Nabokov on Last Summer, on His Priorities and on Sharks' Playoffs Exits
by Ivano27 on Nov 9, 2009 10:36 AM PST
65 comments
I always like hearing and reading Evgeni Nabokov's interviews. Growing up in Kazakhstan, he didn't get too many people pestering him with requests for interviews that would allow him to pick up all the cliches Canadian kids learn so early. Nabby never beats around the bush and is always honest with his answers. Below are the excerpts from the interview he recently gave to Sovetsky Sport (link) right after the Sharks game against Flyers, where he discusses how he felt during the uncertainty of the last summer, what he think it means he has to earn his starts, which stat is the most important to him, what he thinks is the biggest reason behind San Jose playoffs curse and which of the Sharks' chocking campaigns was the most painful to him. Hit the jump for more.
It's your 10th season with the team. There are only few other goaltenders as loyal as you, Martin Brodeur, Chris Osgood, Marty Turco..
While you're still playing, you really don't think about these things. I'm not sure it's even a compliment. I'll think about it when I retire. Right now I just want to focus on the game.
I asked you because there were plenty of rumors during the past off-season that San Jose could trade you. Would you have been shocked if they did?
It would not have surprised me. Anything is possible in the NHL. But again, I try not to think about these things.
Your coach said last summer that you have to earn your starts with the Sharks.
Everyone wrote about it.. But any coach would say this. Goaltender is such a position that when you're not doing well, you won't start. I worked with many coaches. They all told me I have to earn my starts.
Does it motivate you?
Not sure how to explain this. Perhaps goalies think differently? No one needs to motivate me, it comes from within. NHL is very competitive. You lose your touch for a bit, and someone takes over your job. Everyone for some reason took the coaches words with caution, looking for conflict. But how else can it be? If Nabokov doesn't play well, how can you start him? Because of the past? That just doesn't happen.
You recently played in your 500th game. What does that mean to you?
The most important thing about that stat is that out of 500 games, majority of these games were wins [out of 509 played as of today, Nabby won 260 of them, and earned an extra point in 58 more]. We track a lot of stats for goalies - SV%, GAA, etc.. I think the most important stat is wins. Some people would look and say, "How bad is this guy? He allowed three goals on 15 shots.." - but if we won 4:3, who cares? What's more important in hockey than winning?
San Jose is about to reclaim no. 1 spot in the NHL standings. What is wrong with the Sharks when playoffs arrive?
I once said, San Jose is great in 82 games marathon, but something happens when it's a seven game sprint. We have 20 people on our team. When someone stops scoring, others should help. So far it didn't work out. San Jose's front office is unhappy, and so are the players. We've had a good team in the past few years, but what happens in playoffs is a mystery. On the other hand, only one team wins the Stanley Cup. So it's not just San Jose that fails - 28 other teams do as well.
Sharks lost in the first round last year..
So what? Two years ago we passed the first round and then still lost to Dallas. And few years ago we lost to Calgary in the Conference finals. It doesn't matter which round you reach - if you don't win the Stanley Cup, you lose.
Maybe it's not so bad to lose in a conference final?
It's actually worse, trust me. When we lost to Calgary, it was a tragedy. We battled so hard, and could see Stanley Cup final within our reach, and then all of a sudden, it's was all over and vacation began - unbearable feeling.
Can your kids skate yet?
Not yet, but they love running around the house. Andryushka always runs with a stick in his hands. Emma doesn't care about hockey, her interest are dancing and gymnastics. It's fun to be at home. They never let dad get bored.
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"Perhaps goalies think differently? No one needs to motivate me, it comes from within."
That says a lot about his personality and how everyone (to include us fans) should think about motivating goalies with competition from other goalies.
by Mr Tea on Nov 9, 2009 10:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I love Russian interviews, such better reads than 90% of what Canadians say.
Nabby is definately making a case this year to stick around in the NHL, if not for the Sharks then some other team will pick him up. If Khabibulin and Garon are getting jobs, it should be a piece of cake for Nabby to land a decent contract somewhere.
by Evilducks on Nov 9, 2009 1:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I have not seen him indicate anywhere that he’s considering returning back to Russia. Keep in mind that none of the elite goalies play in KHL. Even former NHL goalies who play there (like Esche) were all NHL backups or NHL rejects.
