Sharks Gameday: Three Keys To A Three Game Road Trip
by Mr. Plank on Jan 6, 2009 1:07 AM PST
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I came to this screen expecting to write a lot about the upcoming game but my fingers do not seem to be cooperating; this will be relatively short and to the point. Instead of exposing you to paragraphs chock full of fleshed-out ideas, here are three "Keys To The Week". Feel free to add your own in the comments, while slyly taking jabs at my lack of motivation before the first game of a road trip that will be an excellent test of where the Sharks stand in regards to the rest of the Western Conference.
[Editor's Note]: Remember your SPG Picks for a chance to win a Sharks Banner courtesy of Carrol's Cove.
1) Improve their five on five play. I've sort of beat this to death over the last couple weeks, but it's the one area where the Sharks need to improve. Special teams have been acceptable, goaltending has been very good, but without a solid presence at even strength, the Sharks current trend of squeaking out wins will lean towards the loss column against playoff-bound teams. Improvement in this category is essential to their success.
2) Can Evgeni Nabokov have a solid streak of games on the road? Current year totals have him at a .889 SV% with a 3.13 GAA, something that needs to be addressed in Calgary tonight. Nabby has been reverted to last season's form as of late, but a set of big games will test his ability away from The Tank. If Nabby is his usual self, there is no stopping the Sharks.
3) Third line's "promise" in terms of scoring production. The swing through Canada will most likely feature Mike Grier Synthesizer Overdrive (h/t to Senor K), Goc With A Glock, and The Cheechoo Train. On paper this is just about as deadly a third line as they come. The defensive responsibility is there- Cheech and Grier are able to grind in the corners, and the line as a whole is very good at supporting down low in the defensive zone.
The offense is starting to come along as well- Cheech has been getting on the board lately, Grier had a nice pair of goals against the Isles, and Goc has looked like the player we originally drafted him to be- a quick skater that has good vision with the puck on his stick. The Sharks success, while not completely contingent upon this line's offensive production, will benefit immensely with scoring chances being generated.
If Goc and Cheech can develop some chemistry, watch out world.
[Update 1:45 PM]: A fourth key can be found here, courtesy of SJStoneS via the Fanpost function that is sure to put me out of work soon.
*******
Those are my three big keys to winning tonight, as well as this week. Some other notables would have to include Brad Staubitz's performance (the Flames will be rough; we need someone to "gently" remind them that the liberties of last postseason will not be tolerated) and Joe Thornton's willingness to shoot the darned puck more (currently third on the team in shooting percentage, and fairly predictable when driving the net in the low slot- he's going to dish it, and the pass will probably get broken up). Also, dealing with the brutal Canadian cold may be a factor, but half our guys are from the country anyways. That's a convenient talking point more than anything else.
We'll revisit these throughout this week.
Prediction: Sharks saddle up, and ride the horses out of Pengrowth with a 4-2 win. Goals by Marleau, Thornton, Goc and Blake. All come at even strength and I lose weeks worth of future material to write about. Damn mid-season writing difficulties.
Go Sharks.
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As a complete aside, Team Canada won the WJC last night. That makes five golds in a row. Anybody grab any of the action on the telly? I only saw the US and Russian matchups, both excellent games.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
On
Sharks’ SPG admin added Staubitz to the roster around 4pm Eastern.
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
(does a slight bow)
By the way guys, give a huge thank you to Erin Gary for setting up and running the whole SPG site. Anytime you see that xiix sn around here inundate her with compliments. I mean it. Otherwise we’re kicking you out of the contest ;)
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Thanks xiix!
SPG’s good stuff.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Thanks Erin!
I mean it!
(how’s that Plank?)
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
Solid. Just don’t break your hip jumping out of your seat to congratulate her.
Sorry, had to go there ;)
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
THANK YOU ERIN!!!
'It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Jan 6, 2009 5:09 PM PST up reply actions
Thank god for the 7:00 start...
