Sharks Gameday: Back To The Grindstone
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 7:43 AM PST
in Gamedays
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| 13-13-7, 33 points | 19-8-7, 45 points |
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| 15th in Western Conference |
4th in Western Conference |
Television |
CSN-CA (HD)
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As was mentioned in "Banging The Drums, The Doldrums", this current five game slide San Jose has gone through really isn't a direct reflection of the defense-- the most goals they've given up in one game during regulation has been four. You have Jay Leach's miscommunication against Dallas, the mental meltdown at the end of the game against St. Louis, and an all around porous effort against Los Angeles, but other than that the mistakes have been limited in number, or at least limited in the number of times they have ended up in the back of the net.
What has been an issue, however, is secondary scoring. During last year's postseason series against the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose's output was severely lacking-- three goals combined from the bottom nine forwards. Half a goal per game from 3/4th of your forward group is going to bury you, especially if your goaltender is turning in a sub-.900 save percentage.
At any rate, what we have here is the boxcar stats for the forwards during this five game skid. Pretty basic stuff-- goals, assists, and points. The players are paired by lines and listed by jersey numbers; the totals to the right signify how many points they've scored between them.
Out of that bottom six group, Manny Malhotra is the only one to notch a point-- not surprisingly, he's also the only one who has seen top six minutes during that time span (before being bumped down by the promotion of Devin Setoguchi).
The question, of course, is whether or not there is some help on the horizon in this area. Jamie McGinn (bonjour mon ami!) has looked respectable in the last five games, but hasn't been able to cash in on his limited opportunities. Malhotra got the job done with a big goal against Los Angeles and has looked fine. Torrey Mitchell has been getting bodied off the puck a lot down low, and seemingly lost a good chunk of his skating ability-- we mentioned before that patience is going to be the name of the game with him, but it's getting to the point where things need to be improving.
Beyond those three, can we really expect a whole lot more in the goal scoring department than what Jed Ortmeyer and Scott Nichol have given us? Ortmeyer's one goal away from reaching his career high, and Nichol's probably hit more twine when blocking shots*. It's not a criticism of their lack of touch around the pipes, just acknowledging that when we're talking about secondary scoring coming through we're talking about McGinn and Malhotra primarily, with Torrey Mitchell tagging along.
*It's hard to make that sentence work without it turning into a modern day massacre (solid band name), but the idea here is that he blocks a shot, and that shot deflects into the netting behind the goal. It kind of sounds stupid when I have to explain it.
So with all of the recent trouble San Jose has had in this department, I think now is the perfect time to utilize the Worcester Shuttle. I'm not talking about it's creepy uncle the Worcester Salary Shuffle, I'm talking about the honest and pure Worcester "I Run Off Results" Shuttle. Logan Couture has been tearing it up in the AHL this season and leads the team in goals. Benn Ferriero had a two goal game against Manchester earlier this month and has eight points in ten games. Give the team a little kick in the pants and bring in some forwards who a) have been up here for an extended period of time this season b) are familiar with their role on this team and c) will provide a scoring threat.
The only potential issue I see with this is that Jody Shelley and Brad Staubitz are both nearing return. That's two roster spots that are going to be filled pretty soon, and even with Frazer McLaren's impending demotion (not based off his play, mind), the salary cap is going to have it's hand in this decision as it has all season long. It's a shame really, and I'm sure McLellan hasn't been fond of losing practice days with guys like McGinn over the course of this year.
At any rate, I'm all for calling up Roy Sommer to see what's hot on the shelf right now; manufacture some competition and get things back on track.
*****
A man with nothing to lose is a dangerous man. Earl Sleek of BoC has nothing to lose. Therefore, Earl Sleek is a dangerous man.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-1. Goals by McGinn, Boyle, and Nichol City. We need to be able to boo a Duck mercilessly every time he touches the puck, and since Pronger isn't in town anymore, I think the honors slide to Perry. What say you?
Go Sharks.