On the other hand, they been talking about Khabibulin returning to Russia to finish his career there for years now, and yet he’s still here in the NHL.
Having American wife here I think will also keep Nabby in the NHL. Having a Vezina year that he’s currently having won’t hurt his choice of offers either.
by Ivano27 on Nov 9, 2009 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was mostly commenting on the discussions that people brought up about Nabokov this summer. After the flameout in the playoffs people didn’t seem to think he’d find a job that paid well in the NHL after this season if the Sharks didn’t resign him.
A month into the season and I don’t think that’s the case anymore. There will be teams looking for a solid workhorse goalie and even at his ever incrementing age, he seems like a candidate to fit that role.
by Evilducks on Nov 9, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm the one who wrote that...
And I tend to agree that he is very likely to stay if he continues at this torrid pace.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 9, 2009 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I wasn’t naming names… and you were hardly the only one to make this comment.
by Evilducks on Nov 9, 2009 4:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh indeed, and I just gave some reasons why he’d consider it. However, it’s looking more and more likely that he’ll sign another large deal in the offseason, even if it’s not with the Sharks.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 9, 2009 4:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s cross our fingers.. If he signs a big deal next summer, it means that he’s won a trophy at last – be it Olympic one or SC.. I’d take either one, or both.
by Ivano27 on Nov 9, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m personally in favor of him winning the latter trophy. But I’m also highly nationalistic and want Pavs to get the gold.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 9, 2009 4:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have mixed feelings about this one if I could only choose between one. Since I’m living here now, I’d probably choose SC, but on the other hand, beating Canada at the Olympics in Canada is something that we’ll talk about for decades after, so it’s a very tough choice.
Fetisov today was quoted in the paper saying that for Russia, this is the most important Olympic games in the history of the game.
by Ivano27 on Nov 9, 2009 4:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I can see beating Canada in Canada would be pretty awesome. But as an American whose Olympic team is going through a transition and not really expected to medal, and whose NHL team still hasn’t won the Cup yet, it’s a pretty easy choice between the gold and the Cup.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 9, 2009 4:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
American Revenge for Salt Lake!
Let’s bury a Benjamin in center ice to ensure Miracle 3.
...Thornton to Murray. HE SCORES!!! DOUGLAS MURRAY! With his first goal of the year. What's he doing way up there??? - Randy Hahn
by DownRUpLYB on Nov 9, 2009 7:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A few things I got from this...
Nabby won’t be giving San Jose any kind of home-town discount to stick around. As he said, he doesn’t think about such things, he just wants to play. This doesn’t surprise me. He’s a good goalie, and the Sharks won’t be able to afford him next offseason most likely. I’m sure he knows this.
Interesting take on the playoff failures. Round 1, round 2, round 3…it doesnt matter if you don’t get to the Cup finals. And I have to say, that’s probably the best attitude he can take. I’d hope all our players would be equally crushed at any playoff loss, not just a round 1 or 2 loss. Can’t get complacent! And losing in the conference finals would have to be pretty crushing. I mean, he hit the nail right on the head there, they were RIGHT on the doorstep, only for things to end so abruptly.
Nabby is always pretty frank with what he feels. It makes for a good read. Thanks for posting this!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on Nov 9, 2009 3:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It’s hard for me to read between the lines when it comes to whether or not he wants to stay in San Jose, but throughout his career he’s always played for winning clubs, starting with Dynamo Moscow and now spending his whole NHL career here in San Jose. He also chose to play for Russia instead of Kazahstan at the international level, which shows me he does care about winning.
The fact that he spent his whole career here tells me something, versus people like Khabibulin who was never against chasing the dollar.
But I think his next contract and his next location will be largely determined by how he does in playoffs next spring.
by Ivano27 on Nov 9, 2009 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How does that work, anyway, with him playing for Russia in international competitions? Is it because he was born in the U.S.S.R that he has that option? I once tried to look this up and figure it out and it somewhat convoluted. Technically he IS a son of Mother Russia.
