Sharks struggles continue as The Blame Game begins
by Mr. Plank on Mar 22, 2010 7:31 AM PDT
in Coaching From The Couch
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PrintTo be quite honest, this is a useless endeavor. You cannot get worse than losing to Edmonton following porous after porous performances after the Olympic Break. The Sharks as a whole have hit rock bottom at this point, and anything from here on out is just a situation where you have begun to coast along a plateau of pain.
It has crossed the threshold from concerning to the absurd.
Nay.
It has leaped off that precipice. And like lemmings to the sea, the city of San Jose has followed suit.
The way this team is constructed puts a heavy emphasis on the system. Cutting backdoor in the offensive zone, far-side wingers generating speed in the neutral zone, making sure the forwards are working hard to open a passing lane between the circles to receive a breakout pass in the defensive zone, winning puck battles along the boards, all of these comprise facets of this system. And the Sharks are going to live and die by that system.
There's a lack of dynamic puck handling in close quarters, a lack of creativity with the puck. The San Jose Sharks are composed primarily of North American players, guys who were raised on the bread and butter of a north-south game. Dump the puck in deep, retrieve, bodies in front of the net, get the puck to the point, shot through traffic. It's not a flaw necessarily-- rather, when things are going as bad as they are right now, it's an indication that there is an execution issue within this framework. They really don't have a guy, besides Marleau and Boyle to some degree, who can go coast to coast and put Patrick Roy's jockstrap in the rafters.
When you don't have traffic in front of the net, those point shots are useless. When your defenseman can't get shots through traffic, there's no need for bodies in front of the net. When you're not generating speed through the neutral zone, you're content with dumping pucks in and consequently getting beat to those loose pucks. When you don't have a defenseman who can make a consistent breakout pass, you're not generating speed in the neutral zone. When your forwards aren't skating in the defensive zone, defenseman are forced to chip the puck out.
It runs the gamut from top to bottom, these issues.
1) The defense. I hate banging the drum on this. It has been a tired act, one rehashed so frequently throughout the course of this year that by now it should come as no surprise that this is what I believe to be the Achilles' heel of the San Jose Sharks. An inability to complete a breakout pass. Ehrhoffian shots blowing wide. Dumping the puck around the boards to re-start the cycle instead of opening up a passing lane by skating laterally. Failure to clear the crease. Failure to watch the backdoor play. A failure to stand up opposing forwards at the blueline and force them to make a decision with the puck when entering the zone. When one guy has a good game, five others regress. Flip the names, rinse and repeat next game. Blake's play has been well chronicled throughout the year. Murray has been atrocious since coming back from the Olympics. Boyle looks like he's running on empty and only has a buck fifty left for gas. Huskins has been, well, Huskins has been decent for a six man. Wallin is a six guy asked to play above what should be expected of him. The only one who gets a pass is Vlasic, and as I've stated before, he's absolutely instrumental to this unit. Hopefully he can bring some semblance of order to the backend before all is said and done.
It's open season out there right now.
2) Joe Thornton. Calls this early to trade him are ludicrous. Calls for decreased playing time have value. Thornton has struggled mightily since the Olympic Break, and although you can't put the blame square on his shoulders for the Sharks current slide, he is arguably the best player on this roster. Although I believe Ryan Getzlaf to be the better player, I have defended Joe Thornton a vast amount of the time here on Fear The Fin. I still think he is unfairly maligned for the Sharks postseason troubles, but this current run has done nothing to help me back up that assertion. The kicker yesterday wasn't his egregious turnover in the neutral zone that led to the first goal, as frustrating as that may have been (and it was mind-numbingly frustrating). Nor is it the fact that he will pull up before the neutral zone on the rush, or force a pass through traffic from the sideboards when he's running out of space to work with. The kicker was the third goal, where he was outworked down low by Shawn Horcoff in the defensive zone, floats to the front of the net, and gets layed out by some AHL-level talent playing for the Edmonton Oilers as a rebound gets banged home in front of Nabokov. Brutal. If we want Angry Joe, maybe McLellan sits him for a game, breaks his "Iron Man" streak, and really lights that fire. I don't know anymore, and I hate holding Jumbo solely accountable-- it takes a village. I'm a big believer in that. But the fact of the matter is, Thornton has not come out and taken over a game as we know he can. Not even after getting a stick to the face in the first period against Calgary. There was some chirping for ten minutes, and then a calm settling back into the normal routine.
Joe isn't the sole reason for the slide, far from it. But he needs to be about fifteen times better than he is right now, because he is the de facto best player on this team when he's on.
3) The forwards. Clowe, Couture. These guys get a pass. I love Pavelski, but things just aren't working for him right now. Setoguchi, same situation. I've been one of the biggest supporters of Marleau but he has been silent. Heatley has fanned on some opportunities, is looking to create on his own, but needs to generate results.
Staubitz is infuriating, shouldn't be playing. McGinn has fallen out of playing time for whatever reason. Ortmeyer is injured and is a bit piece. Nichol is a fourth liner. Malhotra hasn't been horrible, but has not looked himself. No one has. Mitchell has improved since the trade deadline, but again, is a bit piece. These guys are only as good as the top lines allow them to be.
At this point, when the losses are mounting, I'm losing my mind trying to effectively analyze who's been looking good, who's been dealing with a bad case of bounces. To me, that is for when the team is running effectively well and there are minor tweaks to be made. Right now? Overhaul. Complete overhaul. Someone needs to step up and just put one in the back of the net here. Black and white. Score a big goal, put your team in position to win the game.
They need a win, not silver linings. There were enough of those against Nashville two weeks ago.
4) Todd McLellan. Constant line shufflings, questionable use of personnel. The fact that the Sharks have given up the first goal in fourteen of the last fifteen or whatever does not reflect well on him. Overplaying Blake, overplaying Nabokov. A failure to hold his big guns accountable. There are a fair share of issues here.
That being said, I put McLellan just about dead last on the totem pole of reasons as to why the Sharks have collectively stunk up the joint. If you make the case that McLellan's issue is not holding his star players accountable, you are essentially criticizing yourself and doing the exact same thing. The coach gets too much praise with wins, too much criticism with losses. I'm not absolving him from all blame (blame? really? get off your high horse), because I think he definitely should share some of it, but if this team needs a “ra-ra” guy to start chucking shit around the locker room to elicit some passion out there, that’s an issue. An issue that is found within the personnel as a whole, not the coach tasked with leading said personnel.
