Sharks Gameday: A Look At The Past, A Glimpse of The Future
by Mr. Plank on Jan 15, 2009 8:30 AM PST
in Sharks Game Previews
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| 26-12-4, 56 points | 32-5-5, 69 points | |
| 1st in Northwest Division | 1st in Pacific Division |
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It's sort of funny how things work out sometimes- we look at how the Sharks responded to their previous 3+ goal losses, and sure enough we get the Flames and Wings back to back to round out the week.
Call in sick to work on Friday and get the party started tonight. This should be a great weekend.
[Editor's Note]: Remember your SPG Picks for a chance to win a Sharks Banner courtesy of Carrol's Cove.
The Sharks responded well to the Flames loss, and dominated the majority of each 60 minute affair against the Oilers, 'Nucks, and Lightning respectively. It was a worthy response to a game that raised some pretty ugly questions about character, work-ethic, and focus.
So in homage to the Sharks focus and my lack of it (we're a pendulum, see), let's take a look at the news of Torrey Mitchell's return. We're in a bit of a quandary going forward, but these are my proposed lines once he returns (which I assume will be close to the time JR hits the ice as well):
1) Marleau-Thornton-Setoguchi: Nothing too much to dive into here.
2) Michalek-Pavelski-Clowe: I loved this line's dynamic at the beginning of the season, and although Joe Pavs has been feevty-feevty in terms of production since he's returned from injury, the ASG break will give him time to get up to speed.
3) Roenick-Goc-Cheechoo: Although Grier has been a madman scoring lately, I see him fulfilling more of a checking line role going forward. There's a lot of things to like about this line. One, JR and Cheech can grind in the corners and Goc has been a very underrated defensive player for us. Two, it can produce a lot offensively with Goc developing into the playmaker we drafted him to be, Cheech regaining his sniper form, and Roenick chipping in when needed.
4) Staubitz/Shelley-Mitchell-Grier: If Grier continues to impress offensively, Cheech/JR may switch roles with him. For the time being I don't see Plihal, Cavanagh or Semenov cracking into the lineup because we're pretty loaded with depth.
As much as Staubitz has impressed me (in many ways he's more desirable than Shelley for a multitude of reasons*), his time with the big club is coming to an end once everyone returns. There's just no roster space available.
* Corsi numbers, the fact fighters aren't really utilized as you near and enter the playoffs, better hands, superior speed etc.
May be getting ahead of ourselves, but it's exciting nonetheless.
The Flames have continued their winning ways, and the tilt proves to be a good barometer to see if the Sharks have learned their lesson. Tonight is the first step in truly establishing HP Pavilion as a place where no opposing team wants to play. A first half record is one thing (definitely an amazing one at that), but the second half is where San Jose can prove that The Tank should be avoided at all costs.
In fact, that's probably the biggest key for tonight. The Sharks have played fairly well on the road, but if they can drive home the point that HP Pavilion is, for all intents and purposes impregnable, it should go a long way in the psychological war they will be engaging in soon.
Prediction: Sharks win 4-2. Goals by Marleau, Cheech, Boyle and Pavelski.
Go Sharks.
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GO SHARKS!
yay I’m first! And I won’t be around tonight … will be taking my boys to the game tonight.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 15, 2009 8:34 AM PST reply actions
Ok Ang...
Look for the fireman… that’ll make you the first FTF person I meet.
Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread
Tried looking for you … but with no luck! Should have asked what section you were at.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 15, 2009 11:02 PM PST up reply actions
Awww...
Sec. 205 tonight… my usual seats. I was at the glass for practice, more on the Calgary side.
Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread
I saw you from my seat in 210.
Didn’t get a chance to head over your way though.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
by Lurker Shark on Jan 15, 2009 11:13 PM PST up reply actions
Darn! I was in 220. Looked all over too.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 16, 2009 12:16 AM PST up reply actions
All I want for my birthday is a Sharkies Win!