As for what he wants to do, I think he’s loyal, but to a point. If he no longer feels he has a chance to play a lot and win, he’ll move on. I can’t blame him for that, if my guess is correct.
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
by CTGray on Nov 9, 2009 4:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think its beacause Kazahkstan used to be Part USSR, because Russia didn't even exist when he was born.
As for him giving any hometown discount. I myself am torn. On the one hand there is this “During the 2003 season, Nabokov held out, refusing to sign San Jose’s proposed contract. After making only US$1 million for two years of stellar play, he wanted much more. He only missed five games before the Sharks met his demands, signing him to a two-year contract.8 When he finally signed a contract, he struggled to regain his form, as he had taken too long of a break. Later, he remarked that holding out was extremely unsportsmanlike, and that he would never do it again. He held to his word when he avoided arbitration by signing a two-year deal worth US $4.425 million per year in 2004, even when players comparable to him were getting more than US $6 million per year.”
Plus the fact that his most recent contract had a no trade clause, so he must like it here in San Jose.
But on the other hand, he seems to say that he won’t give a home-town discount.
Plus I have no idea how much the Sharks brass is willing to pay him.
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Nov 9, 2009 4:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Russia itself
has been around for sometime. But it’s changed over the centuries in terms of lands controlled and governing styles.
I think you’re younger than I am, but even when it was the U.S.S.R., it was also still referred to as “Russia” back in the day. Though someone who was actually aware enough to care about world events in the 80s could probably explain that better than I.
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
by CTGray on Nov 9, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I meant to add technically, I know most people still refered to it as Russia.
And I’m 20, so if that answers your question.
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Nov 9, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
it does
and I guessed correctly, which is kinda cool and then again, kinda depressing. But not really.
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
by CTGray on Nov 9, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It is rather convoluted. Generally, those born in the part of the USSR that isn’t modern-day Russia can choose whether or not they want to be part of the Russian team or their country of residence’s team. Nabokov likely want to play for Team Russia in the 1994 Worlds, but wasn’t quite good enough at the time so played for Kazakhstan. But then he won the Calder in 00-01, and so suddenly Russia wanted him to play for them in the 2002 Olympics. The IIHF ruled against that, saying that he couldn’t represent two teams.
He was barred from playing for Russia until 2005, when the IIHF granted him an exemption for the Worlds. He then got an exemption for the 2006 Olympics, and so since then has played for Russia in international competitions. Don’t quote me on this, but I believe that Nabokov is the only player that has played for two different countries in IIHF-regulated competitions.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 9, 2009 4:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s probably true. Generally, once you play for one country, you always play for that country, even if you played for it as a 15 y.o..
His case is also unique because he’s got two passports (or probably three now, since he’s probably got US passport too due to his wife).
However, Kazahstan didn’t play in the World’s in 1994.. At least not in the final stage.
by Ivano27 on Nov 9, 2009 4:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm… Then either Wikipedia lied, or he played for Kazakhstan and they just didn’t make it to the final rounds.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 9, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
3 reasons Nabokov won't return and only 1 way he should
1) Doug Wilson fired a very good Head Coach w/ 2 SC Finals appearances and replaced him with someone with no NHL Head Coaching experience barely 40 years old? A team in its prime does not have time for a head coach to grow. Then DW decides to vastly improve the roster only after firing the coach? In summary Nabby is not getting any younger and cannot wait for TM to finish cutting his teeth as an NHL head coach.
2) Can you say “Cujo”? Nabokov is beginning to remind me of another very good NHL goaltender…Curtis Joseph. As good or bad as that sounds, they both currently have 1 thing in common.
3) JS Giguere – Currently a back up goaltender, and he has actually won a SC as a starter. His contact is quite hefty, but maby DW can make up for the mistake previously covered… somehow?