My work has really been getting in the way of my hockey watching. Refreshing scores on the phone just doesn’t cut it.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
agreed
that means a 10 pm start for me. Still, I’ll get to bed by 1, which is better than 1:30 or 2.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
Wow.
It’s not even like I don’t read those blogs every day. Thanks for the heads up, i just c&p the thread from the previous road/home game and must have missed it.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
SONUVABITCH!
Thanks again for keeping me on my toes- I guess I wasn’t lying about the midseason writing difficulties. The 40th to 50th game is really when I have historically been “least excited” to watch the Sharks*. It’s hard work being a blogger!
*Completely relative- I’m still probably more excited to watch the Sharks during this span than attempt to pursue a social life of any kind.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Eh
Social lives are overrated. Especially if you socialize with non-hockey fans. They just don’t get it.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
That should be
my new signature line. Damn! Wish I’d thought of it first!
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions
Fear the Fin
where social lives are overrated
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
But you
gotta add the part about socializing with non hockey fans
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions
Heh, yeah.
You’re welcome to it if you want it. I’ll stick with my Bakes quote.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
I might just do that
The Bakes quote is AWESOME…
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions
That's what happens
when he gets bored during games. Writes things down and has Dan read it on the air after the game.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Fear The Fin: Hockey’s answer to online dating
Match.com has met it’s, er, match!
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
The only problem
with that (for me at least) is someone of the opposite sex my age on here. I’ll just stick with Southern Bell. I’ve taught her right about hockey and don’t want to start over.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions
that’s funny … I actually tell guys that I’m potentially looking to date, that if they can’t understand my hockey addiction, they need to move on … yes, I say it a bit nicer. not much nicer, but a bit.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 5:14 PM PST up reply actions
If guys can plan their schedules around football, we can plan ours around hockey
resident cartoonist @ couchtarts.blogspot.com
as if we don’t have enough to plan our schedules around as it is … (yeah, like guys on here want us to gross them out – but if Rudy can talk bout man cock on battleofcali, I can be semi-whatever as well).
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 6:07 PM PST up reply actions
Probable lines
courtesy of WTC.
Michalek-Thornton-Cheechoo
Clowe-Marleau-Setoguchi
Plihal-Pavelski-Grier
Staubitz-Goc-Semenov
TM decided to mix things up. Murray’s also supposed to be back tonight.
So the Semenov Experiment continues…
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
WTF?
That’s a little weird.
Cavanagh hasn’t been sent down yet, I’m wondering why they are even going to try with Semenov again.
And Pavelski on line 3? Huh? Also, why break up the Goc-Grier-Cheechoo line, which played so well last game? Same with line 2… the great puck movement on that line made the first goal Saturday’s game possible.
I know they are probably just trying some new combos, but this is really unexpected.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions
Mid-season experiment
I dunno, I kinda like the idea. I’d rather have TM be proactive and shuffle things up now and know what works and what doesn’t, than be reactive and shuffle things up in May or June and hope for the best.
I think Semenov sees more than 4 minutes tonight
Yeah
It’s definitely an odd time to start mixing up the lines. But I agree with TM it’s better to find out if they can still play mixed up like that now than come playoff time.
I’d guess Semenov over Cavanagh is just to have an extra tough guy out there in case Calgary decides to start taking liberties.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Let’s see how it plays out I guess? Agree with Section223, better now than never.
But are we really going to see Semenov at a forward spot in March/April? I guess we don’t know for sure until we see more…….
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
With Lemeiux
waiting to come up? I don’t think so.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:21 PM PST up reply actions
Roenick and Mitchell as well.
Valentine = Truth Master.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Truthmaster?
Hell, I forgot about Jeremy and Torrey. How’s that for truth?
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions
Well, you admitted the “truth” that you forget them. I think that speaks a lot for itself.
Plus, even if we only had Lemeiux to add to our current lines, I would bet Semenov is the odd man out (at least right now- this experiment might pay out some dividends).
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
And I have to admit
as much as I have been bashing Semenov…the experiment last game wasn’t anything like I expected. He did okay. I mean, he didn’t score or assist on any Isles goals against us.