Again, McLellan holds some of this in the palm of his hand, specifically ice time decisions with Nabokov-- they have been atrocious. But the players come first in all of this with me.
5) Evgeni Nabokov. The defense has not helped Nabby. I've stated this all along. But there is no way, in my mind, you can honestly look at his play after the break and state that he has been good enough to win a playoff series. He just hasn't been. Does it have to do with overwork on some level? I think it does. But Nabby sets his own schedule. So, then, does it have to do with a coaching staff giving him that blessing even though it would be in the team's best interest to make those decisions themselves? Yes, I think so. And that is the area where McLellan has dropped the biggest ball in my opinion.
However, it's ultimately up to the player to perform. And Nabokov has not done so. No goaltender is perfect, but an .874 SV% after the Olympics is beyond suitable. There have been big saves to keep the team in games, but there have been soft goals that have necessitated those saves being made. There have been rebounds kicked out to the low slot with increasing frequency. The defense needs to clear the crease, by jove they need to clear the goddamn crease, but there also is something to be said for rebound placement.
This whole team is just terrible right now. There is a poison coursing through the collective bloodstream. No one has the ability to change it around themselves, but if someone would possibly step up and lay it out on the ice, I would be happy. Could care less what Player X says to the media. Talk is cheap.
I hate waking up in the morning running off four hours of sleep and getting mad. And to be honest, I don't even know if I'm mad anymore. This has taken it's toll. I've become numb. You look in the mirror and realize you're running a blog dedicated to the performance of middle-aged men who get paid millions of dollars to play a game, and it kind of paints this all as a prelude to a trip to the insane asylum with Syd Barret. You make a note of it to yourself, think about it for a bit, make a pledge to interact with some real human beings for a change.
Then you see the boxscore scroll across the NHL.com ticker on your desktop and hammer out some blog post that just rehashes what everyone with two sets of eyes is thinking.
Go Sharks.
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a village?
It may “take a village” but sports are all about great talent + great effort lifting a team to new levels.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Stabuitz
Good call on Staubitz; Randy and Drew suggested Joe Thornton is selfish for not shooting thereby limiting his options and making himself very predictable. This also makes it easier for the D to rush him and cover passing lanes BUT I also think Staubitz is horribly selfish!
Taking penalties miles away from a play as your only method for getting on a stat sheet and getting noticed is ridiculous. Fighting a guy like Perry is always ok. Wait a minute and he will act like a dick and should be decked. Putting your team shorthanded, game in and out…makes…me…angry.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
my fingers have mailed it in for the season.
or they are holding out for a keyboard that may be a better matchup.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Dude -
You’re not alone. I certainly feel the same way. I go to bed last night, just to dream that the Oilers game is still going, but the score is 9-9. I rejoice that they found a way to tie the game, just to realize that Nabokov is still in the net and to watch 2 more easy goals get scored on him a minute later. I really think I am starting to go mad.
You’ve touched on all point I agree with you on in general terms. I’ll talk about a couple.
First, the issue of being a North American team. I’ve said it a while back – this is biting DW in his ass. The only team that’s been consistently successful implementing puck possession system was Detroit. Hawks are struggling right now too. The reason why Detroit could do it is because they’ve built it around Russians in the 90s and Swedish in this decade. For them, this is what they were playing growing up. Its like a native language to them. It is not to Marleau and Thornton and Pavelski and Seto. In this NHL unless results come right away, DW and McL will find themselves looking for a job sooner than they think. They could have signed Afinogenov with his DAtsyuk-like dribbling skills or traded for Grebeshkov or Ohlund or whoever. Instead we dropped more Europeans to acquire more Canadians.
There is a reason why Babcock did not try implementing puck possession system with Team Canada.
Second, McLellan needs to get more blame here for his inability to wake this team up. He’s a nice guy who never yells in a locker room, according to Thornton in his interview to Russian press. As a result, this team can slide like this for three weeks now. Maybe Tortorella kind of coach is what this squad needed. Maybe not. But I have a fear that McL might not be the guy for this group of players.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
by Ivano M on Mar 22, 2010 7:57 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
its like McLellan is grabbed from Detroit to reveal what makes that team tick and bring it to San Jose. Problem is they left all of the stone cold killers that make that team go behind.
We got the car but no engine. Or the engine but no gas. or whatever.
Weird how the whole mood of the blog has turned. No matter what the playoffs bring this streak is pathetic and disappointing. I am embarrassed at how the rest of the league just assumes that Teal=Choke.
I like the character of the men who wear teal but don’t think nice guys who you would love to date your daughter, or sister (or Mom. Or brother, whatever) are the answer. SJ needs some nasty biker dudes. With tattoos. Who don’t give a fuck. They just bust ass. 5-2? Fuck you we are gonna hit you. 2-5? Gonna kill you. No more rolling over. I like watching hockey and am tired of averting my eyes while these guys take a beating.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
I like the character of the men who wear teal but don’t think nice guys who you would love to date your daughter, or sister (or Mom. Or brother, whatever) are the answer. SJ needs some nasty biker dudes.
In that case, we surely brought a wrong coach with a wrong system. You’re thinking Anaheim/Vancouver type of play. We’d need a different system and a different collection of players.
Is Detroit nasty? Is Zetterberg or Datsyuk or Lidstrom or Franzen could be considered “biker dudes”?
Yet when matters most, that system works more times than it does not, judging by Detroit’s playoff record in the past decade, which is second to none when you look at how many series and Cups they won.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
I’m still not completely sold on McClellan. I haven’t seen anything yet that would suggest anything other than this team has been squeaking by on pure talent for the past (almost 2) seasons. I think it’ll take a complete rebuild and a season or two in which this team really struggles talent-wise and depth-wise for T-Mac to really prove his mettle.
I didn’t really mean street brawler nasty. (See Brad Staubitz). Stone cold nasty. Detroit never lays down. That team over the last few years always pushes back and that is nasty when you are on the receiving end of things.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
I think it’s more a blue collar mentality that Detroit has always had. And that may stem directly from the coach – that’s exactly who Babcock always was and is, and his team play this way.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
I agree entirely which is why I am always picking at the superstar coddling.
talent helps a team beat up lesser talents. usually!
work ethic helps good teams stay good when it matters. throw in superior talent on top of work ethic and you get…consistency, playoff runs, resilience, etc.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
First off, I love the Sharks. I always have. But with that being said, I want to point out that they are playing like they will not be held to the score – especially the defense. I suggest bringing up the AHL defense (Demers, Joslin, Moore, Petrecki) and play them over Huskins and Leach. Huskins and Leach make countless mistakes and I feel it would be better to have players that will fight for their ice time. Huskins and Leach are rewarded top ice time for horrid play. Something needs to change with this D
I agree with this to a point. But I winder if this is even possible with the cap?
by skilletboy on Mar 22, 2010 8:15 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, but I don’t feel like Leach has ever had any illusions about what his role is on this team. I also don’t think the coaching staff fosters any such illusions either. He’s a bottom 6 defenseman who gets bottom 6 playing time, and who will likely be a healthy scratch in the postseason. If anything, Leach is the least to blame out of any of the blueline.
huskins
has been one of the sharks better d-men. not that that is great, but i dont understand why he gets a hook and murray, boyle, and blake get a pass. the mistakes those guys have made are far more glaring and consistent.
