[Open Thread] Sharks Gameday: A Budding Rivalry?

by Mr. Plank on Nov 25, 2008 11:12 PM PST in Gameday Threads Comment 123 comments

	@ 7:30 PST
10-4-5, 25 points		17-3-1, 35 points
2nd in Central		1st in Pacific

Television	CSN Bay Area
Radio	98.5 KFOX, Sjsharks.com
Antagonists	Second City Hockey

Consider for a moment the new NHL- a league fixated on the notion that higher-scoring games lead to more revenue at the box office, where speed through the neutral zone is necessary for success, a place where young playmakers are thrown into the limelight and expected to deliver at the highest level.

With all of these in mind, take a look at the Chicago Blackhawks. The youngest team in the NHL this year (25.65 average age), the Hawks are loaded with burgeoning superstars. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are just a few of the notables skating in Chicago this season- an impressive short list that speaks volumes about the benefit of being inept since the late nineties.

A quick glance at the current Sharks roster yields the same results, albeit with a slight amount of tinkering. Assuming that Jeremy Roenick and Rob Blake are not in the long term plans of San Jose (a relatively safe assumption considering their age and respective one-year contracts), we see some striking similarities in both teams makeup.

[Editor's Note]: Remember your SPG Picks for a chance to win a Sharks Banner courtesy of Carrol's Cove.

Rounding out to a youthful 26.1 years of age, the current Sharks roster is (as it has been in the previous three seasons) built for the long haul. Devin Setoguchi, Joe Pavelski, Christian Ehrhoff, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic are players who, although they might not get as much media attention as Kane or Toews, deserve serious consideration as the new faces of the NHL marketing machine. You don't inspire an All-Star voting campaign based solely off a great nickname, and you don't win a championship at every competitive level you've played just by being a nice guy to have around.

For the sake of comparison, a look at the statistics compiled during this season for all the previously mentioned players:

Player	G	A	+/-	TOI/G	GF/60	GA/60
Patrick Kane	11	14	+4	19:53	3.96	2.86
Jonathan Toews	2	12	+3	20:26	3.07	2.60
Duncan Keith	2	7	+10	27:18	3.42	1.95
Brent Seabrook	3	3	+7	24:18	3.08	1.81
Total/Averages	18	36	*+24*	*23:38*	*3.38*	*2.31*

Player	G	A	+/-	TOI/G	GF/60	GA/60
Devin Setoguchi	12	12	+8	16:02	4.49	2.99
Joe Pavelski	7	9	+1	19:04	2.06	2.29
Christian Ehrhoff	2	14	+5	20:31	2.32	1.93
Marc-Edouard Vlasic	2	10	+8	24:29	3.41	2.05
Total/Averages	23	45	*+22*	*20:03*	*3.07*	*2.32*

The goals and assists column may seem to be favoring San Jose's young guns by a noticeable margin, but keep in mind that the Sharks as a whole have potted 80 goals compared to 71 from the Blackhawks (while playing two more games).
All the skaters log minutes good enough to be in the top seven on their team. The only exception to this is Setoguchi, who's apparently making the most out of his limited ice time. Keith and Vlasic both lead their respective squads in this category.
GF/60 (goals for while on ice at even strength over sixty minutes) yields a number that seems to give the edge to Kane & Co. The only rebuttal I would offer is that Setoguchi is the lone Shark to get consistent ice time with heavy point-producers (Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dan Boyle), while all four Hawks players skate on the top line with one another. On the flip side, the case can be made that the Hawks are put up against tougher defensive lines.
GA/60 is about as close as you can get.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

The Blackhawks haven't been a serious contender for quite some time, and yet the potential for a rivalry is brewing. The 6-5 win in Chicago was a good indicator that both teams can skate, both can score in droves, and both are able to recover from being down a couple goals. Talented youth in both cities should keep those ideals intact for the future. Brian Campbell's contract will fuel the media. Doug Wilson's ties to Chicago provide a nice backstory.

All we need now is a playoff series.