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While I didn’t want this break to begin with a loss in our last game, now I’m kind of glad it did because Sharks have had 5 days to dwell on their sad state of things, and this also allowed them to lose the 1st spot in the NHL, in the Conference and more importantly in the division. That gives me hope going into tonight that they’ll bring some serious effort and desire to win.
Let us also not forget that tonight marks the preview of the most important game on our calendar, FTF outing.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 8:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Good point, I should have added the division tidbit in there— not the best run of things lately, what with the Sharks dropping three division games in a row.
I’m still not sure when the right time to go into full-blown panic mode is concerning this run, but I’m sure I’ll know when I get there.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would go into panic mode if we were losing every game by 3-4 goals like the Flyers or Rangers. But our losses are mostly OT losses when things could have gone either way.
I’m still thinking Sharks are one of the top 5 teams in the NHL. No better time to prove it than in the next two weeks.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 10:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Go Sharks!
Really up for this one, first game to be televised over here for weeks, which has been a blessing in disguise given our recent woes.
Let’s get this show back on the road, because I want to be welcoming the Cup champs to Europe next year!
And you think you live in a non-traditional hockey market...
by BritShark on Dec 17, 2009 8:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Go Sharks!
"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra
by 49er16 on Dec 17, 2009 8:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
GO SHARKS!
I have a good feeling about this one. Of course, it has everything to do with that we are playing the Ducks and no way will we let those fuckers win!! … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 17, 2009 8:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Who needs Thursday night Sharks hockey?
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 9:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I know … wth is with that??
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 17, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember reading a statistic (believe it was when Puck Daddy did a story on the now defunct Bears-Hawks crossover commercials) that 94% of NHL fans are fans of the NFL as well.
That being said, it sort of grates my nerves considering I haven’t seen an NHL Network advertisement on Fear The Fin since, well, forever. The whole full page thing is a little over the top too.
Life moves on. Especially if the Sharks win.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of NHL advertisements … driving to and from work each day, the Sharks have several bulletin boards up and about SF. I don’t recall seeing so many last year or previous years, or maybe the slower traffic has made me more aware … just nice to see notice of them down my way since it’s usually just when I head closer to SJ that I catch anything Sharks related
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 17, 2009 9:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing that keeps me from complain to my blogging overlords about the stupid zoom across the screen and follow you around if you scroll up or down ads is the knowledge that I don’t have to wake up to find my background has been turned into a full page ad.
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 Dec 17, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
These Thursday Night Football ads have effed up SB Nation. I saw several complaints about them on other sites.
"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra
by 49er16 on Dec 17, 2009 10:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed!
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865
And if you’re using IE, then you deserve to look at football ads.
by dan_hileman on Dec 17, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now that I look at it again...
Plank is running FF, with Adblock disabled! WTF?!
by Section223 on Dec 17, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually turn off Adblock when I surf FTF just so I can see what sort of advertisements are running on the site.
It’s an experiment that might end soon.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love adblock
so awsome, I didn’t even know there were still those fullpage ads around here, it’s just a gray background.
by sharks on Dec 17, 2009 3:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nominees for Ducks to be booed:
Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. One is an arrogant d-bag, one has a bald spot the size of Texas (so does Dany Heatley, but he pulls it off better as he is in a teal uni)
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 Dec 17, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
If Chris Kunitz was still around he would be another solid candidate. Will never forget that headshot he layed on Cheechoo about two/three years ago.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 9:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, just like I will never wish any goodwill for Sarich for that hit on Marleau.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Perry
Boo. In fact, I still hold steam for his cheap shit-shots taken on Nabby and Bouche last season. He’s a little prick and I’d really appreciate it if someone would bust his nose open with a right hook and if need be, a left jab will suffice. Last season he came on XM Radio and had the nerve to act like nothing happened in the Nabokov “tangle up”. He is indeed our new Duck Bitch.
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that.
by theneverman on Dec 17, 2009 9:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I second booing Perry
Crybaby, you’re on notice! Booing notice!
