NHL Season Preview: 2009-2010 San Jose Sharks
by Mr. Plank on Sep 28, 2009 1:21 AM PDT
in Coaching From The Couch
47 comments
SB Nation has been running season previews for all 30 NHL teams this entire month and Fear The Fin was up yesterday- long story short the weekend got away from me. Hopefully the sun comes up tomorrow and the internet doesn't explode.
Anyways, today we have a bare bones look at the upcoming season, Tuesday features player breakdowns from TCY and I, and Wednesday has a new edition of FTF Trackz. On Thursday I will be taking two weeks off to prepare for the upcoming season. It's only three weeks away!
2008-2009 Season Recap: The Sharks got off to a record breaking start in 2008, ending January with a 36-7-5 record and ramping up expectations for another playoff run. February and March were much less kind however, as injuries down the stretch depleted the depth of the roster and caused Todd McLellan to mash lines together as best he could going into the postseason- it wasn't enough. Six games in April (of which you can find chronicled here) essentially washed away the achievements of a Presidents' Trophy regular season from the collective consciousness of media pundits and hockey fans across North America, as the Sharks couldn't manage to break through into the Conference Finals for the fourth straight year. Unfairly criticized for their lack of success in the postseason? Yes. Do the results of the regular season compared to the results of the postseason justify that criticism? Yes. While a case by case basis would be most appropriate when analyzing this team, the endgame in April, May, and June is what defines an organization. And unfortunately, last season did nothing to change that definition.
Who's In: Dany Heatley (LW, trade-OTT), Kent Huskins (D, trade-ANA)*, Manny Malhotra (C, UFA-CBJ), Scott Nichol (C, UFA-NSH), various training camp hopefuls (most coming from within the organization- more tomorrow)
*Kent Huskins was acquired at the 2009 Trade Deadline, but did not play a game with San Jose due to injury.
Who's Out*: Mike Grier, Christian Ehrhoff, Brad Lukowich, Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo, Tomas Plihal, Marcel Goc, Alexei Semenov, Lukas Kaspar, Travis Moen, Jeremy Roenick, Tom Cavanagh, Claude Lemieux, Brian Boucher
*That's almost a full roster. Unreal.
Team Strengths: The addition of Dany Heatley alongside Joe Thornton has the potential to bring a Rocket Richard and Art Ross to San Jose, and Patrick Marleau's move to the second line to play with Joe Pavelski and Ryane Clowe should allow Todd McLellan to pair them against opposing team's top forwards without worrying about a situation that would cause a defensive liability. The top six should be stellar this season, and rivals any team in the league.
Concurrently, last season's third ranked power play should produce at roughly the same clip. The loss of powerplay dynamo Christian Ehrhoff, who scored 25 points on the man advantage last season (good for third on the team) will hurt, but Heatley will likely make that loss negligible, even with Rob Blake and Dan Boyle being the only proven power play blueliners on the roster.
Manny Malhotra and Scott Nichol, two forwards known for their penalty killing prowess, should tighten up a shorthanded unit that was fifth in the league last year. The addition of these players also allows head coach Todd McLellan to replace the loss of Mike Grier, as well as hopefully reduce the shorthanded time of Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski. They both saw the first and third most ice time respectively on the kill last season- lowering those minutes to a more manageable level will greatly increase their effectiveness at even strength.
Evgeni Nabokov's play in the postseason against Anaheim has been well chronicled, but the hope is that his play will reflect the customary bump expected of a player entering a contract year.
Team Weaknesses: The blueline has a lot of questions surrounding it, and it remains a spot to watch intently this season. Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Rob Blake will likely be paired together again as a shutdown line, but with Blake's increasing age and propensity to take "slow" penalties last season (hooking, holding), Vlasic's development will be put to the test. At twenty two years of age it's not out of the question to expect him to make up for Blake's potential declines.
Dan Boyle is known for his offensive skills, and while he is not necessarily a liability in the defensive zone, it's not an area where he flourishes. Douglas Murray is of the opposite mold- a player who is able to shut down the cycle and clear bodies from the front of the net, stand up forwards at the blueline, and provides a nastiness that is lacking on San Jose's backend. Pairing them together might be a good solution, as it will provide Boyle the ability to carry the puck in the neutral zone and work in the lower half of the offensive zone- two aspects of his game where he is found at his best.