And the only way he should return… is if he is hoisting the Cup this season (Which believe it or not is what I am rooting for).
by sharkvenom on Nov 9, 2009 10:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
1) Do you remember 07-08? Like, at all? I admit, I was pretty new to hockey back then, but I remember watch the Stanley Cup Finals, and thinking, “Man, those two teams looks so much faster, quicker, smoother, and more dynamic than the Sharks.” I mean, Joe Thornton on the half-boards gets boring after the first game or so. Ron Wilson has one system that he uses, which can get the most out of mediocre players. It doesn’t work when the team has great, dynamic players like the Sharks do/did. Todd McLellan came in and the entire team looked much more dynamic. I mean, the special teams were so much improved, it’s crazy. Yeah, he’s a new coach, but he learned from last year, which was already a 117 point season.
Oh, and two words: Dan Bylsma.
2) Isn’t Cujo retired? Oh, and if you’re using Cup wins as a grouping method, you can also put Nabokov with Luongo, Lundqvist, Thomas, Anderson, Kipprusoff, and so on. Lots of goalies haven’t won.
3) There’s a reason why Giguere is a back-up right now. And it’s not because Hiller is the second coming of Martin Brodeur/Patrick Roy/Dominik Hasek/Ken Dryden/Insert HOF goalie here. His contract also is larger than Nabokov’s, and the Sharks are right against the cap. No way in hell is that going to work, unless we dump some salary with Nabokov. Already Nabokov for Giguere is an overpayment, do you want to give the Ducks even more? I think not.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 9, 2009 11:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I cant believe that someone would seriously suggest
that adding the 2009 incarnation of Giguere to the Sharks as a starter would somehow make us a better team.
This works on zero levels.
Not on paper
Not on the ice
Not against the salary cap
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on Nov 9, 2009 11:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nabby for Giggy? Absurd.
Bad = Sharks take on a heavier and longer contract + Nabby plays against us in the Pacific.
Good = Giggy has won a cup and Nabby hasn’t? Refer to mymlife’s comments on the valuing Cup wins. Is that worth an extra 2 mil and and an extra year? Plus, who sucks and who doesn’t suck right now?
Lesson of the Day: be wary of over-simplified comparisons. Hockey is a complex sport.
by Mr Tea on Nov 10, 2009 4:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not many comments leave me utterly speechless.
Congratulations.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 6:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Speechless?
Most people would have said Cheechless. Yes, i was the only Sharks fan that suggested trading Cheechoo after the 56 goal season while his value was at its highest.
by sharkvenom on Nov 10, 2009 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think that your comment had anything to do with anything.
And if Cheechoo and Michalek were enough to get Heatley, I’m fine with keeping him for those two other >20 goal seasons.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like the message it sends to players if you trade someone after a breakout year. “If you play really well this year, I’ll reward you by trading you to the Oilers.” Organizational reputations matter to players as well as fans.
by Mr Tea on Nov 10, 2009 1:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
“Very few Buddhists ever reach this kind of harmony, let alone hockey players people on the internet who have transcended the bounds of this universe into another dimension.” [source]
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by Mr. Plank on Nov 10, 2009 7:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
5 Hole has been much less of an issue this year
So far so good.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on Nov 10, 2009 9:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
mymclife
I never suggested Giguere for Nabokov in trade, remember the subject is why Nabokov wont be back next year. If you check the cup, JS Giguere is etched permanently in on it. The Cujo reference was just a comparison. You may also be able to eliminate one of the other names from your goalies list you provided after this season as well, if Nabby does not get one? A multi team deal would have to occur only after the season was over, again and only if the cup does Not make it to San Jose. Perhaps a coaching change is in order if the Sharks underachieve again? If it was good enough for RW would’nt it be enough for TM?
by sharkvenom on Nov 10, 2009 7:09 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
when replying to a specific thread or person
please hit reply.
It’s cool. we’ve had a few people unsure of how to properly reply on here before, so no worries. But from here on out, please hit the reply button located directly under the post you wish to respond to.
Thanks!
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
by CTGray on Nov 10, 2009 8:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s a product of WTC, a place where that kind of functionality isn’t built into the commenting system. When I see someone reply in the general comments, I immediately think that they came from WTC.