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 Dec 17, 2009 9:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Boo the fuck out of Perry
He’s a douche and a tool and a poopey-head.
by AfroPuff on Dec 17, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+11
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 Dec 17, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This
To quote Nabokov,
You know in America this is called ‘a crybaby’ and [Corey Perry] is exactly that.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
*It’s hard to make that sentence work without it turning into a modern day massacre (solid band name), but the idea here is that he blocks a shot, and that shot deflects into the netting behind the goal. It kind of sounds stupid when I have to explain it.
Actually, it sounded stupid even before you had to explain it.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 9:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
or you coulda just said
…and Nichol’s probably hit more twine by going to block shots but deflecting them into his own net instead.
by Spearing Major Editorial on Dec 17, 2009 10:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think that reference is reserved for Alexei Semenov.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 10:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m also curious to see if Heatley stays on the 2nd line tonight. I sure as hell hope not.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 10:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This.
Having him not playing with Thornton is really, really stupid.
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 17, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Minutes
Good point on the lack of secondary scoring. I don’t suppose you have average or total minutes for lines 3 and 4, do you?
Part of my general impression during the sour streak has been that we see lots of the top two lines having uninspired shifts, a few shifts which are a bit up and down from line 4, and some good energy shifts from line 3, but honestly, just lots and lots of lines 1 and 2. Part of that is PK/PP stuff, but I wonder if we’re just not giving the other 2 lines, line 3 in particular, because I can’t remember too many instances of them looking bad, the minutes they need to contribute.
This has always seemed to be a problem with the Sharks, no matter the coach or the season. It sucks to see it this season in particular, because with the roster we have right now, these are probably the best 3rd and 4th line we’ve ever had. Why not use them?
I know we have almost $20M invested in line one, but let the blue chippers contribute too!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 10:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I actually don’t have the average minutes for lines 3 and 4 handy, but if I find some time today I can try and average them out for you. It definitely affects their scoring chances, or at least their opportunity to create scoring chances.
I think line three has done a fine job in the energy department, but at times like these (when the team is putting up roughly two goals a game) we need them to start chipping in too. I like Malhotra on the third line, because as good as Nichol has been with McGinn in creating some ruckus, there’s not a whole lot of touch around the net. For some reason McLellan has been skating Nichol with Malhotra more lately too, which doesn’t make much sense to me.
In a perfect world I slide McLaren up with McGinn and Malhotra and see if they can get some chemistry rolling— it seems like a poor man’s second line from last season, with Manny as the pivot (Pavs), McGinn with the speed and scoring touch (Michalek), and McLaren as the clean up crew (Clowe). That leaves you with a solid defensive fourth line as well.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
why not go back to what started out the season?
Thornton, Heatley, Seto
Marleau and co.
etc.
It seemed to work…
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m all for breaking the Burger line HTML up if it means a kickstart to get the team going—Setoguchi hasn’t been impressive in the slightest since returning from injury, but freed himself up for three good scoring opportunities on Saturday. Those are going to eventually find themselves in the back of the net if his past performance is any indicator. Why not go back to what worked at the beginning of the year, with Marleau playing on Pavelski’s wing and Setoguchi up with Thornton? There’s nothing off the table right now in my opinion, and while McGinn has showed flashes of the 25-30 goal scorer he’s going to eventually become, Setoguchi clicked on that top line last season. Throw that out there against Anaheim and see how it goes in the first twenty.
-Banging The Drums, The Doldrums
That’s what I said yesterday, and I’m in full agreement with you to put Patty down on line two. Makes it harder for opposing coaches to center in on one line and shut them down, something that Carlyle is a wizard it (or was a wizard at— probably not too difficult when you had Pronger, Niedermayer, and Beauchemin manning the blueline).
I’m not adverse to the HTML line, but if the team is struggling to score goals as a whole, you need to try and balance out the scoring.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
PM can score anywhere, seems to be able to quash his own ego, and is probably the heart of the team. So KEEP Heater (and his ego) with Jumbo and Seto too, because he needs the confidence!