Okay…sorry…Really, he did okay.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
better than RW switching lines 50 times a game.
that always seemed a bit bass akward to me.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 5:56 PM PST up reply actions
So....
What’re the odds on Staubitz fighting before Semenov?
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
At the risk of sounding like a broken record
Don’t be surprised if Bouch starts tonite. TM did this a while back and surprised us. Plus Nabby’s record against Calgary isn’t that great, especially compared with Bouch’s.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
I should qualify that
Nabby has a better career record. But Bouch has beat them this year, and his GAA and PCT are slightly better.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions
STREAM
Go here and then click “San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames”
You have to do that now because recently if I just give you the direct link to the stream, it usually does not work
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
it must be your fault
'It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on Jan 6, 2009 5:10 PM PST up reply actions
scratch that
Click “Chicago Blackhawks at Phoenix Coyotes”
It’s actually the Sharks game
for some reason if you click Sharks it will so king vs. ducks.
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
bet battleofcali had something to do with that
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions
turn that so
into a “show”
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
funny
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
never … well not never … but not that time :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 6:05 PM PST up reply actions
True that
I’m just trying to get the ideas flowing. It’s not really working
by KindaFantastic on Jan 6, 2009 5:13 PM PST up reply actions
lookie lookie we have an AHL all star rookie
http://sharks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=402435
resident cartoonist @ couchtarts.blogspot.com
What up everyone, havn’t had internet access in some time. Saw that we are like 6-4 over our last ten games and that Boston caught up to us in points, what the hell? Please tell me what has been going on with our boys!
I can haz homerunz!
The Sharks just hit their version of a “slump” is all. Every team goes through one at some point in the season or another, and ours just happened to occur now.
It never occurred to me that one man could play with the faith of 50 million.
very short-lived I’m sure tho
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 6:05 PM PST up reply actions
Exactly.
What the Sharks are going through is pretty light, as far as slumps go.
It never occurred to me that one man could play with the faith of 50 million.
After the atrocity that was the 1st period
I have come to regret my words.
It never occurred to me that one man could play with the faith of 50 million.
who's scratched tonight?
can anyone let me know? maybe even let me know where to find it cause im not gonna look and then people wont have to tell me every game
I don't feel so bad about the loss to Buster & the Wild
Seeing as they shutout the B’s in regulation, 1-0.
I'm a happy seal
okay you know you're sick when
you go to type the url fearthefin and accidentally type fearthefan. are we that scary?
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 6:49 PM PST reply actions
according to Willa Ford
yes
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions
Watching VS
If I heard right, with a SO win over the Flyers, the Caps are 18-1-1 at home and are now 2nd in the East
I'm a happy seal
GO SHARKS!!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:01 PM PST reply actions
To day it will be
Go Sharks Go!
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
Iggy is playing his 900th career game tonight. One of my favorite non-Sharks player.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
number 900 already? wow
great guy, great player
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:10 PM PST up reply actions
New Line Combos
I wasn’t wild about the idea when I first heard TMac was shaking things up, but after hearing the reasoning given by Drew and Randy, I’m okay with it. Better to find out now how guys gel with other players rather than late in the season when you’re forced to mix things up thanks to injuries.
yeah but they are being out-played and so I’m not so keen on it right now … ugh!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions
well there is that … but I’m always on the verge of a panic attack when they are playing … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:19 PM PST up reply actions
just keep telling yourself
“better now, than in the playoffs”
“better now, than in the playoffs”
“better now, than in the playoffs”
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:19 PM PST up reply actions
all bout perspective … need to learn that one … can old dogs learn new tricks?
