Sharks Gameday: The Casting is Complete
by Ivano M on Mar 4, 2010 3:00 AM PST
in Gamedays
142 comments
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| 30-28-6, 66 points | 40-14-9, 89 points |
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| 7th in Eastern Conference |
2nd in Western Conference |
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CSN-CA
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Where were you two years ago from yesterday? It was on that night that Montreal Canadians last time visited San Jose in what turned out to be one of the more memorable games of that season. We remember that game because we remember a beauty of a goal scored by Jonathan Cheechoo after he undressed a former Shark Josh Gorges. That game kept going back and forth until the newly acquired Brian Campbell took care of the game with 80 seconds left in the game through his infamous spinorama. I was so excited about that goal and that game and our chances for the Stanley Cup with Campbell that I lost my voice (as did many other Sharks fans at the Tank) and couldn't speak for the next two days. Our future seemed so bright at the time.. Remember that game now? Expect more of the same from both teams as they square off at HP Pavillion tonight.
It took the Sharks two periods to get going against New Jersey after they returned to action after the Olympic break, but they sure got going, scoring three unanswered goals on the no. 1 defense in the NHL. Those goals should have helped the confidence of our non-Olympians who seemed to be playing half asleep up to that point, and what we are hoping to see tonight is the same team that's desperate for goals and is confident it can score.
An even more interesting storyline about tonight is that this game marks the first time this season that we'll know exactly what cast of players will be competing for the Stanley Cup this spring. What we'll watch now is the end product that Doug Wilson put together when he said last summer that he had until the trade deadline to put a new team together that will compete for the ultimate prize in all of hockey. As a result, eight new players were added to the roster, but this is it. With the trade deadline past, the casting process is over and the process of transformation is now complete. We'll no doubt see some experimenting during this stretch (such as trying to see what Walin and Leach can do before bringing back the young guys), but if there was ever a time to get a glimpse into the approaching spring, the next 19 games is that time. The Sharks have five weeks for the final rehearsal, and after that, the show is on.
As for the Montreal Canadians who are coming to town, they are in the middle of the battle for a coveted playoffs spot, and every point matters to them, as the separation between the 6th seed in the playoffs and the 11th spot in the Eastern conference is only 6 points. In their first game after the Olympics they beat their big rival Bruins in Boston 4-1. However, their 7th seed in the East is inflated by the lack of parity in that conference when we translate it into the Western Conference terms. If the Habs were in the Western Conference, their 66 points would put them at spot no. 13, tied with Minnesota Wild for points.
Tomas Plekanec has been a good surprise for them offensively, and he's projected to finish with a career high 77 points, but outside of him and Michael Cammalleri (who's projected to finish the season with 24 goals), their offense has not been all that impressive (39 less goals than the Sharks). Scott Gomez, who once had a 30+ goals season with the Devils, has just 10 goals so far, and I didn't hear too many complaints from any of you that Ron Wilson left him at home for the Olympics. Their defense has not fared all that well either, despite solid goaltending from the Olympic hero for Team Slovakia Jaroslav Halak and a so-so goaltending from Carey Price - the Canadians allowed 20 more goals than the Sharks this season.
With Nabokov still trying to find his groove following the Canadian avalanche, and new Sharks defensive pairings that we'll likely see tomorrow, it should be another entertaining night at the Tank.
Prediction: Sharks win 5-4, with goals by Heatley (2), Walin, Pavelski and Malhotra. I keep my voice this time around.
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I like that Wallin gets his first goal as a Shark
Contrats, Ivan0, on the first Gameday post for the regular season!
Two years ago..
Ivano – THAT was an amazing game! I do remember watching that in Iowa on Gamecenter and I was screaming when Campbell did the spin-o-rama and hoping my hardest that somehow Joe – his roommate at the time – would convince him to say in SJ and take a smaller contract elsewhere… stupid hope!
Comparing the two teams (two years ago vs. this years’ team) I do believe we have a much better team now. I like Boyle much more than Campbell and I honestly think that size of Campbell’s salary adds a lot of pressure which doesn’t help him.
I don’t think the Tank was ever any louder than it was after Soup scored on his little trick play. We welcomed the fool with the standing ovation that night.
I suppose Dany Heatley welcome was similar, but he had to score a hat trick before arena exploded.
ah … altho the boo’s are funny, he’s not reallly boo worthy. Perry, Pronger, etc yes. Campbell? Nah.
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 4, 2010 9:49 AM PST up reply actions
He is worthy of my boos. Mainly cause he’s a ginger and I can.