"Devin Setoguchi’s haircut has released the dragon" ~Drew Remenda
For some reason I have a feeling Jumbo is going to be a goddamn beast this year. Sharks are going to be tied 1-1 in the series going on the road for game three in the first round, and five minutes into the second he is just going to take over. ~Plank
"He (Iginla) thinks he’s a pretty tough guy, so why not?" ~ Ryan Clowe
by Jay Fin Anderson on Mar 22, 2010 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I only remember a few times when Murray has not been solid. He had a crappy game (calgary I think) but everyone gets a pass once in a while. Same with Boyle. Blake has been consistently a liability. Bad bad penalties. No legs. I think if you asked any of the D to stand at the blue line and fire shots in the general direction of the net, they could. Blake has not been hitting it any better or moving his feet any better than say a Murray could on the powerplay.
Its about expectations. I think Murray and Boyle and even Huskins in his B- kind of way, live up to what is expected of them. As for some of the others…blah.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
and i gues thats my point,
you dont expect huskins to have an a+ level of game, he is a 3rd pair d-man.
"Devin Setoguchi’s haircut has released the dragon" ~Drew Remenda
For some reason I have a feeling Jumbo is going to be a goddamn beast this year. Sharks are going to be tied 1-1 in the series going on the road for game three in the first round, and five minutes into the second he is just going to take over. ~Plank
"He (Iginla) thinks he’s a pretty tough guy, so why not?" ~ Ryan Clowe
by Jay Fin Anderson on Mar 22, 2010 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions
when elvis did "Behind the Numbers" 4 days ago
I had asked him to consider comparing how guys played against certain teams. My thinking was that if Thornton gets most of his points against non playoff teams, then an A level talent was only really producing against C level talent. or whatever.
The point was that it would be very interesting to find out who was coming to play and when. At least Huskins is pretty consistently providing the same level of play. I can respect that even when a particular player doesn’t thrill me.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
I'll try and break down player specific performances at some point today
If I haven’t jump from my 3rd story window…
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I’ve always been a huge critic of Nabby setting his own sschedule. Huuuuuuuge critic. And justified my skepticism based on two factors:
1) The same rationale that you just cited, Plank. It’s not the role of a player to decide when he starts. Shit, I don’t even know what Nabby’s done to deserve that sort of deference from the coaching staff. He’s never won a Cup. It’d be one thing if Brodeur was given the option to set his own schedule, but I doubt even he gets that option (don’t quote me on that).
2) Nabby may think he knows best, but he’s 34 years old. Mental tenacity (which in the case of Nabby is questionable at best already) aside, a 34-year-old body is 34 years old, and needs rest. End of story. We’ve already talked about whether the amount of starts Nabby gets adversely affects his play, and it certainly seems to based on past late season and postseason woes, but that’s already been covered.
Fantastic piece!
I concur, and believe that the Sharks have overachieved this year by relying on Nabby’s superior goaltending to cover up their poor defense. I also think that the top three of Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley have scored the bulk of the goals this year, which has now dried up. Thus, exposing the lack of scoring from the bottom three lines. I think your points on Thornton are accurate, he is what he is, a tremedously talented big man, who lacks toughness and grit that you need in your leader. The only good news is that they have 10 games to try and fix the leaks, or they will be one and done yet again! If that ends up happening, as I think it will, they it’s time to cut ties with coach, as this team needs a more experienced leader who knows when to praise and when to punish and push. I would also say that Nabby will be gone, and perhaps Marleau (if he’s too expensive). We need to start over by building on the blue line, with Pickles, Boyle, and Murray (faults and all). They need 3 more D-men. Without that, they will continue to lose no matter how talented the offense is. Great Blog, I feel your pain, but your thoughts are cathartic for me!
I think it’s too early to talk about who must go if the season ends prematurely, but if I was a large stakeholder in the team, I would also hold Doug Wilson accountable. This is his baby and he’s had enough years to build it up. Sure, he’s built a team that makes playoffs every year, but so far that did not mean too much else besides that, division and President’s Cup championships notwithstanding. In a big picture, how are we any better in that sense that the Rangers, for example?
I think DW’s job is safe, however. Finding a competent GM is perhaps the hardest job search exercise in this league.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
To be sure
Yes it’s premature, but I’ve seen this before from the boys. A great regular season, and a massive flame out in the playoffs. Regarding DW, he brought in Heatley to complete the offense. He brought in Blake and Boyle for leadership, accountability and because they know what it takes to win the Cup. Be brought in McClellan because he came from a winning system in Detroit and the Sharks were trying to replicate that to some degree. At some point, as Mr. Plank said, it’s up to the players to man up and take care of business. Coach speak is merely words to help give direction, but the players have to execute on the ice. So I can’t really blame DW for that. On paper, this team is talented enough to compete for the cup, poor defensive play not withstanding. I’m not disagreeing with you, just giving my perspective.
For me personally… I’m bot going to get too worked up into blaming whoever. It can’t help right now. Only getting wins can help this team now.
I have opinions about pretty much everyone from DW to Jay Leach right now….. If the Sharks can’t pull their shit together it won’t be a long spring anyways. Then I’ll start sharing what I think needs to happen.
But I’ll say it again. If the Sharks go out like this again this team as we know it is gone…
by skilletboy on Mar 22, 2010 8:43 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
But I’ll say it again. If the Sharks go out like this again this team as we know it is gone…
Oh, no question about it. I’ll actually embrace a few rebuilding seasons if that ends up being the case. I feel like I want to experience a “normal” hockey team for a few years. I want wins to be more rewarding, and losses less devastating, not the opposite.