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions
Yes they can, but their old tricks are almost always better. More practice at it. Just sayin’.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Uncharacteristic Mistake from Vlasic
Looked like the “Murray Pinch” against St. Louis a couple weeks ago
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Damn!!!!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:26 PM PST reply actions
I'll be at next week's vs Flames
woohoo! seems I haven’t been to a game in eons
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:29 PM PST reply actions
this period has been all Calgary
it was just a matter of time
I just hope the rest of this game doesn’t continue to resemble a Flames PP, otherwise it’s going to be a long night
I'm a happy seal
For as much as the Flames are dominating, the Saddledome is about as quiet as I have ever heard it. It’s almost surreal.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
UGH!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:34 PM PST reply actions
Ouchers
"Gotta suck for the other teams. You finally catch the Sharks on an off night and you still lose." -Shark Man
I say the experiment continues
Todd simply needs to tell the Sharks to get the funk out
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:37 PM PST up reply actions
oh boy
I can’t wait until intermission.
It never occurred to me that one man could play with the faith of 50 million.
That Langkow goal was all Ehrhoff, did you guys see that? Completely did not take the stick away.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Questionable time to throw that in here man, just sayin’ hahaha.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
shoot me!!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 7:40 PM PST reply actions
I get back from class for this?
I’d have rather sat through another 2 hours of lecture.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Goc and Grier looked good on that last shift. Grasping at any positives I can here…..
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Agreed...
The line combos really aren’t working for me. Why experiment against a motivated, skilled, physical team?
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:43 PM PST up reply actions
because that's what you'll be facing in the playoffs?
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:44 PM PST up reply actions
But when you completely rework the lines, you kill any chemistry you have built. Why start against a team like Calgary?!
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions
Hindsight is 20/20 though- let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s not as if the Sharks were really rolling coming into this game. The lines work and we’re throwing praise around here like no other.
Now if he doesn’t adapt for the second period, I think he deserves some criticism.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
True
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions
Again, as coach Todd said, it's all about preparation for the playoffs
If they hope to win the Cup, they need to be ready for just about anything
Which would include injuries/illness, forcing line changes during a tough series
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:50 PM PST up reply actions
I believe in Todd McLellan
I believe in Todd McLellan
I believe in Todd McLellan
I believe in Todd McLellan
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Because Ron Wilson is behind the bench.
Wait, what? We have a new coach this season? When did that happen?
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
goc and grier,
are the only ones looking good out there and they are also the only ones who normally play together
I hope that's what this is
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Hmm,
Interesting observation.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions
There is a quote that has stuck with me for a long time
Joe Thornton said he’s very protective of his hands, because that’s how he makes his money. Watching this game made me recall that comment. ican’t help but think the Sharks are trying to save their moneymakers lol
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions
This is going to be a multiple beer game
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Well... yeah
More than usual. Maybe I’ll just break out the hard stuff.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Gin and tonics… here I come.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions
my eyes
My parents are watching Judge Judy at the moment, so I logged on to Yahoo to follow:
shots on goal
SJ – 4
CALG – 16
It never occurred to me that one man could play with the faith of 50 million.
It was like 15-0 at one point
go watch judge judy, you’ll see a better defense on that show than by watching the sharks tonight.
they
look slow. confused. out of position constantly, no forwards cycling. it is all because of the line switching.
the forwards look hesitant. d looks fine because they know what is going on.
i really gotta question this move by TM. hope he has some purpose that ultimately vindicates that embarrassing period.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 7:50 PM PST reply actions
100% agree
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:51 PM PST up reply actions
I’m more curious to see how they respond to the beating they’ll take from mclellan in the locker room.
hope someone steps up and makes an appearance.
except for O’BOYle doing loop-d-loops, not one guy seemed to give a shit.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 7:55 PM PST up reply actions
Oh god...
Get that girl an iPod now!
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:54 PM PST up reply actions
well
caught the end of the detroit /columbus game. 3-0 detroit.
that makes this look even worse. detroit: for real. right now, big “?” next to SJ.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 7:54 PM PST reply actions
It’s funny- the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
just too good a memory
of a certain ottowa team that was the “BEST TEAM IN HISTORY EVER TO PLAY THE GAME” after a hot start and ended up blowing a tire in the first round.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
well that's because they went limping into the playoffs
barely crossing the finish line
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions
Very true, they blew a tire about halfway through the year, around 40 games in.