Prediction: Sharks win 4-2. Goals by Pavelski, Boyle, and Big Joe (x2). Brian Campbell gets booed, and while it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, it sure makes you smile.

Go Sharks.

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Comments

gamethread before gameday?

anyway
VOTE FOR THE ALL-STAR GAME
Patrick Marleau is 1,254 votes away from ribeiro

by idunno723 on Nov 25, 2008 9:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Whoops!

I mucked up and accidentally hit publish. Hopefully the internets don’t explode.

And for any of those with unlimited texting text “Marleau” or “Setoguchi” or whomever to 81812. It’s just the same as voting online at http://fanballoting.nhl.com.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 25, 2008 9:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

THE GAME IS NARROWING DOWN

a few days ago Marleau was behind by 10,000 votes. NOW HE’S 862 VOTES AWAY FROM THE ALL-STAR GAME!!!!!!

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The price of these tickets on Stubhub and such...

…is ridiculous. The normally $20 seats are going for $80. For Ron Wilson’s return next week, the tickets are just $40 something. Possible reasons = 1. Nabby’s back. 2. Soupy’s back. 3. The Sharks are on a roll, and out come the bandwagoners (sorry to sound elitist). 4. No one has work the next day. 5. It’s the family pack night – 4 packs of tickets get you free hot dogs, soda, and chips.

I’m waiting to see if I can get tickets – this might be the first home game in November that I won’t attend. Singles are still available, but I wanted to take my gramps to the game since he’s in town.

by Mr. K. on Nov 25, 2008 10:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

No, I checked the prices for soon-to-be tickets recently and they were ABSURD. It might just be the way it is now.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 25, 2008 11:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s also because of it being t-shirt night

by Netsky on Nov 26, 2008 6:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

just wondering...

…if anyone is bored enough to make a Fear the Fin wikipedia page here. AN already has one. I do realize that this is completely unnecessary. Finding small things on wikipedia that i know amazees me.

by idunno723 on Nov 25, 2008 11:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't

As a long-time Wikipedia editor, I’d say don’t do it. Wiki’s got rules for inclusion as an article that are incredibly tough for smaller websites and blogs to meet.

by Nael M. on Nov 26, 2008 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

okay

i just find it cool if things have wikipedia articles, like my school had a wikipedia article and that amazed me

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 10:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

With Nabby In Net Tonight

I thought it’d be good to throw this out there.

Is Nabby as bad as the Contarian Goaltender says he is? Any thoughts?

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 2:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I’d have to agree with him. Nabby is a fine goalie with an ability to have some great stretches of play. He’s nothing special though, and I wouldn’t put him in the elite class. He’s more of a product of being on a great team.

by chilibean_3 on Nov 26, 2008 3:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes and no...

I think that although Nabby has been blessed to play on the Sharks, he’s a well above average goalie.

I have a feeling that this guy would find fault in any goalie on any good team.

Fear The Fin: Gloating during the season, crying during the playoffs.

by That'll Cheech You on Nov 26, 2008 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought about this a good amount last season. It seemed like everytime I looked at the box score after a game the Sharks won by a goal or two, Nabby didn’t face nearly as many goals. That made me look at his number a lot closer and made me appriciate the rest of the team a whole lot more. They do a great job of keeping pressure on the other goalie and keeping opposing team’s scoring chances low.

After reading a few of this guy’s post, I like the way he is taking a reasoned statisticle approach towards player evaluation. I might not agree with everything he says, but I still like what he’s doing. It has also created some interesting conversations in the comments section.

by chilibean_3 on Nov 26, 2008 4:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And by interesting conversation I mean poorly written attacks upon the writter while using flawed arguments that meet a well thought out counter point.

by chilibean_3 on Nov 26, 2008 4:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

The guy definitely knows his stuff.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 6:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d have to agree with everyone who’s chimed in thus far- Nabby isn’t as good as Luongo or Lundqvist, but does it even matter?

1) Is Nabby an above average goaltender? Yes.
2) Is Nabby good enough to steal a fair amount of games this year? Yes.
3) Is Nabby good enough to take the Sharks to a Stanley Cup appearance? Yes.