That, in addition to the bonehead comments and attacks against people. Those are also tell tale signs.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 8:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We've tried adding players with cup rings
It doesnt always add the boost to the team you want it too. As we saw (sadly) from Anaheim in the playoffs, it doesnt take Stanley Cup experience to get lights out goaltending.
Plus there are at least 5/6 other younger, cheaper goalies I’d seek out before I looked at Jiggy.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on Nov 10, 2009 9:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Other possible goalies if Nabby does not return
Please expand. Like who?
by sharkvenom on Nov 10, 2009 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Stalock is killing it in Worcester currently, and he’s a cheap in house option. Jaroslav Halak will be an RFA this year, and Montreal probably won’t be able to keep him and Price. Those are two, off the top of my head, who I would take over Jiggy.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Some of them are a long shot
but then again, so would Giguerre be.
Halak (Free Agent)
Turco (Free Agent)
Rinne (Free Agent)
Hiller (Free Agent)
Luongo (Free Agent)
Mike Smith (we’ve fleeced Tampa before, shouldnt be hard to do it again)
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on Nov 10, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
turco isn't having a banner year
and he’s 34, so he’s only got so many years left in him.
Didn’t Luongod* just sign with the Canucks for 12 years w/a NTC? That takes him out of the running.
The Ducks aren’t giving up Hiller easily, even if he has FA status. Especially not with Giguere faltering.
Not going to comment extensively on Halak, Rinne or Smith other than to say I don’t think any of them have a decent chance of joining team teal at the moment. That may change, but, we have prospects who are solid AND would be MUCH cheaper. With the cap the way it is, I’m not sure how you take on one of these guys and resign some of the folks we probably want to resign.
It also seems clear that, for the moment at least, Griess is the anointed one to replace Nabokov when that time finally comes. So it’s not like we have no one to put in the next if Nabby decides to seek his fortunes elsewhere.
*this nickname brought to you by Mina’s brother. See, I credit you. :P
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
by CTGray on Nov 10, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was just listing available goalies
Who for the most part are either Cheaper, Better or Younger than Jiggy and will be available come 2010.
I missed that Luongod signing, so you can scratch his name off.
My main reason for putting Turco on the list is this: If nabby walks, and the coaching staff feel that Greiss isnt ready, I think Turco would make a great stop gap until either Griess is ready or Stalock/Sexy/Swede of the month/Fin of the month can step up.
There is of course the argument that Turco isnt going to want a 1-2 year contract given his age, but given the cap next year, it might force a few players hands into making short term deals for less money to keep playing for a winner. Much like Manny this year.
The only sad part about having Turco in Teal is that I would lose immense joy chanting his name mockingly every time he gives up a softy because of his wandering.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on Nov 10, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The only sad part about having Turco in Teal is that I would lose immense joy chanting his name mockingly every time he gives up a softy because of his wandering.
I know. And it’s not quite the same when you taunt your own guy. Don’t want to become Habs fans, after all. ;)
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
by CTGray on Nov 10, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, but who do we trade to get Giguere? He’s still under contract next season, and even if he is relegated to being the backup, the Ducks aren’t going to want to just give him away. Sharks don’t have many draft picks, I’d rather not give the Ducks any prospects, and the guys we have signed are generally guys I want to keep.
And then of course, right now Giguere is not playing anywhere near the level that Nabokov is. It doesn’t matter if he has a Cup or a Conn Smythe in the past if he’s not stopping the puck in the present.
As for the possibility that Nabby won’t re-sign? Well, we’ll deal with that if that happens. But remember, San Jose has a ridiculous amount of goalie prospect depth. Right now in the minors, there’s both Sexsmith and Stalock playing, with Stalock absolutely standing on his head (.931 SV%, 1.84 GAA through 9 games). And then over in Europe we have Sateri and Karlsson, who are both playing in pro leagues and doing fairly well (well, Karlsson is injured right now, so he’s not playing). Any one of these guys could possibly come up and play, especially if they are completely dominating their respective leagues. Oh, or Greiss could actually get more than one start and show that the soft goal against the Kings was a fluke and play well enough to start.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 10, 2009 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If the Sharks lose Nabby to FA next summer, their #1 priority is to still grab an experienced goaltender. Regardless of how good the farm is right now, it would be too risky to assign the starter and backup positions to Greiss and Stalock, not respectively. Especially as Nabby’s playing the majority of the starts this year, leaving management without a true indication as to ready Greiss is for the NHL.