Oh shitttt………….
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
And has since completely imploded
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
how woukld you describe the last 2 weeks of SJ hockey, minus the vancouver whoopin?
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 7:59 PM PST up reply actions
Not very good hockey.
The Sharks just haven’t been playing 60 minutes for quite some time now.
Now Ottawa was an impressive implosion. Cup Finals to bottom dweller in 2 seasons.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Have they played a full 60 minutes yet?
I seem to remember commenting, even early in the season when they were awesome, that they didn’t play a full 60. It didn’t matter, because they were so dominant, but now I think its catching up to them. The other teams are starting to get into their grooves, target SJ as the best team in the league, and figure out how to beat SJ’s system. But the Sharks, not used to needing to play the entire game, aren’t ready for it.
I don't think they have either.
They keep either taking their foot off the gas late in games or coming out of the gate looking like I do when I don’t get my morning coffee. They were on a stretch where it didn’t matter that much since most teams couldn’t use it to their advantage. Then we went to the Joe.
Since then rather than wake up the play has gotten weaker. Enough so that even the Islanders almost managed a comeback against us. Sure we won, but they should never have scored 3 goals.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
but at least our Ottawa cousins made it to the Stanley Cup Final
something the Sharks have yet to do :/
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 7:59 PM PST up reply actions
What. The. Hell.
I finish my homework early for this?
You know what, screw the “experiment.” Get the “Big Three” back together, and fast. Put Cheechoo back with Goc and Grier. Reunite Clowe, Michalek, and Pavelski. The only guys that are creating anything have played together this season – Goc and Grier, Marleau and Grier; hell, just put Grier on and at least we’ll give Kiprusoff SOMETHING to do. Its sad that the most production they got the entire game – and the most time in the offensive zone – was shorthanded.
My reasoning for the slump? Roenick. He’s the guy that would yell at everyone and lead by example – like not giving up. Haven’t you noticed that ever since JR was injured, they’re on their slump? Other guys need to step up; Grier looks like he’s trying to, but since he can’t hit the broad side of a barn it doesn’t quite work.
Sorry for the rant; just a bad day getting worse.
Very keen observation
about JR. I hadn’t even thought of that.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
yeah
my dad and i were noticing the timing the other day. 100% agree
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions
I think Roenick is part of it...
but is it possible that teams have figured us out? That’s what worries me the most. It’s like that rookie pitcher that blows everyone away in his first few starts, until the league catches up with him and then he looks human again.
Or the rookie hitter
who keeps knocking it out of the park, until the scouting reports locate the hole in his swing and turns into a K machine
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions
Not on the ice, though.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 7:59 PM PST up reply actions
True
and I can’t quantify the difference between being dressed and not
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 8:00 PM PST up reply actions
I’d have to side with Dave here- it’s not as if Roenick is completely out of the picture here. Sure he’s missed on the ice, but I don’t think too much of his locker room presence is missed.
And on the ice he wasn’t been ripping up the scoresheet. Yeah, it’s a big loss, but I don’t think you can attribute all of a team’s lack of success to one player. Even a Joe Thornton/Patty Marleau.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
ugh x4
!!!!
I’m not a happy person
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:02 PM PST reply actions
Boush in
Nabby out
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Skating with heads down, terrible passing, inactive stick work...
these are not the Sharks I know.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
Nope...
Maybe this will wake them up. Then again the Detroit game didn’t so…
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Is this our chance?
4 on 3
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:08 PM PST reply actions
We get a goal here...
and the game changes. We don’t, and it’s pretty much over.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
YES!!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:09 PM PST reply actions
Thank you Ryane
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
There's something to be said
for getting back your dignity.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
It's right up there with the Joe
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
The two teams other than Detroit
that I’d want to avoid in the playoffs…Columbus and Calgary. Both scare me, for some reason.
YES!!!!!!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:17 PM PST reply actions
GRIER SHORTY!