Well said cy. There are other options, I’m not advocating either one yet, but I could live with total rebuilding over the next two years. Get as many top picks as possible and get a new young group of guys all around the same developmental track that will be able to compete in a few years with Couture, Petrecki, McGinn, etc…
by skilletboy on Mar 22, 2010 10:10 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
:((
yea…my bff said that too when we had our first downfall from grace…if we get bounced way early or don’t make it to at least the semifinals…this team is gonna get obliterated beyond compare. Then I cried in the corner for about an hour.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions
sharks, FTL
when the train starts coming off the tracks, the whole thing seems to derail.
unfortunately i think this streak is a season ending kind of streak. it is more than confidence that is being trashed; this team is being exposed. and any building of confidence would be mostly false. a team that wins the cup is not a team that loses in the manner that this team is losing.
maybe my sky has fallen, but it is difficult to see the mentality that this team has developed over the last 2-3 months of hockey changing in the next 2 weeks.
i dont think this is a 6 game slump suddenly brought on by the olympics, but rather the downward trend started back in november-december. bad habits were formed in that timeframe, reinforced by winning games they were consistently outplayed in.
"Devin Setoguchi’s haircut has released the dragon" ~Drew Remenda
For some reason I have a feeling Jumbo is going to be a goddamn beast this year. Sharks are going to be tied 1-1 in the series going on the road for game three in the first round, and five minutes into the second he is just going to take over. ~Plank
"He (Iginla) thinks he’s a pretty tough guy, so why not?" ~ Ryan Clowe
by Jay Fin Anderson on Mar 22, 2010 8:48 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
This has been building for a while
I think the Sharks have given up the first goal in 13 or 14 of the last 15 games. And the team that gives up the first goal, usually looses (65 – 70%) of the time according to Jamie Baker. Since this is a pattern over the past month or so, going back before the Olympic break, it says to me that this team is consistantly not read to compete at the biginning of the games. Why is that? Is it because they believe they really are that good and don’t need to work hard to win? That would be a huge mistake in mindset.
I’ll never forget that last season in a game 7 of the finals between Pittsburgh and Detroit, it wasn’t Syd or Malkin getting the big goals, rather it was Talbot, a fourth line guy. That’s what helped get the Penguins over the top on the road. During the playoffs, they were down 0-2 in two different series, but never gave up. I don’t and have not seen that type of competive play from this team or past Sharks teams.
However, it was Malkin who got the Conn Smythe and Sid who helped the Penguins win the Capitals series.
The point here is that everyone should play their roles.
Here we’re watching a case of a team where all components are all hitting the rock bottom at the same time.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
4th line heroes are usually heroes when everyone else is breaking even. Otherwise the game is usually over. see the last 5!
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Sure, but it’s not the 4th line heros that win the Conn Smythe’s and Hart trophies.
Penguins wouldn’t pass the first two rounds without Malkin and Crosby taking over games. The same is true of Datsyuk and Zetterberg, or Getzlaf and Pronger or Eric Staal and Cam Ward, etc. etc.
Nichol and Staubitz won’t save this club, I’m afraid.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
If this is a slide...
maybe a planned break is necessary. Perhaps things like travel + Olympics this year really are simply wearing this team out after 60 or 70 games. We expect them to kick it up like all the other contenders are.
so what about taking the top line and goaltender out for 3 or 4 games. completely . bring em back for 2nd line minutes in the 5 game and then ramp them up for a real run?
pro or not, these guys get beat up and tired. maybe a break now, when the team is at rock bottom, will allow the younger guys to step up and the workhorse guys to recover.
Let nabby see he is needed and valued. get his head on.
Allow the younger, hungrier (and perhaps more coachable guys) reestablish the system.
then see what happens. worst case scenario? First round beat down which could happen anyway.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Clowe
I said it last thread, Ill say it here… the only way Clowe gets a pass is if it is accepted he is a 3rd line player. He has 7 points in his last 10 games, and is a -6. Not exactly top 6 production.
If that premise is accepted, then McLellan takes more heat as he is not efficiently using his resources (particularly since the Shark’s best stretch came with Clowe on the 3rd line with Nichol and Ortmeyer).
I agree
I’ve accepted he’s a third liner (and makes more than he deserves) but I still love him. I don’t think Clowe will ever be first line material because he’s very inconsistent. When he’s good no one else could beat the guy but when he’s bad…its ugly and frustrating. There’s no middle for this guy. The odd thing is, he always comes through when everyone else can’t. Its really hard to watch how great he CAN be and doesn’t always seem to do it. So rambling aside, I like him as a 3rd liner or even a 2nd liner when he gets his act together and they should keep him out there right now cause he is HOT HOT HOT I don’t just mean his face either. :)
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions
i likey
interesting because that puts a guy in a position to dominate instead of break even at best. this is why I suggest that Seto stays with Jumbo. Seto thrives there so putting him where he best helps the team makes sense. Expecting him to score a bunch on a different line (to “earn a spot”) doesn’t really make sense. If he is scoring a bunch on one line…well leave him there right?
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Uhm...
I know most of the time I’m known as just some silly ditzy chick who likes to distract people from hockey but here’s something to chew on….what if God FORBID we do trade/sell/throw off the side of a train Jumbo in the off-season…where does that leave Seto? Seto HAS to try and perform without Jumbo…its silly how dependent he is on the guy. I hate hearing that Seto HAS to be paired up with Jumbo to make goals…So if Jumbo goes, do we sell Seto too cause he’s useless now?
and to reply to your blushing comment: HUH?? Did I sound that poorly?
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
in Seto's defense...
Sharks didn’t draft Seto 8th overall just so he could stand 15 feet in front of the net and shoot one-timers. Because it’s painfully obvious from the last few games that he has difficulty finding the open spots and putting the shot in his wheelhouse.
09-10 Seto has not played like 08-09 Seto. I remember there were several games last season where I thought Seto was the best player on the ice. Because he was moving his wheels constantly. Because he wasn’t only receiving one-timers, but he was using his speed to create scoring chances.
Joe works best when he has space and time to use his vision to find an open man. But that’s the reason why Marleau has been so successful on Joe’s wing, because Marleau’s speed draws defenders to him and gives Thornton that extra space and time. I’m also an advocate for throwing Seto on the 1st line because Joe is a more natural passer than Pavs. Pavs is a gifted grinder, but his vision and puck protection just aren’t as compatible with Seto’s skill set.
So NO, Seto does not become useless without Joe. But it’s up to DW and TMac to determine what kind of a system and then players they want for this club. Because if they want to play a primarily NA style dump and chase, Seto will never see his full potential.