After that remains many unknowns- Kent Huskins has not impressed me in the three games I saw this preseason, and will be a question mark going forward. Derek Joslin, who was a frequent call-up during the aforementioned months of injury at the tail end of last season, has made a strong bid for his inclusion onto the roster with his penalty kill time and offensive upside, but his age and lack of a full season in the NHL will bring some obligatory growing pains.
The blueline will function well in the offensive zone, but defensively it is a definite question mark along with backup goaltending. Thomas Greiss' preseason has been filled with some questionable outings, and if Nabokov goes down it is uncertain whether he will be able to handle a full-time role. Alex Stalock and Tyson Sexsmith provide some depth at the AHL position, but neither have any professional experience- it is in the best interest of the organization (both this season and going forward) to let them get their reps down in Worcester for the bulk of this season.
Bold Prediction: Pacific division winner by roughly ten points. It's not going to be a cakewalk like it was last season, but I still don't think Anaheim's blueline is going to be enough to challenge San Jose considering the Sharks top six gets the slight nod in my opinion. Los Angeles might sniff a playoff spot but are a season away from actively competing for the title, Phoenix is in shambles (although Dave Tippet should help- I don't think they'll be as bad as everyone expects them to be), and Dallas, even with a full year of Brenden Morrow and a return to form for Marty Turco, doesn't have the defense to challenge San Jose over the course of an 82 game season.
Other than that, you'll hear nothing from me. We'll have six months to think about what lies ahead in April.
X-Factors: Jamie McGinn (reasons found here) and Douglas Murray.
Go Sharks.
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2nd seed in the West
And either 3 or 4 overall in the League. Despite our defensive questions and unproven backup goaltending, we have so much firepower and our 2nd and 3rd forward lines are extremely well rounded that we should be able to hang in games with goals and a good forecheck even if our defense can’t be air-tight. If Murray can carry his preseason form into the regular season then we should be set at with our top 4 defensemen. Huskins looked better in the Anaheim game – playing more confident on the puck, but he still seems rather soft man-on-man in his own zone. As a 5/6 d-man I think he’ll be fine, and I like him to see some minutes on the 2nd pp unit. Our special teams should be very good again. Nabby’s play in the preseason indicates to me he should be closer to his Vezina form of 07-08, and if Greiss can give us around 20 starts he should be fresh enough heading into the post-season.
I like all additions we’ve, and don’t have too much love lost for who we had to give up to structure the roster as it is. This is our year, and almost certainly the last year for at least one of our foundation players (Nabokov, Marleau, maybe even a Pavelski or a Setoguchi if things go sour). I think, and hope, the players will finally figure out how to be accountable for their own play every night,, and that everyone learn to provide some kind of leadership.
Oh, so that's where you edit your signature
by Teas on Sep 28, 2009 3:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, 2nd behind Detroit IMO, but 4th behind PIT, DET, and WSH. I think the Pacific toughening up will hurt. Anaheim looks like a 4-5 seed, Dallas a 6-8, and LAK 7-13.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2009 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we're second, it won't be to Detroit
It will be to Chicago – they’ll take the Central, my Senators-loving friend. (Pssst – go Sabres).
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 28, 2009 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait a minute...
Red Army Line… made me think Sens. Picture is of the Caps, however…
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 28, 2009 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s go Buff-a-lo!
Oh, so that's where you edit your signature
by Teas on Sep 28, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
from my standpoint
this the best team in the league…on paper…too bad hockey isn’t played on paper…stupid ice…
CLICK HERE only if you're a depressed giants fan...
by serrapadre716 on Sep 28, 2009 8:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I said 3rd seed
I feel despite the positive changes, the sharks will struggle somewhat this season. I think it may be a positive thing, considering how much I like what I’ve been hearing from McLellan whenever the team doesn’t play up to their abilities.
I think because of the success last season, he didn’t have an appropriate need or chance to change the culture, which to me has become the most important part about these playoff losses.
Besides, as a lot of people have been saying a lower seed might be a blessing in disguise in terms of pressure. But who knows.
by a10dency2ask on Sep 28, 2009 8:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Sharks should hire Mike Singletary to come drop his pants in the locker room during intermission during the playoffs. Seems to have worked for the Niners overall (last second TDs aside).