In a team sport, that’s all that really matters to me.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 6:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

PLUS ONE

I THINK THAT’S HOW THE COOL KIDS DO IT.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 26, 2008 6:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't like it...

when bloggers or journalists say that someone doesn’t “deserve” something. Nabby had a great season last year and played all but 5 games. He was definitely worthy of his Vezina votes. Just seems very snarky to me.

Fear The Fin: Gloating during the season, crying during the playoffs.

by That'll Cheech You on Nov 26, 2008 7:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

STREAM

is HERE

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 5:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Once again

It’s not working for me. Anyone know where I can find out why?

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 7:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You’re probably just missing the required codecs. Try installing this and see if it works.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 26, 2008 7:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

the steam

starts RIGHT when the game starts so you might need to try again

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 8:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m just watching on justin.tv. It’s the WGN feed, though.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the

Solid performance as always.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 6:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I dunno

if I agree. I think Nabby has shown, at times, that he is a brilliant goaltender (THE save against Dallas last year (I forgot who made the shot)). I do think that at times he looks pedestrian at best and benefits from his linemates, but I think he is better than that.
I think, just my opinion, that this year will show us how good Nabby really is.

by Dave Valentine on Nov 26, 2008 6:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

NABBY IS NOT PLAYING TONIGHT

Bad news gang – Nabbers is out, according to Channel 7 (ABC).

by Mr. K. on Nov 26, 2008 6:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wait a minute...

I’m at my folks’ house, and that report came from my mother, who hears what she wants to hear. Take it with a grain of salt.

by Mr. K. on Nov 26, 2008 6:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

You scared the hell out of me =/

by Netsky on Nov 26, 2008 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry!

I was online upstairs, and my mom hollered from below what she heard on the news. I honestly think she heard the opposite of what was really reported. But we’ll find out for sure in a few minutes…

by Mr. K. on Nov 26, 2008 7:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I suspect...

…she heard that he hadn’t been playing recently.

by Mr. K. on Nov 26, 2008 7:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I would say youre right

Per Working The Corners:

Evgeni Nabokov is back in goal tonight after missing seven games with a lower body injury…..

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 7:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way

Mr. K at an open thread? Pleasant surprise :)

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 7:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be stopping in here and there...

But I’m over at my parent’s house for quasi-Thanksgiving…

Go Sharks!

Fear The Fin: Gloating during the season, crying during the playoffs.

by That'll Cheech You on Nov 26, 2008 7:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Was that Seto w/ the first shot? I think I said Marleau…

by WillR on Nov 26, 2008 7:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

check ESPN play by play, it should have it

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 7:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NHL official Play by Play

here: http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/PL020320.HTM

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

0:13 SHOT S.J ONGOAL – #16 SETOGUCHI, Wrist, Off. Zone, 36 ft.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Great first shift

Gotta love when they come out strong at home

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 7:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Fast-paced game tonight. I’m almost having trouble keeping up.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 7:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

kinda like the chat here huh? :)

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

youre right angie, its been real hard keeping up tonight :)

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Great game so far. Sharks vs. Hawks in the playoffs would be an insane series.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Seconded.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Woooooooo

Rocket Rob puts one home

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I’m in the “turn the puck over immediately” group. I think the Sharks for the most part are too. They shoot on goal pretty soon after taking another penalty when on the PP.

by WillR on Nov 26, 2008 8:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Right there with ya. Seems sort of silly to have less time on the power play by holding the puck.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, it’s technically more power play time since the new PP starts later, but it’s less 5v3 time, which is think is more valuable than 30 extra seconds or so of 4v5.

by WillR on Nov 26, 2008 8:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, that’s what I was trying to say- sucks being an ineloquent sonuvagun sometimes…..

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BLAKE!!

Power play does it again!

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Nice ending of the period!

SHARKS!