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
by Will Bulldozer on Mar 22, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
for Seto’s sake I sure hope you’re right and he can pull it off without Jumbo. You’re a team but you need to be able to fend for yourself more often in order to mesh well with others.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
i blushed because of your passionate prose.
and all i was saying is if piece A does great with piece B, put em together because it makes the team better. If you don’t have piece A or B sometime in the future…deal with that one when it comes.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Aw thanks
that’s probably the only thing I’ve said on this thing of worth since I joined LOL. When it comes to Clowe it hits home case well hes mah boy.
I totally 100% agree with sticking people together if it works i.e. The Sedin Twins…well duh they’re twins don’t separate them but you should be able to perform without that good piece too just in case :)
Well back to distracting peeps from the real task at hand heh
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
keep it coming
you give good chatter.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
TWSS?
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Outside of maybe the Blackhawks and Caps
Can somebody find me a team where the 2nd line is scoring more than a point per game.
7 points in 10 games is right on pace for a 2nd liner (who should be at about 50-60 over 80 games) The -6 is a concern, but the entire team is – right now. Are you saying Boyle isn’t a top d-man because he’s minus? It’s hard to be + when you’ve lost 6 games in a row.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
On the season, Clowe has the worst +/- of any regular forward other than McGinn. The Sharks should be compared with Chicago and Washington, so 50-60 points should be barely adequate, not a “bright spot”, unless that guy is bringing the defensive goods like Pavelski.
I guess I should put it another way… the Sharks need to do better than Clowe in the top 6, or get more from him, to be elite. It’s not a problem with him, it’s with his role. As a 3rd line grinder… Awesome. Top 6? Gotta do more than 50-60 points with bad D to be there on an elite squad.
by ruben398 on Mar 22, 2010 6:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
a sound argument based on statistics that just put a dagger into mssjsclowie29’s heart. I like him in a 3rd line role where he should flourish.
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
Hey...
I spit the truth so I can handle it back…I know statistically he sucks ass most of the time and that is why somewhere over and over again I said…its really hard being a Clowe-hard because hes hot and cold. Makes me so GD happy that he’s been doing so well but it also makes you question why the hell does he suck ass most of the other times? Frustrating for sure. 3rd liner for LYFE! That should be his motto?
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 23, 2010 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Key words: "On the season"
Clowe has been playing completely different than the beginning of the season. It took him what, 14 games to get his first goal?
At the pace he’s playing at right now, I’d say he deserves to be on the second line.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
that's my question
if he is flourishing in a role wouldn’t you want to keep him in that role?
I don’t recall if he has been playing more 2nd or 3rd line minutes but it would be nice to see who he is with and against and then keep him in that position where his game has looked good.
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
My argument was against you saying 7 points in 10 games and -3 was not good enough to be top 6 on the team. The problem is that’s not true at all, those are good stats for a top 6.
I’m fine with you bashing Clowe (sorry missclowe), just when you do it, use arguments that are sound. I’ve been advocating trading him all year. Right now though, he’s playing like a top 6 guy.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
S'OK
//sniffles no harm no foul
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 23, 2010 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I have a piece set to publish at one that deals with Clowe. I think he’s been one of the few bright spots post-Olympics.
This is coming from a guy who basically advocated for him to be traded all season.
"San Jose is where I want to be at the end of the day, and there's an opportunity now to make it there. It is where my heart is." - Jamie McGinn, 2/22/10
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I can't wait to read that!
Yea I know you advocated his trade for what it seemed as FOREVER…I was awful quiet during the trade Clowe procession a month or two back. Every time someone said it I died a little. I’m glad he’s proving his worth now to y’all.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Crazy idea here ...
and it just came to me. But I say we get Cheechoo back. He may have struggles, but he plays every game hard. He’ll remind our boys how to do that.
And in four years when any of our Sharks players want to go play in the Olympics, we all scream NO!!
(goes back to being in my crappy mood)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Mar 22, 2010 9:59 AM PDT reply actions
Hey Plank
How bout a blow off some steam thread? It could be filled with four letter expletives and other nonsense. We could have the satisfaction of saying trade everyone and screw everything and then return to more civilized discussions on the main threads.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
What a great fucking idea!!!!!
by skilletboy on Mar 22, 2010 10:12 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
How would that be different than this thread?
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
You mean like this thread from last season?
"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
OH Snap...
like this line:
“CHRISTIAN EHRHOFF HAS THE WORST HAIR-CUT EVER. FIRE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
or:
“Sure we have a fair amount of dick jokes wedged into the crevices of our material”
or my personal favorite:
“WI SHULD SELLZ THE PREZYDINT TROPHIE. I THNK WI GET 5$. ENUFF 4 SUBWAYZ FUTLONG.
MEBBE NOT ENUF. SHULD TROW IN NABAKAV."
lol…
by skilletboy on Mar 22, 2010 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Ive seen Worse
Being a Die Hard Shark Fan for 19 years….Ive still seen worse like the 1992-1993 season at one point we lost 17 straight game! I think we’re just in a Funk. I’d be more worried if we had this losing streak on Home Ice! Didn’t Detroit one year lose like the last 10 games at the end of the regular season but still WIN the Stanley Cup?
My 10 things I’d do to Change the Sharks Losing Streak.
10. Couture and Clowe on the 1st line with Marleau
9. Limit Jumbo’s Ice Time make him sit to get him angry!
8. Practice Defense
7. Stick Douglas Murray infront on the net on Powerplays!
8. use Greiss for the next 3 games sit Nabby
7. Heathy scratch acouple Players and bring up Steven Zalewski, and Danny Groulx from Worcester
6. Enough with the Dump and chase skate with the puck!
5. Rebuild chemistry and team spirit
4. Bring Back the 1991 Retro Jerseys to get rid on the Jinx
3. If the Goaltending still fails bring up Alex Stalock 35 Wins!
2. Stop taking stupid penalties
1. Have Fun as a Team and neutral Zone Puck Protection
anyone agree?
Didn’t Detroit one year lose like the last 10 games at the end of the regular season but still WIN the Stanley Cup?
That’s what I like to hear. If they can do it, no reason we can’t!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Mar 22, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Not quite.
Two years ago they did have a losing streak where they lost 9 out of 10, but it was in February, and they had both Lindstrom and Rafalski out with injuries. Once they returned, and once they traded for Stewart, they turned things around and finished strong.
Plus, it was Detroit – no one has as many rings on that team collectively.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
can you please let me have my little glimmer of hope?