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
GRIER!!
now you guys can’t keep harping on him!!! he way made up for the emply netter!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:18 PM PST reply actions
He must have read the article...
and decided to play better.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
ha ha!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
We can still bitch about Semenov right?
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
yeah … nothing I can do to help that boy
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:20 PM PST up reply actions
he always has my love :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
That was a nasty deke
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
Not even a fight
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Haha, you know it’s bad when two guys drop the gloves and all they get is two minors for roughing.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
He's a huge freaking guy.
I’ll give him that much.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
just how I like my guys … ;)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:24 PM PST up reply actions
That was such a pathetic fight,
refs decided it’s not worth of 5 minutes
Anybody else notice how they seem to put their whistles away in the Saddledome?
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Canadian bias
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
well if they didn't, given the way the Flames play
the home fans would riot
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Jan 6, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
we have more class than that
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:25 PM PST up reply actions
equally as unexciting.
Hey, Semenov is going to figure out how to do something right. One of these days.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Well
He’s keeping himself off the ice.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Semenov is the Marmaduke of Hockey...
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 8:28 PM PST up reply actions
Hahahah
2 for roughing. Again.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Rough roughing
I’ll have to remember that
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:29 PM PST reply actions
Semenov
is having a rough game here…
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Honestly, he’s looked pretty bad since mid-December. Which strangely coincides when you ordered his jersey……
;)
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
I've had my jersey since November
so shut it.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 8:31 PM PST up reply actions
unappreciated seems to fit you huh? :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions
So...
It’s going to be there a while?
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
tee hee.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
Nah.
This is just your typical veteran NHL reffing.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
yep! lol
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:36 PM PST up reply actions
Nah, just went.
Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!
by TCY on Jan 6, 2009 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
Hey, I'm only on number 2.
I’m not that old.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
I was just thinking the same … Let’s GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions
A lot of good opportunities at the end of that period.
Almost makes you forget the first twenty huh?
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
uh no! … cause we are down 2 … we need a very strong 3rd now
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:40 PM PST up reply actions
Almost.
I’ll forget it if they come out of this with 2 points.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Yup
If we can keep this intensity in the third, there’s no reason why we can escape with at least a point. This reminds me of game 3 in the playoffs…Sharks score 3 early…Flames make a goaltending change and Sarich’s huge hit revitalize them.
The Stockton Thunder just finished an Epic Comeback
Coming back from down 0-3, 2-4 to win it in the final 10 seconds, 5-4.
Your turn Sharks
I'm a happy seal
Much better
effort and results. I admit to being a bit worried, throwing Bouch out there with little/no warm up. But my guy did what’s necessary
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
You were right about him getting to play tonight.
Gotta wonder how this game would look if he’d started it.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
A one goal deficit's easier to come back from than a two.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Yeah, but if we only gave up 3 in the 1st
we might still be experimenting with the lines in the 2nd.
Yeah
I don’t want a “goalie controversy”. I just want to win. Right now I feel like Bouch is the better choice.
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 8:45 PM PST up reply actions
this is a team effort tho … and the rest of the team needs to hold up their end … they were lacking in that during the 1st period
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 6, 2009 8:46 PM PST up reply actions
eh
nabby was hung out to dry on a few of those. could be 2-1 if the team wasnt skating with thumbs in buttocks.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 8:47 PM PST up reply actions
And I'm sorry
I like Nabby as much as anyone on here…but he just hasn’t been sharp to start a game in quite a while. TM should have been reading these boards and followed my advice….Bouch shoulda started tonite. Although with the way we played in the 1st I don’t know….
Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad
by Dave Valentine on Jan 6, 2009 8:43 PM PST up reply actions
NEW THREAD
This thing has really slowed down on my end.
I’ll leave the comments open though, for anyone who wants to continue their conversations etc.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
better period.
flashes of guys moving their legs, though on the second "roughing " (WTF was that? really?) 4-4 the legs stopped moving.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Jan 6, 2009 8:46 PM PST reply actions
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