I want revenge from when we visited them. This should be a playoff atmosphere type game. Prediction: Sharks find two late come from behind goals in the third with another game winner by marleau. 5-4 Sharks final.
happy birthday!
blow out the candles, make a wish and don’t tell anyone!
'It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Jan 15, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions
Haha, awesome.
We got this one. For sure.
You don’t just take an asswhoopin’ like that without having something to prove.
I hate playing the Flames
they always play really well against us. But we must protect the undefeated home record!!!!
Make it 21-0-1!!!
Silver and Black Pride: Where Bacon hating happens
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks cakes happen
Athletics Nation: Where Billy Bean happens
Pounding the Rock: Where otstanding happens
Rakes of Mallow: Where Brady Quinn happens
S&B Nation: Where lazy people have nothing better to do happens
we're 20-0-2
so winning would make us 21-0-2. we lost to nashvile and edmonton.
'It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Jan 15, 2009 1:35 PM PST up reply actions
I'm going tonight!
First game since November 16, first home game since opening night. My friend had an extra ticket, which is pretty much the only way I’m able to go to games. So I won’t be around here either.
To put it lightly, I am pumped.
You can draw
for me tonite….I think the three of us might be about it
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
/me pours herself a nice tall glass of theraflu and settles in for a (hopefully) enjoyable evening
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
I'm sorry
you do the Theraflu and I’ll do the red wine
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 5:20 PM PST up reply actions
well, I could mix the two
but I want to be awake for the game
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
I’ll be around in between grading and preparing for finals. I just need to get a bubble bath in before the game.
Oh my God
Don’t tell anyone I’m with a group drinking TheraFlu and Coke and taking bubble baths….
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions
I'm betting on it....
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 5:51 PM PST up reply actions
I’m not betting on it, I know it for a fact sir
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 5:53 PM PST up reply actions
Defend Home Ice At All Cost
Someone commented on my blog about how the next two games line up as a good mid-season test, defending home ice against two teams who very recently handed our Sharks probably their worst defeats of the season. If we want to make it to June you have to be able to take care of business at home – I’m looking at these as “Game 2’s” of two concurrent series .
i'll be joining the party here tonight as well!
by WhoseYourNabby? on Jan 15, 2009 5:58 PM PST reply actions
I was wearing your
shirt today!
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 6:09 PM PST up reply actions
STREAM
Tell me if it doesn’t work!
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
See!
We’re not alone!
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 6:12 PM PST up reply actions
Win
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 6:40 PM PST up reply actions
why aren’t you partaking in our discussions which lack many people?
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 6:17 PM PST up reply actions
Sorry, I was reading about the NHL and theStanley Cup.
They are quite funny articles
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Hey guys, I'm here.
Lost my voice, but that doesn’t matter in blogdom.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
I'm kinda disappointed no one got the X-Files reference
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
Open your eyes!
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 6:41 PM PST up reply actions
I'm sorry
I got it, and laughed….guess you had to be here
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 7:35 PM PST up reply actions
same here
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
It’s been a while since I’ve participated in one if these things. Feels good to be back!
RYANE CLOWE
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
SHELLEY!!!
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
no question
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions
Welcome to FTF
BTW
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
thanks
I’ve been lurking around this site for a bit, and I think I’ll join you guys tonight
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions
Shelly
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 7:56 PM PST up reply actions
Me
I don’t have it yet.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
Any one else notice
during the pregame that Drew isn’t wearing a wedding ring? My SO pointed it out to me….wonder if his wife got as tired of his schtick as I did?
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 8:12 PM PST up reply actions
Hahaha
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 8:12 PM PST up reply actions
Oh there's the HD feed...
Right as the commercial break following the end of the period beings.
Comcast SportsNet is run by a bunch of buffoons, I swear.
Bay Area born and bred.