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Mar 22, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Reality...
sucks ass…I was so happy in my positivity bubble and then last night’s game…bursted my happy little floaty world. All I can hang onto now is Clowe…and that’s not saying much cause he can make it get ugly real fast. :P
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
are those serious suggestions?
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life
Picked overall #2
Adored by the faithful
Trade rumors abound
Turns-around career
Year of the Cup?
by Will Bulldozer on Mar 22, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Spin - o - rama
one per shift per line. because its a game and it should be fun.
everyone on the ice has to do the ’88 Fleury knee slide when Teal scores and the Ovechkin hot stick over the opponents goal stick when they score ( for the shame factor). Also mandatory low fives for the opposing goal scorers bench (also for the shame).
if you turn over the puck and it leads to a break away on nabby you should also immediately engage the nearest goon and pull your own sweater over your head like Murray v Oilers. If nearest goon is a Shark, both players must fight headless.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Now it sounds like D2.
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 Mar 22, 2010 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Er...
where would the hockey fit into all this…you know the game? :P
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 23, 2010 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions
hmmmmm
Move Shelley to NY and the Sharks go to pieces…coincidence??? I think not
that occured to me too … what goes on in the locker room has an impact on the ice
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Mar 22, 2010 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
I blame Nabby's lame paint job.
Art imitates life and the other way around.
Right now they are playing like a bunch of mermans.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
I cringed when i heard he was traded. Moose lips was one of those guys that really motivated the boys to play hard. He game them a sense of comfort on the ice. What happening now is what happens whenever he was injured or sick. The team doesn’t play as hard as they could, and they wouldn’t even dare think of chances. Give it a couple more games. The aggression on the ice during the end of last nights game is a good sign.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
They played pretty well pre-Olympic break without Shelley.
They did have that win against Detroit.
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 Mar 22, 2010 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
so
where are we getting together for the group hug?
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
OOOH
I love hugs! //SQUEEZE! We should have a resident hugger here..seriously. :P
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
uh … no!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Mar 22, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm with ang
noooooooo
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
not touchy feely people i see…oh well thats fine no love.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Yay! Group hugs always makes me feel better. Maybe we can convince the team to join in? lol j/k, or am i?
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
PSH
if you can get the team to do a group hug I’m sure all the boys would shove us ladies out of the way to get in on that. I’m glad I’m not the only lurverrr around here. :D
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
There is nothing wrong with hugs, or high fives for that matter. If we join forces we might be able to fight off man crowd to get a hug lol.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions
hellsbellsyes!
If i make my way through by the grace of GOD i’ll be smacking some bums too :p oh yes!
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
ok cold shower time for you
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
AW booooooo
every party has a pooper party pooper is youuu
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
thou dost striketh me where it hurteth
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
methinks
thou doth protest too much HAH!
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
This went from group hug to mosh pit, and I like every part of it haha.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I still have dibs on Bum Smacking
My version of it might be slightly different than yours though.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Thats hot.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
http://www.fearthefin.com/2009/6/7/902114/stanley-cup-finals-game-6-open#16776121
Perhaps we are referring to different ‘Bums’.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Haha
if you did that as a clarification, I’m just even more lost..its ok I’ll stick to my Thats hot comment and leave it at that
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm at a loss.
I’m a new fan, to both hockey and to the Sharks; I’ve been rooting for Team Teal since just before the playoffs two years ago (right? the quad-OT vs Dallas…) so I’ve not borne witness to this kind of nosedive outside of the postseason. We can banter all day about what we’d do to try and fix it, what we think is wrong, how we wish they’d break the funk and storm back like the team they are on paper, the team we all know them to be able to be — but what does it really get us?
In sports fandom, there are highs, and there are lows, and there are flat planes of emotionless drudgery. We’re in a clear low spot, of course, and with the history of faltering in the endgame, the Sharks look to be headed out of the playoffs in another early exit. Yes, we cling to hope — we haven’t lost yet! But we also all know the grim reality that this team is crumbling apart headed into the most important stretch of hockey to be played.
I don’t know what to think or feel or do anymore. I’m not an NHL coach, and whatever the Sharks coaching staff is doing to correct this problem clearly isn’t working, so what suggestion could I possibly have? I am not a pro sports player, and the guys who are can’t seem to connect despite an absolutely crazy amount of raw talent out there, so what good could my analysis of their play do?
I sense a rebuilding time ahead, no matter what comes. That’ll be a new thing for me, and I’m unsure it’ll be to my liking, but … hey. It has to start somewhere. Just wish it’d been along this road trip.
Apparently
Stalock is banged up in the AHL… He’s been the backup for the last 3 games for Woosta.
/sigh
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
besides Marleau and Boyle to some degree, who can go coast to coast and put Patrick Roy’s jockstrap in the rafters.
well done
2009-2010 Anaheim Ducks.."Hey at least its not crack!!"
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 22, 2010 11:03 AM PDT reply actions
So, I was officially offered a place on the Caps bandwagon last night by a friend who felt bad for me having to watch this team as it is currently skating. And while I’ll be cheering for the Caps in the East playoffs, I can’t bail on the Teal just yet. I appreciated the sympathy, though. It’s been a rough few weeks.
That being said, this team is getting very, very hard to defend. When you get obliterated by The Oil, you then become the de facto worst team in hockey…and over the past 6, the Sharks have played like the worst team in Hockey. And its super frusterating. We aren’t getting killed by playoff teams. Hell, our best game over the last 5 has been against Vancouver…the only playoff team we faced (silver lining?). It’s been against the dregs of the Western Conference. And this team has shown absolutely no capacity to respond to adversity, man up, and grind out a victory when the team so badly needs to do so.
I’ve been advocating benching Joe for a game for the last few games now. And I really don’t think its all that bad an idea. He’s been one of the more noticeably worse people on the ice for us lately. Obviously, we expect more from him because of who he is, and that may make things look worse. But he just appears to be pressing too much, and trying way too hard to make the phenomenal, through 4 defenders pass. He needs to simplify his game a ton to start seeing success again. And maybe watching a game from the press box would help him clear his head, get a different view of what’s happening to this team on the ice, and light a fire under him to get him going again. Just because he’s Joe Thornton doesn’t mean he should be above being benched for poor play. Just one game. And it needs to be now…not closer to the playoffs.
Finally, I’d like to see consistant lines. I don’t care how bad the lines look together at first. This team looks bad no matter who is playing with who lately. McL needs to pick line combinations, put them together, and then say “look, these are your linemates. Learn their tendencies, grow together as a line, and find success together.” It’s definately one way to create chemistry. This team just looks so out of sync, and changing lines around this much really doesn’t seem to be helping the boys find a rhythm.