Anyways, I’m cautiously optimistic about this season. I almost hope they don’t get off to as hot a start as they did last season. There was nowhere to go but down from there. I’d like to see some adversity, and then, of course, see them fighting through it. If they’re healthy coming down the stretch, they have as good a chance as any of the top teams to do well in the postseason. Wouldn’t a San Jose v. Washington Finals be effing legit?
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on Sep 28, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That last :02 of that game made me sad...
but I feel that the loss early to the Vikings will help, like you said, fight through the adversities they’ll face down the road. Same with the Sharks. I’m hoping they have a tough beginning to help them fight through the tougher months to come. I’m thinking 3rd seed.
by SharksFanTillDeath on Sep 28, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was walking by a Vikings bar right after the catch
and I could hear the screaming from down the street. Got to the window, looked in and saw Favre running around like a jackass after the review. I know he’s great, but I’m still bitter about his beating the Niners in the playoffs in the late 90’s (Don Beebe too).
by Chicago Shark on Sep 28, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was more of a great catch than anything Favre did… well besides him marching it down the field to get into that position. Either way, I’m stoked on the way my Niners are looking. I’m expecting 4 interceptions against the Rams.
by SharksFanTillDeath on Sep 28, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was tortured as a child
By watching Favre dismantle the Niners in the playoffs…. And the bastard did it again yesterday… Brought back all the hate I feel towards that man…
"..." - unknown
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by SetoThorMarChooSki on Sep 28, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember the most excited I ever was as a 9er fan outside of superbowl wins was the year that Young threw a TD pass to TO in the closing seconds of a playoff game to finally knock those bastards out of the playoffs for a change. True we lost the following week, but I was content with just beating the Packers.
by Evilducks on Sep 28, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"The Catch II"
After TO dropped like 5 balls that game… Easy drops too… He catches the one that matters… I remembered I was going nuts after that play… It seems now we know how the Packers fans were feeling that day… dammit : (
"..." - unknown
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by SetoThorMarChooSki on Sep 28, 2009 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't even predict right now
Almost all of the powers of the west have gone through sweeping changes to their rosters, I think it’ll be early november before I can be comfortable throwing out a seeding.
Niners: 2-0...Sharks Hockey: Just around the corner...TIMES ARE GOOD!
by joe579 on Sep 28, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
TCY and I sounds funny.
Fear the Fin: Where... IMA TAKING UR BLOGZ FRUM U!!
by That'll Cheech You on Sep 28, 2009 11:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One one hand, I think we've got a pretty good shot at another #1 seed in the West
Or even a repeat President’s trophy. On the other hand… as others have suggested, maybe that’s not a good thing.
Yes, I'm from the tropics. Yes, I love hockey. What's not to get?
by workthecycle on Sep 28, 2009 12:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Vegas has SJ as the favorite to win the President's Trophy again
with Detroit and Washington not far behind in terms of points over/under. I’d have to think that Washington would get the 1 seed in the East, with Detroit, SJ and then Chicago in the West. Chicago is really good, but they still aren’t on par with Detroit just yet (remember the Conference Finals?). I wouldn’t put any money on Chicago winning the Central just yet, maybe next season depending on whether or not they can keep Sharp, Kane and Toews.
I did vote for 2nd, because I would love to see us get home ice again in the playoffs, but I’m thinking at least Detroit, maybe Washington will finish in front of us this season.
by Chicago Shark on Sep 28, 2009 12:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sharks'll do how they do
Considering no one saw last year’s Pres. Cup run coming, I’m not even tempted to try and guess how this season will go. But I enjoy reading everyone else’s guesses, so, keep’um coming!
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!" Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by CTGray on Sep 28, 2009 12:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
2nd
I just think it’s going to take a little while for everything to gel and for people to find their roles (on the ice & in the locker room)
by AfroPuff on Sep 28, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, the 1st line definitely isn’t on the same page just yet, and every line has new faces and new rhythms to get in sync with. The defense is pretty familiar with one another, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see our top 4 log bigger minutes until Mac is comfortable with his 3rd pairing.
Oh, so that's where you edit your signature
by Teas on Sep 28, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope it does take a while to gel, so that there’s actual gelling. One of the worst things that could have happened last year was to go on that unbeaten streak to start the year. I don’t think the team rested on their laurels once they got there, but it put the Sharks directly in the focus of 29 other clubs. I’ll take a mediocre start to the season with some warming later, please.