Oh man this game is intense. One of the best games I’ve watched all season. The end of ther period was dominated by the Flames for sure, and some passes looked a little shaky the entire period, but I always feel more comfortable after our first intermission anyway
Yeah
Not near as happy with our puck control and physicality towards the end of the period
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 8:15 PM PST up reply actions
Marleau would have had a nice breakaway goal I believe
but it’s more the checking and and raw emotion that makes this game so much fun to watch.
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 8:17 PM PST up reply actions
Sup guys!
I’m the dude who’s just going to show up at intermission. Thoughts?
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
look up and my thoughts are neatly typed already
coincidence? Maybe, but I’d like to think that I’m just physic
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
Thoughts?
So glad you asked!
- Joslin has looked good
- This has the feel of a playoff game.
- Flames dominated most of that period, we couldn’t get a continuous cycle going
- Roy is a bag of pubes
- Phaneuf eats that bag of pubes for his pre-game meal
- Mike Keenan’s mustache is made out of that bag of pubes
- That is all
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
There is a contest going on? Wonder what the prize is… lol
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 8:21 PM PST up reply actions
Ha nice...
Go Sharks!
Watching the game. Totally awesome <3
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 8:21 PM PST up reply actions
About?
The game, or you lagging by between periods?
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 8:21 PM PST up reply actions
Definitely the game- I’m pretty sure you guys have more fun when I’m gone.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Not so....
We miss you….Don’t we guys?
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 8:23 PM PST up reply actions
Hey dude.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 8:26 PM PST up reply actions
Sharks trivia anyone?
Who has dropped the gloves the most in a San Jose Sharks uniform?
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Lol...
There was someone counting? lol
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions
Oh the wonders of Hockeyfights.com
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
The leader is...
(drum roll)
Scott Thornton with 27 fights
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
my bad
MY RESEARCH IS WRONG
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Well
gotta go back the the BIG screen for the 2nd period
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
same! Can't watch this whimpy tv
which has no HD
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions
although....
this is bigger than my first TV I think
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 8:28 PM PST up reply actions
Well...
At least you can watch it on a local channel!
I’m on gamecenter >_<
Seeing as… I don’t live up there… lol
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 8:31 PM PST up reply actions
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
No it's not...
Big Coffee = Jumbo Jo.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 8:45 PM PST up reply actions
Ouchers
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
HOW DID THEY NOT SCORE!
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
The hockey gods...
Want them to be punished for letting that one goal in!
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 8:47 PM PST up reply actions
Buzzzzzzzzing.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 8:58 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed on that.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 8:58 PM PST up reply actions
I think Drew
is annoying as hell
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 9:09 PM PST up reply actions
Thank you cross bar
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
he’s been losing his early-season fire for a while now
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 9:09 PM PST up reply actions
I never thought I'd say this
But I’d rather see Semenov than Ehrhoff right now
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 9:11 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
I just laughed my ass off at that lmao
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 9:09 PM PST up reply actions
Not a good day
to put WNH’s for SPG
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Last few
Seconds… not good. That was almost a giveaway.
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 9:10 PM PST up reply actions
um… I’m thinking it was more than a few seconds
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 9:11 PM PST up reply actions
seemed more like
an eternity
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 9:13 PM PST up reply actions
Oh my god
how many times can they say that this game ‘is going as we expected’ OKAY, I GOT IT. IT’S NOT A BLOW OUT
Did they expect the Flames to dominate the majority of this game?
Oy vey!
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
If they did then someone’s going to have to set them straight on which team we want to win, but I don’t like this. Its making my stomach hurt…
And drew just said it again
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions
Have a sore throat, just had a popsicle...
Who can guess the punch line to the joke on the popsicle sitck?
What do you call a robot without a job?
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
OMG. WInner!
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 9:21 PM PST up reply actions
You’re dead to me.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 9:24 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
Aw, come on, you would cheat too :P
by AppleSweetRose on Jan 15, 2009 9:26 PM PST up reply actions
That’s what I call some popsicle schtick.