I dunno. We all know this team has a laundry list of problems right now. And we all know that its up to the players to fix them. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. Insert cliche about what it takes to win here. You get the picture.
Sigh.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 11:09 AM PDT reply actions
The Caps bandwagon?
That’s nice, if they were not in the same conference as the Penguins, or if they had a good goaltending situation, or a good defense.
Don’t do it man.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
The Caps should run away with the East this year. Them not making the SC Finals would shock the hell out of me. Theo has actually been playing very very well lately, and their defense is better than ours (not that that’s saying anything). They have more scoring to make up for any D lapses, though. I can’t see any team in the East beating the Caps this year. We’ll see, though.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
You could have said the same thing about the Caps last year and we remember how that ended. Yet the Penguins are still there, pretty much the same team that won the Cup a year ago.
You could also say the same thing about Team Russia. Better goaltending than expected, firepower offense that can score in bunches, etc etc. And oups – that didn’t end as expected, did it.
There is also the Devils that shouldn’t be considered lightly.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
The Caps are a much better team than last year. The only team, I believe, that can challenge them would be the Devils…but they don’t have enough offense, IMO. Pittsburgh is overrated.
Should be an interesting playoffs, nonetheless.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
McLellan had the following to say about benching Joe or any other big guys.
"And let’s face it, we’re going to win or lose with these guys and we have to get through this with them. We can’t take them out of the group and say, ‘You sit and watch. Let’s let the rest of them find their way out.’ That’s not how it happens. They have to lead the way out."
That’s probably why Nabokov keeps playing too, and I imagine he’ll likely to start the rest of the games this season – maybe all but one, or two at most.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
That’s a horrible decision. Let Nabby rest a game so he can get in some decent practice time and get his groove back.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I want Greiss to go against Minnesota. Nabby needs a break right now, has for awhile.
"San Jose is where I want to be at the end of the day, and there's an opportunity now to make it there. It is where my heart is." - Jamie McGinn, 2/22/10
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Agreed. Nabby is just going to be physically and emotionally drained come playoff time if we don’t get him some breaks. It won’t matter if the team is playing better if Nabby got spent in the process.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
i think we shoudl make Nabby play every game down the stretch, do assistant work for DW, and the teams laundry too… Fuck it..
by skilletboy on Mar 22, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
i want to go back in time and play Greiss in 10-20 more games
by a10dency2ask on Mar 22, 2010 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Some good quotes from the players. This one I liked in particular.
Last night, Nabokov told reporters that more practice time would have been helpful to work through some of the problems the team is having (I know, the coach thought otherwise in giving players time off in Calgary).
About time they actually spend some time practicing rather then just playing game after game.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Aside from the defense...
The lack of creativity on this team is what really annoys the hell out of me.
Detroit and San Jose both play virtually the same systems, but everytime I watch Detroit, they always know when to cycle the puck and when to let their creative ability do wonders. Even before the Sharks started losing, I always thought that the Sharks were not creative enough in the system and guilty of over cycling the puck and/or dumping the puck around the net when they should should just be shooting it.
I don’t know if that’s just me but I thought it was definitely magnified during this losing streak.
by CalFaithful707 on Mar 22, 2010 12:18 PM PDT reply actions
i like all the pink floyd references, Plank
what’s annoying me about this streak is how all the bandwagon haters and chicken littles who come out of the woodwork are now rewriting the story on the sharks. It was kind of perversely fun when the second round was our kryptonite. Now all of a sudden everyone is coming out and saying “just like always sharks will get bounced in the first round.” just like always? come on, that’s only happened once. Also now everyone is acting like “well, as usual when the playoff time gets near, the Sharks succumb to the pressure.” So now instead of just choking in the playoffs we choke near the playoffs?
All I’m saying is, if you’re gonna hate, be consistent. It’s frustrating when all these non-fans come around and make stuff up. I don’t know why it bothers me
that’s why I haven’t been around much. tired of the bullshit comments. being a fan of a team is much like a marriage – “for better or worse”.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Mar 22, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh man i couldn’t agree with you more Ang. Even my dad, who instantly started raising me on the team, and took me to games in Sacramento (Oh yes, they weren’t for points but they did happen) bags on them, and I have to keep reminding him that EVERY team has a streak like this. It isn’t pretty, but we’ll freaking get through it. I’d rather see them hurt a little bit before the playoffs. They will learn from their mistakes, and they will come back as the team we all love!
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Eh, its to be expected until we win a Cup…or go through rebuilding and fall off the map for a year or two…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
it bugs me too
it damn near drives me batty. It frustrates me MORE than the team, which says something.
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
funny
weird how the thread dies as soon as the comments turn from the team and on to the people venting their frustration. You can love your team and hate they way they are playing. Still a fan.
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
funny
How people start complaining about people that aren’t complaining about the Sharks, like all Sharks fans should just be hating on the team right now or they’re not good enough Sharks fans.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
or
everyone could be encouraged to express all of their opinions and feelings
agree or disagree, i want to hear it. i just don’t want anyone to be told, or have it implied that their concerns are not welcome
the ship is sinking and we can bitch and bail water and still have fun with it.
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
I also find it funny that people complain about people who are complaining about the Sharks. Everyone has their own way of being a fan. Just because someone is hating on the team right now does not mean they are not a real fan. It’s hard not to think lowly of this team’s play as of late.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
OMG FINALLY!
I agree just cause I have some quips about the way they play or feel a little like they aren’t trying and say something about it doesn’t mean I’m not a fan. Doesn’t mean I stopped loving my boys. I just can always be shatting rainbows and potpourri I’m only human and negativity gets the best of me sometimes.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
haha
shatting rainbows of potpourri, sorry that is just funny.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
your love
is coming through loud and clowe.
I mean clear
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
hahahahha Kings of Puns are we now.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions
King of Puns? Not with that one, maybe an Earl of Puns, and not even the Sleek variety.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
OOOH
Pun Jester….aw sookie sookie naw
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I think they might be referring to the people who never post here unless the Sharks are on a losing streak or they were eliminated in the playoffs or something. There’s a difference between regulars who post here in both happy times and “just eliminated by the Ducks” times, and those who sign up to post for the sole purpose to bitch about the team and how horrible they’re playing or how they always choke in the playoffs and have no heart and stuff like that.
At least, that’s my personal opinion.