Frankly a line 2 that has guys like Pavelski, Marleau and Clowe is intimidating and line 1 will tear you up too.
That frees up guys like Malhotra and McGinn to play against lines that they should have an advantage over as well.
So yeah, I am on board with the “Doldrums”.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 1:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember last season when the Sharks somehow ran out of centers despite have 6 or 7 of them to start the season, and Marleau had to be bumped down to the third line, going from playing with Thornton and Setoguchi to Grier and Plihal. Somehow, he managed to score two goals, earning PD’s first star of the night.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Marleau = Beast
Marleau can score from anywhere. He doesn’t need to be with Thornton. I think we’re all pretty much in agreement over this. Now, if only McLellan agreed with us too!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 17, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
zactly
Marleau creates momentum and chances all the time, even shorthanded. You reward him by putting him on a second line where he can thrive rather than face 1st line pressure (self inflicted and from the opposition)
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For a team clearly built on forward depth
We don’t seem interested in using it do we?
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Truefax
Also, early in the year, the third and fourth lines WERE making the most of their minutes, like Benn Ferrerio scoring in limited minutes, Vesce getting goals in his stint on the top line, etc. etc.
I don’t know if more minutes for lines 3 and 4 means more goals, but I think I’m more interested in it from an accountability perspective.
And who knows, those lines could have been getting average minutes and my memory is selective. Selective memory is symptom 6 or 7 of an extended slump.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Boo Saku Koivu.
And then follow it up with an open cheer for cancer.
:)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Dec 17, 2009 11:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
What do you think would happen...
If coach Todd acted more like this ?
by Pizzle on Dec 17, 2009 12:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
This isn't NY
No one is watching us, not until April anyway.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 12:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But do you think
it would “fire-up” the team since it’s so out of character?
by Pizzle on Dec 17, 2009 12:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a more interesting question
I tend to be of the viewpoint that if a team is struggling with “spark” or “fight,” the coach’s words probably fall on deaf ears. The TEAM has to get itself out of that hole. It’s at times like these you look for a Jeremy Roenick or a Gary Roberts type of player to bring a spark.
Benching a player is a much better tack in my opinion. Profanity-laced press conferences are more comical than anything. But then again, that’s from a fan’s perspective. I don’t know how players feel about them. But if you look at the great turnarounds in sports history, I can’t think of too many that come from coach’s rants. A few player ones, yes. (Think Larry Bird saying the Celtics played like sissies, Namath promising a win, Ruth calling his shot, etc.)
My $0.02
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what mr. Blake is doing about things. For all the offseason chatter about it, the captaincy seems to be making little impact on making the Sharks a consistent team.
3 point games are dumb too. If you look at the points, the Sharks have had trouble stringing together wins all season…but they get these singles for OTL. The thing is, THEY ARE LOSING those games. Losing. Point or not.
There are lots of new, peripheral players, but the core is the same and the team doesn’t look too hot to me.
We still get tremendous efforts from individuals yet they haven’t seemed to gel like a Washington or Pitt team that f’ing wastes the bad guys!
Please gel soon, please put teams like the ducks on their back sides so hard they don’t want to play in SJ this year at all!
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 1:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
re: Blake
I find it rather interesting that everyone was calling for Marleau’s head last year because he wasn’t a fiery, vocal leader on the ice…and that was supposed to make the difference. And then Marleau loses his C, its given to Blake, who also has not been a fiery leader on the ice…and I haven’t heard much complaining at all.
You know, maybe Marleau wasn’t the issue. Sigh, I know, I’m beating a dead horse. It’s just very interesting that Blake seems to be getting a pass so far.
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 17, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that’s what I’m sayin. Patrick Marleau is golden. Blake very well may be a dead horse. I like him but…is he simply a thicker skinned figure head to deflect criticism? I never thought you should hold Patty accountable for the team. A leader leads…its up to the rest of the guys to follow.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 3:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Torts is pretty notorious for these outbursts, and you have to wonder if he’s gone the way of Ron Wilson and it’s falling on deaf ears right now. I’m not saying he’s the reason for their slide, but at some point it loses it’s effectiveness in motivating a club.
