the smoothest of skaters, but a man who knows how to score clutch goals. His first game ever he notches a winner in the waning moments against Detroit. Who can forget his OT winner against Dallas in game 5 last year? This man is smart around the net, likes the wrap around and is absolutely money in the shootouts. Look for him to continue that trend when it really matters.
Besides, any player from Wisconsin gets extra bonus points from me.
More analysis to come on the rest of our roster....
Lets begin with the young guys.
Devin Setoguchi- This guy just flat out has wheels and is super confident. He has a great shot and a nose for the net. Look for him to be a staple on the third line and perhaps challenge for a spot on the second line.
Torrey Mitchell- While we are on the topic of speed, there's no faster skater other than Michalek, then this sophomore. Who can forget his short handed goal against Anahiem last year after being tripped up? Look for him to be smarter defensively in his second season and chip in 10-15 goals on the third line and as a penalty killer. Mike Grier linkens him to a Todd Marchant type player.
Marc-Eduard Vlasic- As much as he has struggled his second season, this player perhaps might be the smartest guy on the team. When asked if what he would be doing if not playing hockey, he responded that he would have been an engineer. With the addition of Blake and Boyle, Vlasic can take a few pointers to work on his offensive game. One would hope he blossoms into a solid two way defensemen down the road.
Christian Erhoff- No other player can benefit more from the veteran additions of Blake and Boyle than Erhoff. Renown for his hard shot that never gets on net, one is keeping his fingers crossed that the light bulb will go on. Aside from that, Erhoff is a very good skater than can 'skate it out of trouble' in his own zone. Needs to improve on turnovers in own end and taking penalties at the wrong time.
Joe Pavelski- When the Colorado Avalanche won those Cups years back, one could point out the obvious talent they had. The Forsbergs, Sakics, Roys, Youngs, Deadmarshes. They key player that is often neglected is Chris Drury. A guy who wants the puck on his stick and delivers when the game is on the line. Fortunately for the Sharks, they have a guy they call "little Joe". Not the smoothest of skaters, but a man who knows how to score clutch goals. His first game ever he notches a winner in the waning moments against Detroit. Who can forget his OT winner against Dallas in game 5 last year? This man is smart around the net, likes the wrap around and is absolutely money in the shootouts. Look for him to continue that trend when it really matters.
Besides, any player from Wisconsin gets extra bonus points from me.
More analysis to come on the rest of our roster....
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