Jon Casey fan since '84
by stufflife on Sep 28, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Thursday I will be taking two weeks off to prepare for the upcoming season. It’s only three weeks away!
What do you mean you’ll be taking two weeks off?? Regular season is 3 days away!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah
what???
Yes, I'm from the tropics. Yes, I love hockey. What's not to get?
by workthecycle on Sep 28, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
btw … good seeing you again … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he needs to weeks
to compile all the results of those competitions we did last season. ;)
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!" Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by CTGray on Sep 28, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
two, even
spelling fail = joke fail= sad
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!" Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by CTGray on Sep 28, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
awwwwww :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that doesn’t explain what exactly is 3 weeks away when the season is 3 days away … unless my schedule is way off!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was wondering the same thing, but I think since he has it in the block quote that it means it was from a previous post (assuming a post 3 weeks ago)
by SharksFanTillDeath on Sep 28, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
to compile all the results of those competitions we did last season. ;)
I’ll do the playoff prediction piece on Wednesday- it’s been too long. Expect some major gloating though because I won that beez.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Sep 28, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course you did … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you mean you’ll be taking two weeks off?? Regular season is 3 days away!
Two hypotheticals: I must have been either making a joke due to all the rumblings last night about Fear The Fin being slow lately (slyly replacing weeks with days because it sounded creative at one in the morning), or I just pour hours of my time into this whole blogging thing for nine months out of the year because I like meeting young women on the internet and therefore don’t know (or care) when the season starts.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Sep 28, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well young women crosses me off the list … I’ll go with the whole joke thing … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Play on, player. Play on.
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!" Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by CTGray on Sep 28, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha ha ! :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2nd Seed
For the simple fact that Chicago is going to pwn the central division. SJ will be neck and neck with Detroit all year for the 2nd seed while fighting off Anaheim in our own division. This will make for interesting conversations come March/April. I can’t friggin wait for this season!!!
Go Sharks!
"..." - unknown
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by SetoThorMarChooSki on Sep 28, 2009 2:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seeding analysis = Fail… What I think I was trying to say is that it will be between Detroit and Chicago fighting the Sharks for the 2nd seed in the west. My bad.
"..." - unknown
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by SetoThorMarChooSki on Sep 28, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
?????
If Chicago wins the Central, Detroit can be no higher than 4th seed.
by bison on Sep 28, 2009 3:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
which would be hilarious
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If by hilarious, you mean great for the #2 seed Sharks. I see it unfolding like this…
Sharks take 2nd seed, behind Chicago, which means the top 8 are Chicago, San Jose, Calgary, Detroit, Vancouver, Anaheim, and two other piddling teams.
Top 4 teams all win, making the 2nd round into Chicago vs. Detroit and San Jose vs. Calgary, but Calgary is tired from fighting Anaheim, so they’re a pushover.
Conference Finals are San Jose vs. Chicago (it’s my fantasy, right?) but they’ve lost at least one big star during each round, so no firepower and we can simply outscore them.
Stanley Cup is last, so the final boss is Ottawa. Everyone is happy because the new Sharks are there, as well as Milan and Cheech. Ron Wilson and Brian Burke are pissed because the Senators made it to the SCF over the Maple Leafs, and the Canadiens feel slighted because that’s what they do. Sharks over Sens in 5, but both franchises are redeemed and no one ever gets to use the term “playoff choker” again.
And then we’ll have ice cream.
Jon Casey fan since '84
by stufflife on Sep 28, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh nice! ice cream and the Cup … I like your fantasies … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 28, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted 15th,
because someone has too…
by idunno723 on Sep 28, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
After “Tank for Tavares” and the “Stamkos Lottery”, who is the prize this year?
Jon Casey fan since '84
by stufflife on Sep 28, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some kid we don't know,
that’s soon to be over-hyped and everywhere. E-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.
by idunno723 on Sep 28, 2009 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the draft this year is pretty soft, but the Canadian media will sink their hooks into a few kids and ride ’em like cowboys until draft day.
Oh, so that's where you edit your signature
by Teas on Sep 28, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever you just said, it feels dirty.
Jon Casey fan since '84
by stufflife on Sep 28, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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