I agree with a whole lot of what you have to say being a big believer in the idea that accountability is usually found within the dressing room walls, but for a guy like McLellan who we’ve never seen really rip into the team like this before, I think it could be beneficial every once in awhile, something like twice a year tops. I don’t think the team has deserved a lashing like this based off the last five games (NY has been struggling for what seems like months now), but if the opportunity presents itself you won’t see me complaining.
Again though, agreed on the players aspect. The coach gets too much blame when things are going poorly, and too much credit when things are going well in my opinion. It’s up to the guys who lace up their skates to produce results.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My MS Paint skills suck but...
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
err, image fail
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like I’m going tonight… anyone else?
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by That'll Cheech You on Dec 17, 2009 12:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I too shall boo Perry.
Boo i say.
boo.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 12:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
y'know I wasn't worried...
until I saw how many teams have gained ground on the Sharks during the skid.
Last few years I melted down when the Sharks lost a game or two. Now its like, meh. I think that the Olympics will have a huge impact on momentum in the league and the post Olympic hangover/high is going to really shape the post season picture. So, meh, for now.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 1:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That’s my hope too. If Sharks continue their slide for another month or so, then we’re running into Olympics, and most players will return in completely different shape and mood – hopefully mostly positive, and will regain momentum. Some will also get a chance to heal if they’re not going to the games.
I don’t think we’ll see a lengthy three months long slump like we’ve seen last year.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 2:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
WTC Update
Joslin sent to Woostah; Leach in
McGinn and McLaren are back; neither Shelley nor Staubitz are ready to return
by Section223 on Dec 17, 2009 1:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the update. I’m excited to see Leach again.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Coach Todd McLellan made it clear he intends to stay pretty fluid when it comes to mixing and matching forwards on his top two lines. "This isn’t a divorce," he said of his decision to split Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley the past few games.
Part of his motivation, McLellan explained, was also to find a way to jump-start Devin Setoguchi, who is scoreless in seven games since returning after a leg injury. Setoguchi played well last season with Thornton and Marleau and McLellan is hoping history repeats itself.
Interesting that McLellan has gone back to this. Gooch was playing well with Heatley and Thornton to start the year.
We’ll see how it shakes out, but at first sniff I’m not a big fan.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t shake or sniff at the Gooch…wait, what?
by Section223 on Dec 17, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed about Leach. I thought he was decent vs. Dallas.
I support the Heatley/Seto swap for a couple of reasons. Think back to those Thornton-Heatley passes against Philadelphia. It just doesn’t take someone of Heater’s caliber to put those in the back of the net. Setoguchi would do. Hell, Shelley would do. This’ll make Heatley work a little harder for his goals. It’ll force him to carry the puck more and be more involved in the play.
In a way, I wish we didn’t have such obvious (and good) third and fourth line material. I’d like to see Patty and Pavs on different lines as centers. It’s just not going to happen with the current chemistry though.
One other thing: I think that Shelley and Staubitz being out has had a bigger impact on the team than people are giving it credit for.
by cerise on Dec 17, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One other thing: I think that Shelley and Staubitz being out has had a bigger impact on the team than people are giving it credit for.
Spot on. Although, I think if you look back to when Shelley and Staubitz were skating for maybe a combined 10 minutes each, people here were pretty consistent about wanting one or more of then not dressed each night and seeing more guys from Woostah. The (relative) return to health of Torrey Mitchell and the emergence of guys like McGinn and to a lesser extent Fraser McLaren have been aided by those lineup spots being open.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know if I agree with you there. Sure, some goals Heatley scores from perfect Jumbo passes you and I could score easily, but most of the goals Heatley scores because he’s in the right place at the right time. He’s got a sixth sense as a goalscorer (I think the only other guy that can compete with him in that regard is Kovalchuk – not even Ovechkin is as good positionally), and he can position himself offensively better than any other Sharks, so he almost makes these goals look too easy. In fact, he wastes like 2-3 easy chances to score every game, but it’s not because he sucks, it’s because he knows where to be to take an advantage of the situation.
You don’t see Nichol or Mitchell or anybody else get those easy chances as often as Heatley gets them.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 2:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he has that unreal quick release cannon thingy happening.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And he excels at what Drew would call
Finding those scoring spaces. He is a good compliment to Joe. Keep him there. Give Joe a target the D has to respect, otherwise they tend to gang up on him. If the ice opens up for him, it’s on Joe to shoot more. But by and large, spare the big guy the beatings and make the D back off with a real sniper.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m actually frighted by the fact that McLellan thinks shuffling the lines is going to get us out of the slump. It didn’t work in playoffs last year, why is he still doing it now?
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That too, yes.
Every time I see him raising the stick 180 degrees to slap the puck, I’m already raising my hands celebrating a goal.
He’s got the craziest slap shot swing I’ve ever seen.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually hate this move.
Setoguchi sucks balls when he’s not playing next to Thornton. It’s been like that from Day 1 of him with the Sharks. So yeah, let’s jump start him by putting him back to the best passer in the game instead of allowing him to earn his spot on the roster back. While we’re at it, let’s drop this Heatley guy next to Pavelski. Seriously, why not put the Heatley-Joe-Seto line together?
I seriously want this experiment to fail miserably.
Go Ducks?!..
PS – Time to change my avatar.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 2:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Go Ducks?!..
Whoa now, let’s not do anything drastic…
Just get out your tinfoil hat.
In all seriousness, yes, Seto needs to be on line 1, Patty needs to be on line 2. I’ve railed about accountability and earning your roster spot a bit, but I might make an exception here. Seto has NOT earned his place on line one since his return from injury. He’s spent a lot of time floating in the offensive zone, not helping his linemates win pucks. I really like Marleau-Pavelski-Clowe as a line. And honestly, given that realistically, without ditching Nabby, we can only have 2 of Patty, Pavs and Seto, as of today, I want Patty and Pavs.
Doing a bit of Rosterbation too, who likes the idea of a line next year of Patty-Pavs-Manny (assuming we dish Clowe for a D-man)?
Heatley-Thornton-?
Patty-Pavs-Manny
Ortmeyer-Nichol-McGinn
McLaren-Couture-Mitchell
I have a few people out of position there, and I made the assumption you package either Clowe and Vlasic for a big name D man, or Clowe and Huskins for a slightly lesser name, and let Devin Setoguchi walk. Or, if you’re willing to roll the dice with the D we have, hope Patty takes a big discount that lets you keep Pavs and Manny, put Clowe on the top line. He’s a PP specialist anyway, let him clean up with Joe.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t go as far as predicting next year lines because too many pieces are up in the air. However, this year, I’d put Heatley-Joe-Seto line together for even strength and then put Marleau-Thornton-Heatley line as a 1st PP unit.
Why oh why McLellan can’t make such an obvious easy decision?
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We're all lamenting that
I’m sure he has a plan, but none of us are privy to it. Not sure if the deal is accountability, or just mixing it up so no one can get a read on us. Or just being bad.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
whoa tiger!
go ducks? I just punched myself in the face.
if I buy your statement that seto sucks on other lines and excels on the first line…wouldn’t you put that piece where it performs the best?
What do we expect him to do on the 4th line? He isn’t Patty Marleau BUT he is a decent finisher on the first line beside a bona fide playmaker.
Using the “earn his spot” argument would put guys like Huskins or Shelley out of the league entirely.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t use Huskins or Shelley as examples. Huskins is playing because our defensive depth sucks and we got no one else. Joslin has been terrible, and he’s now on a flight to East coast, thinking about things. Shelley plays because he’s our only heavyweight fighters and for some reason our management thinks we need one.
How about Mitchell? Why not try to jump start him and let him center 1st line, where Heatley and Marleau can be his wingers?
I’m just afraid that Seto is simply another Cheechoo. DW will offer him a huge long contract next summer, and Seto will continue to get cold as soon as he’s not playing next to Joe.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough on the Huskins example.
I have always thought Mitchell was a 3rd liner at best though…provides energy, speed, effort and uglies around the net.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 3:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope Burke does not give Ryan a spot over Pavs or someone else JUST because he drafted him.
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 Dec 17, 2009 3:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Wilson is a head coach. I’m sure he has a say into things too and he knows exactly what he gets from Pavs.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 3:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC, at the US Olympic camp over the summer, Pavs was leading all the stretches and drills because of his familiarity with Wilson’s system and way of doing things. Him playing under RW is definitely a good thing.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 3:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Fail on my part, I totally forgot Wilson is the head coach. That’s more reassuring then for sure.
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 Dec 17, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Image 6 on a GIS for Corey Perry
So yeah, he’d be my pick.
Petey and Fresh always dunking on Spartans,
Biscuits in baskets from Heatley and Thornton,
Bam-Bam and Gore on the way to some rings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
by beat_la_25 on Dec 17, 2009 1:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I actually fully endorse this picture.
Your point still stands however— Perry needs to be booed with the intensity of 18,000 teenyboppers attending their first NSYNC concert.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
boo nsync.
Can I pretend the teenyboppers are attending a Backstreet Boys concert? (:
"Okay, I have my thinking touque on." -Jamie Baker
by ohmymarleau on Dec 17, 2009 3:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i mean, i like it too, until that’s Nabby he’s attempting to gingerly caress with his forearm and elbow.
/pitchforks and torches.
Petey and Fresh always dunking on Spartans,
Biscuits in baskets from Heatley and Thornton,
Bam-Bam and Gore on the way to some rings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
by beat_la_25 on Dec 17, 2009 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Caption
Correy! You have to wait until he’s ready to sit in Santa’s lap!
Definitely going on the naughty list.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good luck Sharks
All I want for Christmas is a Win…
Pavelski closing in, Pavelski fires, HE SCOOORES!! 5 games not enough! The Sharks have another date in the Lone Star State!
by Fear the 8 on Dec 17, 2009 1:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I would like a Sharks win too. Many of them. This season. And for all seasons to come.
And a job.
Thanks Santa!
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 Dec 17, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I heard JP Losman will be centering Heatley/Thornton
No comfirmation yet.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 17, 2009 2:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
As long as its not JaMarcus Russel.
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 Dec 17, 2009 3:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Go Sharks.
If I’m not here don’t worry I’m not dead, I’m studying for finals! yay!
First time this season I’m not watching the Sharks by choice… * GASP *
by idunno723 on Dec 17, 2009 2:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I am so happy
I actually get to watch the Sharks broadcast today! And in HD! And on a TV! And all the pre-game and post-game stuff that I haven’t seen once this year!
This excites me far more than it should.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 2:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
pre-game and post-game stuff
plus the during-game stuff with Brodie…quite the interviewer
by Section223 on Dec 17, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I’ll finally see what you guys are talking about.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
STUPID QUESTION
Is there any way to have a sound happen when a new post comes up? I work on my computer and it would be cool if I was somehow notified while doing other things…
Yeah yeah, scream at me if you want but not everyone has memorized every post.
Here's to the second round!
by Aero72 on Dec 17, 2009 3:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
From McCovey Chronicles
A tweet today from Tim Kawakami
Getting good nominations for the New Credibility: Independent fan websites like McCovey Chronicles & GoldenStateofMind.
Why isn’t FtF a part of this group?
"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra
by 49er16 on Dec 17, 2009 3:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It’s Kawakami. He doesn’t talk about hockey until every other sport is exhausted, or if the Sharks just lost in the playoffs and he jumps on the “talk about how much the Sharks suck” bandwagon. Therefore, barely anybody here reads any of his stuff, and he likely doesn’t read any Sharks stuff outside of what Mark Purdy tells him.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He talks about the Sharks when the crappy teams he follows (looking at you, Warriors) don’t make the playoffs.
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 Dec 17, 2009 4:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A real win
Not happy about Heatley on the second line, doesn’t make sense to me. Anyways… we need a win tonight! A real win, like one that happens by scoring more goals than the other team by the time the third period is over!
by Ronnibily on Dec 17, 2009 3:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Damn...
Just remembered that I live in LA, and this game is going to be locally televised. No Center Ice tonight. That means I have to listen to the Ducks announcers, which are absolutely horrendous. If there was ever a time for the Heater-Home-Ice-Hat-Trick, tonight would be good!
by Ronnibily on Dec 17, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In NHL 2K10 when I played this game, Heater got a hat-trick. When I played as him against the Flyers he got a hat-trick, and then proceeded to get one in real life. I hope this one is an omen for success.
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 Dec 17, 2009 4:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Perfect scenario will be Sharks generating 0 offense in the first two periods, going 0-3, McLellan finally throwing a towel, and putting Burger line together and Sharks going on to win 4-3, with Heatley scoring all 4 goals.
That’s my perfect world.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 3:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
Your perfect world sucks.
In mine, the Sharks win the Cup and there are girls in trampolines EVERYWHERE.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I do too
Except the girls should be ON trampolines. If they were indeed IN trampolines… that’d be kinda gross…
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 4:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That gave me an idea
It could be like one of those aquariums where there’s a glass window beneath you and you can watch the fish, except you’d be watching the girls.
"Okay, I have my thinking touque on." -Jamie Baker
by ohmymarleau on Dec 17, 2009 4:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what the hell do we need girls on trampolines for??
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 17, 2009 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We, we, we, we
So selfish Ang. This is about ME ME ME ME ME
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
oh!?! and I’m the selfish one?? mmmhmmm
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 17, 2009 4:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's cute
If it were in teal, I’d consider getting one.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's also probably best for the kids
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 4:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I never understood why the Sharks player t-shirts with the primary logo aren’t teal.
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 Dec 17, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like it, I just do not get why the fin is white. A grey fin probably would not have worked as well.
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 Dec 17, 2009 4:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just another reason the shirt should be in Teal
I think you and I are in agreement on this.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 4:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you rigged that together yourself!
Then I read the rest of the post.
Would I buy it? No. Will I still give Sharkie a hug every time I see him? Yes.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on Dec 17, 2009 4:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And since we're trying to kill the time before the game..
May I introduce you to the ugliest hockey jerseys Team Russia ever wore?
I sure am glad none of this glittery ad crap will be allowed at the Olympics.
by Ivano27 on Dec 17, 2009 4:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Why are their names on their butts? That’s the thing that confuses me the most about this.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 6:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ducks: 13-13-7, 35 points
I think that’s only 33 pts…don’t give ‘em pts they don’t deserve! =)
by Section223 on Dec 17, 2009 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Fixed, and duly noted.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Dec 17, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Love the commercial for the game tonight
“It’s Duck season at the Tank tonight, with Corey Perry as the number one target.” Complete with clips of Sharks having huge hits on Perry. They definitely know their audience, that’s for sure.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 6:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
McLaren, McGinn, and Demers recalled, according to CSN Bay Area.
Didn’t know about Demers being recalled. Interesting.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Dec 17, 2009 6:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
DP with the update:
“UPDATE: Both Frazer McLaren and Jamie McGinn took part in the morning skate, but now it looks as if a third player has arrived from Worcester, Jason Demers.
Demers showed up in San Jose this afternoon, I’m advised. Whether that means he’ll replace Joslin and Leach will sit — or maybe both will play and someone else will sit — remains to be seen. Initial word is that it’s not an injury-related call-up. Heading over to the rink shortly. END OF UPDATE"
Interesting indeed.
by Megs on Dec 17, 2009 6:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sooo...
We getting a gameday thread?
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 7:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
it’s not exactly 15 minutes before game time yet … once it is, then you can start asking :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 17, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
*sigh*
Unfortunate habit of jumping the gun…
I mean… crap…
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 17, 2009 7:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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