A few quick thoughts about game 1 before I have to go to a meeting.
- Our powerplay looked great for the most part. We had some trouble getting the puck controlled and into their zone, but once we did, we got some really good chances. Looks like McLellan has our guys moving around on the powerplay. No more of Big Joe on the half-boards trying to create something. Also, it's REALLY nice to have guys like Blake and Boyle on the point. They both have great shots and really know how to work the powerplay. That puts pressure on the opposing penalty killers to get out to the points, giving our forwards more room to move. Another thing I noticed is that we always tried to have someone parked in front of the net, mostly Cheechoo. Even in the post game interview, comparisons were drawn to Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit's pest in front of the net on their PP. I think the traffic paid off, particularly on Ehrhoff's goal. Jiggy was pretty well screened and I don't think he saw the shot all the way.
Okay, I ran out of time so I'll finish this post later.
Continued... I think for the rest of the season, I'll use the following rating system to convey my options. SCORE - good thing. MEH - not good, not bad. FAIL - bad thing. Let's test it out on game 1.
SCORE - Dan Boyle and Rob Blake - Both Blake and Boyle played solid first games for the Sharks. There were no spectacular plays on either end of the ice, but both contributed both offensively and defensively. Blake stood out more because of the bombs he launched from the point on the powerplay and strong play in front of our net, but it's Boyle who can really make a difference, with his smooth skating, fancy puck skills, and quick and accurate shot. Almost as important, he looks to be a solid defensive player, something that can't be said of our previous "star" defenseman.
MEH - Joe Thornton - Big Joe seemed to have a very sloppy game. I don't remember any plays he made that led to a scoring chance for us (aside from his assist to Cheechoo on the 5 on 3 - that was just too easy). He had some trouble with the puck and didn't carry play like he usually does. It was just game 1, so I'll give him a break. At least he made a big hit on Scott Niedermayer to set the tone early in the game.
FAIL - Sharks' 3rd lines - Fail seems like such a harsh word, so I may have to rename my rating system. I guess you can't say the 3rd line failed, but they certainly didn't have a good game. Maybe they're not used to playing together yet, but the line didn't seem to work well together at all. They didn't really generate any scoring chances and had trouble in their own zone. I remember at least a couple shifts where Anaheim was putting on the pressure in our zone and our 3rd line couldn't do much about it. They had trouble clearing the zone and made a few big errors. One play that stands out in my head is when Ryan Clowe tried to pass the puck up the middle but it went straight to a Ducks player in front of our net. They were also on the ice when Anaheim scored their only goal. Once again, it was their inability to get the puck out of the zone that led to the goal.
SCORE - Evgeni Nabokov - I have a feeling Nabby will SCORE often this season. He was solid as usual, only letting in 1 goal on a deflection. He also bailed out the Sharks on a few mistakes, stopping Teemu Selanne and Brad May point blank.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
San Jose Sharks 2008-2009 Season
Welcome back guys! We've missed you. Let's make this an exciting year!
NHL Opening Night
San Jose Sharks VS. Anaheim Ducks
HP Pavilion
7:30PM
GO SHARKS!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Big Guns
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.
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.
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....
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Devastated
a loss in the 4th OT of game 6.
I am absolutely devastated. I dont really know what to think right now.
Should I feel sad? Should I feel disappointed? Should I feel let down? What do you feel after a game like this...a series like this...a season like this?
I really dont know. I was absolutely furious at the team after the first 3 games. I was pissed off at their play...their lack of heart and motivation. They really deserved to be down 3 games to 0. They were atrocious.
but they came back in games 4 and 5, and played as they should be playing. They played with heart and urgency. They played such a great game, a strong game, a complete game in game 6, and they lost it on a powerplay.
I am proud of the Sharks for battling back and not giving up when down 3 games. I am proud that they fought through the adversity and showed us what they were made of.
It was just too bad that they dug themselves too deep from the onset. You cant put yourself in a hole against a strong team like Dallas (and a great goalie in Turco).
Sadly, this is going to be an end to an era. Im pretty confident that Ron Wilson will be let go. As much as I love him, we need a new direction. Who knows who else will go? I dont even want to think about who will be sent away, traded, or unsigned.
Everyone I know who grew up in the Bay Area has the mentality that the Sharks will always choke and disappoint in the postseason. They have a great regular season, and absolutely implode in the 2nd round. Sadly, its a reality and I cant argue against it. But they are my beloved Los Tiburones, and I will follow them until I die. The Red Sox didnt win the World Series for 80 something years. While I hope that I wont have to wait that long for the Cup to come home to San Jose, I am confident that it will.