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 8:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

SPG standings for the first period (becuase I know you all are itching to know)

S: Setoguchi P: None G: Blake
DaveValentin: 1
GeneralDisarray: 1
idunno723: 1
MicahC-G: 1
Netsky: 1
sharkiesgirl: 1
SwisherThresher: 2
thatllcheechyou: 1

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Setoguchi first shot again

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Milan Michalek

Has really impressed me this year with his willingness to block shots.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wow

The Bulin Wall is up in full force tonight. What a goaltender.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

don't worry

I’M HERE

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 8:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hahaha

Whats your record at home (while being present at open game threads)?

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

uhhhh

probably ∞-0-0
thats infinity if you can’t tell

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 8:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

but...

really i think they only lost once when i was present

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 8:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

True

After all, they’ve only dropped one at home all year :)

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hawks really pouring it on

like my uncle pouring gravy on his mashed potatoes- too much for my liking.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

yeah this period is making me nervous

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 8:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On that note, the Hawks are really utilizing attacking from behind the net, probably testing Nabby’s mobility.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

VOTE FOR MARLEAU

HES ONLY (approximately) 200 VOTES BEHIND FROM BEING IN THE GAME (plus he’ll knock out mike ribeiro)

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 8:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ah, five hole?

Darn it all to heck.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Shots this period

only 6-6, but were 17-2 in the first

and they score.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Uh oh

Possible suspension coming to Mike Grier for this one.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Probably

They’re trying to crack down on dangerous hits, aren’t they?

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 8:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah- Colin Campbell has been fairly inconsistent this year, but we’ll see what happens. I’d say at most it would be three games.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

WELCOME TO THE FIVE MINUTES OF HELL!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 8:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What a save by Boyle- sign him up.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

darn it’s being reviewed

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 9:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NO GOAL!

Love Boyle!!

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 9:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice footwork by Blake there.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 9:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Huet coming in?

This is getting interesting.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 9:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Another overpaid pick up by Chicago this season. Let’s unload on this guy.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Shorthanded To Start the third

Whatever, we can still rock n’ roll like Rick Allen.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

groans

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 9:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

SPG after period 2

S: Setoguchi P: Grier G: None
DaveValentin: 1
GeneralDisarray: 1
idunno723: 1
MicahC-G: 1
Netsky: 1
sharkiesgirl: 1
SwisherThresher: 2
thatllcheechyou: 1
GoldenStateGuerrero: 1
marcello: 1
sjsharkdude: 1
TheRobberBaron: 1

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 9:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for doing this senor k- although it hurts to not see my name on the board each time you put it up

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NP

And at some point in the future I should have a script to automatically scrape them from the play-by-play.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 9:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Whoosh

That was the sound of whatever you just said going over my head…

by WillR on Nov 26, 2008 9:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Whoah- you know how to do that stuff?

I’ve been updating at the end of every period, so if you need any help with users picks and stuff just email me.

Can’t help ya with the script though.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ehhhhh..

Kind of. That’s why I said “eventually.”

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 9:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So does that make me geeky for getting it?

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 9:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

darn that should have been a reply to “whoosh” lol

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 9:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Do I hear senor k selling his soul? ;)

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

After they take a 5-goal lead, that is.

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 9:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

nice save senor k.

nabby had a couple good ones while i was typing this too.

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 9:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hush ye unfaithful hordes!

Fear The Fin: Where the second round is overrated.

by Mr. Plank on Nov 26, 2008 10:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

by GoldenStateGuerrero on Nov 26, 2008 10:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

YEAH!

I had Thorton OT goal!!!

by WillR on Nov 26, 2008 10:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

On the scoreboard baby!

by WillR on Nov 26, 2008 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

TOLD YOU I'M GOOD LUCK

WIN WIN WIN

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 10:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

God I love this team

by Netsky on Nov 26, 2008 10:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I second that

by ang6666 on Nov 26, 2008 10:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I third that

by idunno723 on Nov 26, 2008 10:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They're okay, I guess

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 10:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

SPG Final Results

Period 1
S: Setoguchi P: None G: Blake
Period 2
S: Setoguchi P: Grier G: None
Period 3
S: Setoguchi P: None G: Marleau
Overtime
S: Thornton P: None G: Thornton

by senor_k on Nov 26, 2008 10:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs