Worcester Watch: Screw Stanley, It's all about the Calder
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:00 AM PDT
in Worcester Watch
180 comments
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4:05 PST
[Note]: Make sure to visit the Worcester Sharks' webpage for all your Worcester needs. You can watch the game through AHL Live for $8.00 per game or $40.00 per round, but I think I'll stick to the radio for this one.
So, instead of blogging incessantly about what Doug Wilson should do during the offseason when we don't even know what he's thinking, we've decided to focus on some of the good things happening in the Sharks organization.
That's right boys and girls... Worcester. It's kind of sad that we have to focus on our minor league affiliate when the big Sharks should be playing in the second round, but hell, it's better than nothing. And because of injuries at the NHL level, you've come to know many of these baby Sharks already.
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Brad Staubitz, Tom Cavanagh, Ryan Vesce, Riley Armstrong, Lukas Kaspar, Mike Moore, Derek Joslin and Thomas Greiss all spent time with the big club this year. In addition, former Sharks fan favorite Kyle McLaren still patrols the blue line for Worcester; McLaren has notched an assist in playing every postseason game for the Sharks. These players are all now in the AHL, helping Worcester to places that the NHL Sharks couldn't reach.
Playing Hartford in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, Worcester (like San Jose) fell into a two game hole. However, the Sharks were able to come back and win four straight to knock the Wolf Pack out of the playoffs.
Worcester has once again fallen into a hole, dropping their first game to Providence, Boston's minor league affiliate. Providence is loaded with prospects (drool), including budding goal tending superstar Tuukka Rask. In 57 AHL games this season, Rask posted a 2.50 GAA and a .915 save percentage. In a brief call up to the Bruins, Rask played a brilliant 60 minutes stopping 35 shots for his first NHL shutout. So far in the playoffs, Rask has a stellar 1.61 GAA and a Hiller-esque save percentage of .957.
If Worcester is going to have a chance, they are going to need big showings from their top players. McGinn (30 points in 47 RS AHL games, 2 goals in 1 Playoff Game), Armstrong (42 points in 71 games, 8 assists in the playoffs), Kaspar (44 points in 65 games, 3 points in the playoffs) and Vesce (71 points in 67 playoff games, 6 points in 7 playoff games) are going to have to tickle the twine early and often. They're also going to need goaltender Thomas Greiss to step up huge.
Greiss has already turned up his game during the playoffs, dropping his GAA from 2.47 to 2.02 while improving his save percentage from .907 to .922. He's going to have to match Rask, but I'm confident that he can get it done.
The wildcard? 20 year old Logan Couture. After having a huge season in the OHL (87 points in 62 games), San Jose's top prospect (and my man-crush) was called up to Worcester to start the playoffs. He's scored two goals in seven playoff games so far and is finally starting to mesh with the team. If he can further sync up with his team mates, it could be a short series for Rask and the Bruins.
Because of the crazy 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 series schedule, Worcester will be at home to play game two (eight days after they lost game one... huh?). So, get crazy for a home game and take in a little Sharks hockey... try to forget our troubles for a while. It will be worth it, I promise. This is almost like a pre-preseason for many of these players... a good Calder Cup run would go a long way to an NHL roster spot.
Prediction: Worcester wins 3-1 on goals by Couture, McGinn, and Joslin. This thread blows up with Worcester love.
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McGinn’s doing some chat room stuff tomorrow. The article is a pretty good read, but if you want to ask him some questions there’s an email link at the bottom of the page.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Go Sharks!
Try not to be too overwhelmed by all the prospects, TCY.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
It wouldn’t surprise me if McGinn just completely dominates tonight – the sole game that he played when he got two goals was played when he had almost no sleep after flying from San Jose to Boston. And with the eight days of rest, he’ll be over jet lag and be able to mesh with his teammates more.
And I think most people here know of Tuukka Rask, if only because of his milk-carton-throwing tantrum.
That’s heart.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions
McGinn
McGinn is the man. I’m definitely expecting a multi-point night from him.
Worcester can score, but the quesion is: can the defense and Greiss match the opposition? We’ll find out tonight.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions
There’s no question that the playoffs are likely going to be the last time McGinn will play in Worcester. He’s up with the big club next season, bank on it.
Oh it's almost a guarantee...
McGinn will be a full time NHL’er next year.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Plihal isn’t signed to a two-way contract, just an NHL one, so he can’t be sent down unless he is cleared through waivers.
And Lemieux… I think there might be a clause saying he can’t be sent back down without clearing waivers because of his age, but I’m not completely sure on that one.
we wouldn't go down, he was only there as a way to prove he was nhl ready again
I don't like you Detroit.
Can you verify the link you have for the Worcester Sharks’ webpage? I’m showing that it’s invalid. Thx much. :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on May 6, 2009 9:07 AM PDT reply actions
The Worcester Site has been down all morning...
It’s up and running now… check it out.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Was wondering about that...
The last time I saw a red link was on Wikipedia, for a link that doesn’t exist yet.
Fear The Fin = Anyone who doesn’t like fighting in the NHL can go watch poker on ESPN. [Jamie Baker]
Anyone watching USA vs. Finland quarterfinals from the World Championships?
3-2 USA after 2 periods, should be an intense 3rd period.
Esche came up huge for the US.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Awww...
McLaren scratched tonight with a DTD injury.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Vesce-McGinn-Kaspar
That’s your first line tonight.
Am I the only one in here? This is some old school FTFing :(
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Wilson, McLellan, and Greg Jamison are all in Worcester tonight...
No pressure or anything.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Kaspar bringing it early… 3 shots in about 30 seconds, and he’s really throwing his weight around.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Couture-Cavanaugh-Armstrong
is your second line.
The fourth line (Staubitz-Zalewski-Larose) is seeing a ton of time so far.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Thank god, I was getting bored talking to myself.
Although I will be heading home in a bit here.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Couture must be skating well...
They keep trying to hit him on the breakout pass.
7-2 shots in favor of Worcester.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Nice
From what I’ve been hearing on the radio, it does sound like Worcester is controlling the action. I’ve even heard Staubitz’s line have some sustained pressure in the offensive zone.
There you go...
Couture on the breakout, draws an interference penalty.
Staubitz has been active so far.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep...
Sounds like they are playing him on the wing… good thing too because we have some super depth at center at the NHL level.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Powerplay 1:
Couture-Cavanagh-Vesce-Joslin-Traverse
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
And it sounds like there’s a lot of Bruins fans there, surprising since its at Worcester. Then again, its not like the teams are that far apart.
But still, damn. Bad turnover by the Sharks in their own zone leads to a goal.
Sounds like the NHL Sharks...
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Just got home from work...
What’s the score?
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
Groan...
S’ok. McGinn and Couture will get it back!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd hope Kaspar would be doing well there too...
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Playing well in the AHL this year and in the playoffs...
And remember, he’s only 23. He still has some time to turn it on. I’m not giving up on him yet.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions
True
Its just that every time he’s been called up, he hasn’t been able to find that spark. And there was that one call-up where he got gassed far too quickly.
agreed...
But everyone is hot for Vesce right now, and he’s 4 years older.
Kaspar has a projectable frame, a good shot, and hockey sense. If he puts together a strong postseason he’ll either make the team or be valuable trade bait. You just can’t give up on a first rounder before they’re 25.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
he needs more opportunities to play on a non-4th line
He’s shown some sparks of promise when he’s actually playing on a line with offensive potential. Like a young (lol) Michalek, his offensive potential is there, but his grind and defense needs work. I remember when he got a little time with Thornton and he definitely looked a lot more noticeable.
Is anyone else as Jazzed as me about
The Piccadilly Pub Intermission report?
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Like no other intermission report.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions
RILE-Y ME UP BABY!
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like it was all created by Couture on the forecheck!
We could use that in SJ! Nice!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Please.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Rask off the Mask!!!
These commentators are pretty goo!
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
mmmmmm, precious goo!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Ugh, that was quick...
2-1 Bruins
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Puck over glass 5 seconds into the first PK
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Go Worcester!!!!!
Can’t watch or listen (my headphones are blown out). Keep me updated!
Go Sharks
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
FIRE NABBY NOW!
just kidding
Awesome though
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
it's time anyways
No use in drafting tons of goalie prospects if you aren’t gonna give them a series chance at staying on the big club. I like Bouch, but Greiss either needs to be given a chance at the top level or move on – especially with both Dakers and Stalock also signed to pro contracts.
Um, it sounds like Greiss is playing pretty well, eh?
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
Anyone know why Kyle McLaren isn't playing?
I missed the first couple minutes of the game, but he’s not playing tonight.
DTD
Lower Body
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously. Providence controlled the momentum for most of that period. Sharks had their chances, but I’d like to see them dictate the play more. I’d also like to see McGinn and Couture playing on the same line more
Well...
Couture and McGinn haven’t played together as much as McGinn, Kaspar and Vesce have.
That 5 on 3 killed momentum for the Sharks, but I’m guessing they’ll put out a solid effort in the 3rd.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, I see that they haven’t been on the same line in Worcester, but they tore it up together in Ottawa.
Sure did.
I totally forgot about that!
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
i actually clapped.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
col
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I have no idea what team you are talking about.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
C'mon Worcester
Its okay! You’re allowed to score!
…And Greiss makes another big save. What the hell is the Worcester D doing to let Marchant get all those chances?
Joslin
needs to work on his backskating.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Shush...
They’re all we’ve got.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like the Sharks point men
are having trouble on multiple levels.
Bad reads, unable to keep pucks in the offensive zone.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
DW needs to sign Bryan Marchment to a short term contract
He’s behind the bench anyways, let him go run a few kids and have some Bruins looking over their shoulders.
Uh oh guys...
Showers tonight, with fog likely in the AM.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Did you pony up the 8 bucks for the feed?
Or are you busy being a highschooler and spending it on cafeteria chimichangas?
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions
The announcer gets too excited...
when the Sharks are in the zone. Giving me a heart attack.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Staubitz' Line...
Seems like it’s able to hold offensive pressure, but are having trouble getting the puck out of the zone.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Sharks offense is 100% dependent on driving on the rush...
Makes for an exciting (yet frustrating) listen.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
Hahaha.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
GOD THIS ANNOUNCER!
“Towards” sounds alot like “SCORES” with the right inflection…
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
I was expecting a bit more fire from him, but you’re right… very quiet.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
We deserve a little magic.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by TCY on May 6, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
If ya can't beat em on the ice...
…at least beat them into the ice!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 6, 2009 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Well shit...
Last series the Sharks were down 0-2 and won the series. Maybe its just their mojo… Game 3 will be ours!
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
Tough lsos, but it was nice to have a team to cheer for
Still a long way to go in this series, GO SHARKS GO!
There were probably more people in this open thread than at the DCU Center.
If you want to learn more about Worcester and the Worcester Sharks, I suggest you read my post about my trip to a Woo Sharks game http://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2008/10/new-england-hockey-field-trip-worcester.html
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 6, 2009 9:37 PM PDT reply actions
That was a good read!
Thanks for the Link-ovich Chomofsky
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Seems those Mr. K quote sigs are becoming quite the rage around here.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
by Lurker Shark on May 6, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we should all get one
Like a less permanent group Tattoo.
And we get to rib K.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Now that's peer pressure I can get behind
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"
BTW
Highlights from the game here. Couture’s setup for Armstrong’s goal was pretty nice, and Greiss’s saves did not disappoint. Neither did the fights.
However, the crowd is slightly lacking. And by slightly, I mean the arena is almost completely empty.
ARGGHAHFHH
The video’s not working for me! I click Worcester vs. (the other team) and it doesn’t work and I really really want to see it…
I went on Youtube and all I got was a cheap ripoff of the real Sharks.
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
oh cool
My sister got it to work in IE. I’m okay now… don’t worry!
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
worked for me w/firefox.
Was that shark’s head inflatable? I enjoy the slightly dislocated partial lower jaw.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"
I guess so
And I’m using Firefox 3.5 Beta 4 so I might be a little bit different.
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
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