Stalock seems the most NHL-ready of our prospects, but even if Stalock is killing it in the AHL, there is a substantial adjustment to play in the NHL. Average learning curve for goalies in the NHL is about 3 years: Marc-Andre Fleury, Cam Ward, Kari Lehtonen, etc. And this is Stalock’s first pro season.
There are rare exceptions like Steve Mason who stepped pretty much straight from juniors, but remember Mason only became the goaltender starter out of necessity after Pascal LeClaire was injured for the season and Fredrik Norrena couldn’t stop a beachball.
Where hockey injuries in San Diego are thumb blisters from playing too much NHL 09
by Will Bulldozer on Nov 10, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doug Wilson will probably let Nabby go, and platoon Stalock and Greiss in net to start the year. If they are hurting then we go out and get a vet to shelter those two for another year.
by Mr Tea on Nov 10, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yo, mymclife.
I’m really happy for you, and I’m gonna let ya finish but GIGGY IS ONE OF THE BEST GOALIES OF ALL TIME!!!! OF ALL TIME!!!!
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Nov 10, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But on a serious note, I would take Nabby over Giggy right now. And if Nabby walks, I would be fine with one of the younger guys or getting a cheaper free agent goalie. If Giggy had a lesser contract, then maybe he would fit. But his contract is too large and is not playing anywhere near the level of Nabby right now.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Nov 10, 2009 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nabby is on Fire
I am glad Nabby is going to get another shot to prove he can carry his team through a playoff series, if needed, especially in a contract year. Now he just needs to actually do it! Somebody stop playing that annoying Foreigner song (Head Games) so he can stay focused in the playoffs.
by sharkvenom on Nov 10, 2009 12:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Guguire is the answer
why were the Ducks one loss away from missing playoffs altogether last year, and why are they so terrible this year?
I mean, he’s won Conn Smythe and his name is permanently on the Stanley Cup.. Why are they not winning Stanley Cup every year?
by Ivano27 on Nov 10, 2009 10:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Dammit man!
Don’t you get it?! Nabby is terrible!
Until he has his name on the Stanley Cup, he’ll never win a Stanley Cup!
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 10:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bill: Ted, while I agree that, in time, our band will be most triumphant. The truth is, Wyld Stallyns will never be a super band until we have Eddie Van Halen on guitar.
Ted: Yes, Bill. But, I do not believe we will get Eddie Van Halen until we have a triumphant video.
Bill: Ted, it’s pointless to have a triumphant video before we even have decent instruments.
Ted: Well, how can we have decent instruments when we don’t really even know how to play?
Bill: That is why we NEED Eddie Van Halen!
Ted: And THAT is why we need a triumphant video.
Bill, Ted: EXCELLENT!
Jon Casey fan since '84
by stufflife on Nov 10, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That movie isamazingexcellent.
Fixed.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 10, 2009 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would have said that
but didn’t want to be cliche! Actually I would’ve said “Most excellent.”
by idunno723 on Nov 10, 2009 3:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dominik Hasek is a goaltending god.
Where hockey injuries in San Diego are thumb blisters from playing too much NHL 09
by Will Bulldozer on Nov 10, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
finally someone knows exactly what I am thinking
Bravo
by sharkvenom on Nov 10, 2009 1:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Who?
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 2:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t you see TCY, it’s all a test for us. None of our opinions matter as long as we don’t understand what his opinion is.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Nov 10, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And just so I don’t came off as overly judgemental, here’s a relevant quote (emphasis mine):
Thank you for the stats via evilducks. This is what I am asking for. See, It took some pulling but now you are getting it. Way to back it up.
-sharkvenom
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Nov 10, 2009 3:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, it’s a game?
IT’S BEEN A GAME THE WHOLE TIME?!!?
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Nov 10, 2009 3:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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