"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 Mar 22, 2010 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, One-Posters
Start a fan shot quoting Purdy, and then never come back to say anything else. Even in the fan shot they started.
During the playoff’s I say Fanshots/Fanposts get admin approved prior to appearing on the boards.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
I think there was a discussion of having that one day before posting thing that a lot of other blogs have, just during the playoffs. And then of course, there was the idea of no new users having the ability to post during the entirety of the playoffs, but that might be a little on the extreme side, haha.
"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
During the playoffs
I think we’ll be pretty focused. There shouldnt be any need for any other threads regarding “Joe’s Jockstrap”, or “my room mate jerks off and says he’s a Sharks fan when really he isn’t”.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
If “Our beloved Los Tiburones” is submitted in a fanshot, automatic admin review.
"Who were you rooting for in the Olympics?" - Drew Remenda
"I wanted Team India to go all the way." - Manny Malhotra
I might have to flag you for having it in a comment…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Commenter; minor penalty:
Tiburoning
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
:)
You’re right hmmmmm i should’ve kept in the rage shouldn’t I?
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 22, 2010 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Well said.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Hate the "just like always" thing as well.
Its as if something happens once and it is instantly fact and history (kinda like 1984….)
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 Mar 22, 2010 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions
lol, Puck Daddy talking about how the Sharks and Blackhawks are losing to avoid the Redwings:
“This is a brilliant move by the Sharks and Chicago. It takes real veteran playoff experience to recognize a matchup problem several weeks before the playoffs even start.
Let the Coyotes win the West. They won’t know what hit ‘em."
That is the one silver lining…not having to play the Red Wings in the first round (or the second round, for that matter) if we finish 4th.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 22, 2010 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
mah feets just hit American soil about 30mins ago.
Being that I have not seen any of these losses while out of the country on vacation I assume that my simple presence in viewing the games is what the Sharks need to turn this around.
I will be sending all of my energy waves straight through the TV and into the sharks for the next game :P
Because that is clearly what they are missing.
Maybe we should all send good energy through the tv while the game is happening. There’s too much sulking whenever a game is turned on…i’m going to keep on yelling encouragements to the tv.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Mar 22, 2010 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I said this in the last game thread
This team’s going to be on Versus tommorow. I wonder if Sharks fans with DirecTV are wondering if VS should’ve been kept off the service for at least a few more weeks.
hehehe maybe this is what it was like to be a Rangers fan last season. “Why do you keep putting us on National TV when we suck?!” lol
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
Spring cleaning
First: I would rather watch a less talented team work hard and play well (e.g., Buffalo) than a talented team that does not.
Second: As long as the personality of the team revolves around players who are talented and mild mannered (which is their nature), but have no gritty counterweight (e.g., Gretzky/Messier, et. al.) it will not go far in the playoffs.
We are fans of Patty and appreciate the skill of JT; however, we would not follow either into battle. Ditto for Heatley. As long as these three are the face of the franchise, the team will lack the intensity needed in this sport.
As was evident last night, the Sharks intimidate no one.
by Teemu Riihijarvi on Mar 22, 2010 2:00 PM PDT reply actions
Who’s the gritty counterweight leader in Pittsburgh?
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Perhaps Off-topic
But I’d argue that Crosby IS Pittsburgh’s “gritty” leader.
I know he has a reputation of whining to the refs, but I believe whining is good in hockey. It means he’s engaged, involved and invested in the game. And hey, every once in a while, you get an extra power play out of it.
How often do we see the Sharks argue calls? Joe is at his best when he’s engaged, and when he is, he does a fair amount of wining too. He works the ref. A good leader does.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I always see Patty arguing calls… or use to when he had a letter.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Meh, may be nitpicking on my part
But when Patty had the C, I really only remember him lining up when both captains were waiting on an explanation.
Him engaging with the refs does not stand out in my recollection.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
In either case
You know that’s not what the OP had in mind when he was talking of gritty. The Ducks were the last team to win a cup with what he describes, but it certainly isn’t the norm for cup champions.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I'm not sure to be perfectly honest what the exact point was
But, even with all the cliches, one thing that remains true is that no one is afraid to play us.
Put it this way, are we to anyone else what Detroit is to us?
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
matt cooke?
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
Gritty /= dirty
/pot-stirring
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I was kidding
my floor gritty does = dirty.
Larry Zoolander: I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
[high-pitched cough]
Derek Zoolander: Mer-man!
I wasn't all that serious either
No worries man.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Ooops, double click fail
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Just in case anyone was looking for the bright spot in all of this
It’s there on top of Getzlaf’s head.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
MY EYES!!!
Warn me before you try and blind me next time.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
This season, I've taken a step back...
…from following the Sharks as closely as I have in years past, largely due to last spring’s gut punch. I’ve got my first kid on the way in May, and ultimately, this is just a game.
But dammit if I don’t feel betrayed by cheering on this team. They’ve got no excuses this year. This is the time of year they’ve been supposedly working toward since last April, and they look absolutely clueless and ramshackle. The worst part is all the other team’s fans who think the Sharks choking is some sort of law of the universe are being proved right.
The season’s not technically over yet, but I really have no faith in these guys any longer. And I honestly get no pleasure from this realization. Ugg.
i think this says it best:
This is the time of year they’ve been supposedly working toward since last April, and they look absolutely clueless and ramshackle.
that is exactly what is so unsettling i think. after years of building a winning organization, and years of ‘almost’, years of needing just that last key element, we are all wondering, “when?”
and for all of the rhetoric, the players brought in, the glimmers of hope, the team starts moving in this direction at this time, in this manner. its not that this is a losing streak, it is the way in which the games are being lost. i almost feel bad for them. they look utterly dejected
its like they know the final score before the game is finished, and dont have the heart to play it out.
who knows if this team breaks out of this.
BUT
imagine if San Jose does win the cup. how much sweeter would that be? could anyone actually question their heart after that? no way.
"Devin Setoguchi’s haircut has released the dragon" ~Drew Remenda
For some reason I have a feeling Jumbo is going to be a goddamn beast this year. Sharks are going to be tied 1-1 in the series going on the road for game three in the first round, and five minutes into the second he is just going to take over. ~Plank
"He (Iginla) thinks he’s a pretty tough guy, so why not?" ~ Ryan Clowe
by Jay Fin Anderson on Mar 22, 2010 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
AHHH
you said it! The C word…really if we do get the W for the enormous Silver Goblet I’d die. Seriously my heart would just blow out of my chest and what a great death that’d be!
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 23, 2010 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions
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