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 9:22 PM PST up reply actions
thanks
Now I want ice cream
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Whoa I’ve never noticed Nabby’s black armour mask
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
NO
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
I don't like Dion Phaneuf
I should, ‘cause he’s supposed to be like he next big thing. But he rubs me wrong. And he has bad taste in women.
Not the team I'd have chosen to lose to in regulation
asumming the Sharks don’t tie in the next 2 and a half minutes
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
Well, it couldn't last forever...
Fear the Fin: Where everybody loves me.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 15, 2009 10:04 PM PST reply actions
Eh, the Flames deserved it.
Nabby and Thornton were spectacular, but hardly anyone else was. Oh well.
Well
That sucked.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 10:05 PM PST reply actions
had to happen sometime
I would have rather a loss in OT though
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
then it wouldn't
have been that dreaded regulation loss
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions
I am sad now
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
at home
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 15, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions
Well I was (kinda still am super depressed, but Joe’s post game interview perked me up a little)
But I don’t know what game he was watching if he thought everyone played great. If by everyone he means himself, Danny and Evgeni, then yes, they played wonderfully
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 10:33 PM PST reply actions
Just got back
First game I’ve attended where the Sharks have lost. Not a fun feeling.
Basically, what I noticed:
- the Sharks were really slow and stagnant. They seemed to watch the puck instead of skating to it.
- too many attempts at pretty passes. DO NOT WANT. Just shoot the freaking puck at the net!
- Ehrhoff sucks. Honestly, I’d rather have Semenov and his glove of doom out there than Ehrhoff right now. Error’s (since he deserves his old nickname again) confidence is far more than his ability, causing him to make stupid plays. At least Semenov recognizes that he’s not on the level of Boyle.
- The loss of Blake really hurt them. It slowed them down and kept them in their own zone. Plus, the less-than-desirable Ehrhoff had to take more ice time. And Murray – though he did try as hard as he could – just is not fast enough to play on the level of Blake.
- I hate refs. The lack of interference calls on the Flames (among others) really pissed me off.
- Joe Thornton was last year’s Joe Thornton – the guy that had to take the team on his back. His goal was just beautiful, and he actually led the breakout decently (usually his play in his zone and the neutral zone leaves a lot to be desired).
- Clowe was okay. Got the goal and a couple of nice hits, but really was kind of invisible.
- Nabby was good. Got some nice saves on the Flames, but IMO should have gotten that third goal. But then again, if the Sharks hadn’t had such a hard time getting any offense going at all…
- Power play fail. Nothing more needs to be said.
- The Flames weren’t playing that well either; to quote my friend, “It was a battle to see who sucked the least.”
Wow
I’m going to copy this and put it up as the game wrap. You made my job easy. In my defense, I have WAY too much work to do right now, post-game.
BTW, the Fireman in me is MIGHT pissed.
Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread
Haha
Awesome. Well, awesome that I helped. Not so awesome that they lost.
Oh, and a few more things because I just sort of spat that out:
- Posts. I’m pretty sure they made all of us bipolar. The double-post was just mean.
- Pavelski needs to remember that while his name is Joe, he does not have the super passing skills that the other Joe has. Just shoot the damn puck! This goes for every player out there, but especially Pavs as he kept getting these juicy chances.
- I hate the Flames.
Haha,
“might”
I know for a fact that I was fully pissed
by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 11:09 PM PST up reply actions
I'd forgotten what it felt like
leaving the Tank after a loss like that. I didn’t need a reminder.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
by Lurker Shark on Jan 15, 2009 11:16 PM PST up reply actions
UGH!
That is all.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 15, 2009 11:05 PM PST reply actions
Just got home.
Ang couldn’t have put it any better. Will Kerry Frasier retire already? A lackluster performance by our boys and a lousy officiating team is not a recipe for success.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
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