Goodbye 2008 Sharks. It was a roller-coaster ride, and you definitely caused me a lot of sleepless nights. Who knows what will happen next year...but I can only hope.
In the meantime however, it's going to take a while for me to digest this loss.
I am absolutely devastated. I dont really know what to think right now.
Should I feel sad? Should I feel disappointed? Should I feel let down? What do you feel after a game like this...a series like this...a season like this?
I really dont know. I was absolutely furious at the team after the first 3 games. I was pissed off at their play...their lack of heart and motivation. They really deserved to be down 3 games to 0. They were atrocious.
but they came back in games 4 and 5, and played as they should be playing. They played with heart and urgency. They played such a great game, a strong game, a complete game in game 6, and they lost it on a powerplay.
I am proud of the Sharks for battling back and not giving up when down 3 games. I am proud that they fought through the adversity and showed us what they were made of.
It was just too bad that they dug themselves too deep from the onset. You cant put yourself in a hole against a strong team like Dallas (and a great goalie in Turco).
Sadly, this is going to be an end to an era. Im pretty confident that Ron Wilson will be let go. As much as I love him, we need a new direction. Who knows who else will go? I dont even want to think about who will be sent away, traded, or unsigned.
Everyone I know who grew up in the Bay Area has the mentality that the Sharks will always choke and disappoint in the postseason. They have a great regular season, and absolutely implode in the 2nd round. Sadly, its a reality and I cant argue against it. But they are my beloved Los Tiburones, and I will follow them until I die. The Red Sox didnt win the World Series for 80 something years. While I hope that I wont have to wait that long for the Cup to come home to San Jose, I am confident that it will.
Goodbye 2008 Sharks. It was a roller-coaster ride, and you definitely caused me a lot of sleepless nights. Who knows what will happen next year...but I can only hope.
In the meantime however, it's going to take a while for me to digest this loss.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
around the league
wow. interesting matchups in all 4 semifinal series.
In the one completed series so far, Detroit swept Colorado 4-0. Game 4 was an 8-2 BLOWOUT! I thought Colorado would have put up a greater fight. Everyone expected this series to go to at least 6 or 7 games.
In all the other three series, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia all won their first 3 games, before San Jose, New York, and Montreal won the 4th game to avoid the sweeps.
yeah...i dont know what analysis im trying to say, so ill just leave it at this.
In the one completed series so far, Detroit swept Colorado 4-0. Game 4 was an 8-2 BLOWOUT! I thought Colorado would have put up a greater fight. Everyone expected this series to go to at least 6 or 7 games.
In all the other three series, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia all won their first 3 games, before San Jose, New York, and Montreal won the 4th game to avoid the sweeps.
yeah...i dont know what analysis im trying to say, so ill just leave it at this.
I still have faith
Down 3 games to 1, I feel the Sharks have the talent to push it to 7 games and win it.
Heck, we won 11 straight games this season, and were unbeaten in regulation in 20 straight games. What's winning another 3 games in a row? During this streak, we beat Pittsburgh and Detroit on the road and beat Montreal, Dallas, and Ottawa at home.
Granted these are the playoffs and Dallas is a great team, and everything from the regular season goes out the window, but I still think that the Sharks have the ABILITY to pull off this comeback.
But ABILITY is only part of it. We have to play a complete game, not only 2/3s of a game. In all games, we went into the 3rd, either tied, down by 1 goal, or up by 1 goal. In the two games we were up by 1 goal, we completely imploded in the 3rd period and lost.
Dallas is not the better team. I still think we are. If we play every period, every shift, every minute like its our last, I think we will win this.
Heck, we won 11 straight games this season, and were unbeaten in regulation in 20 straight games. What's winning another 3 games in a row? During this streak, we beat Pittsburgh and Detroit on the road and beat Montreal, Dallas, and Ottawa at home.
Granted these are the playoffs and Dallas is a great team, and everything from the regular season goes out the window, but I still think that the Sharks have the ABILITY to pull off this comeback.
But ABILITY is only part of it. We have to play a complete game, not only 2/3s of a game. In all games, we went into the 3rd, either tied, down by 1 goal, or up by 1 goal. In the two games we were up by 1 goal, we completely imploded in the 3rd period and lost.
Dallas is not the better team. I still think we are. If we play every period, every shift, every minute like its our last, I think we will win this.
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