But he did do us a favor. If he hadn’t left we never would have got Dan Fukin Boyle…
by skilletboy on Mar 4, 2010 10:42 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
At this point I’m supporting the boos because it irritates Chicago fans.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
by Evilducks on Mar 4, 2010 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh that game was epic.
Here’s hoping tonight’s a good one too. GO SHARKS!
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Proud member of the "Keep Marleau Forever" Club
id take a mediocre game tonight
if it leads to great success for the cup of stanley.
"Devin Setoguchi’s haircut has released the dragon" ~Drew Remenda
by Jay Fin Anderson on Mar 4, 2010 8:09 AM PST reply actions
Remember the game last year?
Where the Sharks played badly for like 5 minutes, gave up three goals, scored two quick goals to make it 3-2, and Halak was the only reson the Sharks lost after that? I remember after the game Randy said “Halak 3, Sharks 2” That was sad.
by Icing On The Power Play on Mar 4, 2010 8:17 AM PST reply actions
Yes and the fans seemed a little giddy they actually beat the Sharks… Sad really.
by skilletboy on Mar 4, 2010 10:43 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Lines for tonkght
I realy hope that couture plays tonight like on the previous blog. I think he adds some scoring depth with mcginn on the third
line
by kiwi93 on Mar 4, 2010 8:34 AM PST via mobile reply actions
No news yet on whether he has been called up, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do. Since Worcester is currently on a four game roadie north of the border, might not be until after that.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by TCY on Mar 4, 2010 8:55 AM PST up reply actions
That game will be etched happily into the minds of Sharks fans for years to come. Such a great night…
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
I like that the team is set
I am interested to see if Seto stays up on the top line. If he plays hot on that first line I say leave him there. Patty is a super professional that can thrive anywhere and I don’t buy the “you have to perform to get on the top line” argument. idiot you say? Chemistry I smugly reply and tune you out. If Seto/Cheech are stylistically suited to finding that spot in the zone that Joe likes to hit, and they score with him – well, leave them up there. What is best? Patty with 50 and Seto with 15 or Patty with 45 and Seto with 35? Spread out the offense and win.
When I think about posting, I ban myself.
I totally agree.
I’ve been saying it to my friends all along that Seto needs to be on the top line with Patty on the 2nd line. Seto was at a 40 goal pace playing on the top line before he got injured. Patty was still scoring even when he was on the 2nd line so you have pretty much everything to gain by promoting Seto and not losing anything when moving Marleau.
On a side note:
We should’ve picked up Cheechoo before he cleared waivers. I know that our salary cap would not be able to handle that but imagine that welcoming back present for Sharks fans.
by CalFaithful707 on Mar 4, 2010 9:14 AM PST up reply actions
Don't agree...
you may get banned!
I like Cheech as a sentimental pick…if he was dirt cheap I would have him on the team to go for the ride and give his best effort. I watch to be entertained and he always provided that.
Then again I am firmly in the “move Jumbo” camp. I would take a solid B center and a 2nd pairing D man for him if it freed up cap to keep Patty and Nabby (both of them showed up in the Olympics). But what do I know?
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Nabby
All I know is that nabby most definitely did not show up on the olympics. Goaltending is an issue for me come playoffs due to the pressure. I’m sorry but I don’t think nabby plays well in high pressure games..
by kiwi93 on Mar 4, 2010 9:26 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Well same argument goes for many players. Nabby and Kipper got shelled in the Olympics, so who do you take instead? Thomas Griess?
I like Nabby most of the time. I hated his attitude last year but this year he has been good. I liked the Monster over the offseason but he got snagged.
I don’t know that you bail on your goaltender when the 20 guys in front of him have shown a clear inability as a group to hit “the next gear”. Monstrously evident in the Olympics: Skilled team (Russia) does not show up…they lose. Players with a second gear like the bastard Ducks show up in big games. Thank god for Boyle, Patty and the Heater because Jumbo does NOT.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Well, too bad because the trade deadline has passed. You have no choice but to go with Joe until, at the earliest, next season.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by TCY on Mar 4, 2010 9:37 AM PST up reply actions
Right right but as I posted below: I f’ing love the Sharks, including Joe. He won’t be traded unless a GM craps again, Jumbo decides to waive his clause or his contract expires.
Its next season I am wondering about because the same teams are surging and it would be surprising if the same basic team is able to play differently than they have in last few years.
Its like a cookie cutter scenario and teams like Anaheim and Detroit are beginning to look like they usually do and, unfortunately, so does SJ.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Wow
You say you would rather have a solid B center and a 2nd pairing D man than have Jumbo? I guess you’re in the same boat as the Bruins, when they got Marco Sturm and Brad Stuart, and now look at them. Struggling to make the playoffs every single year (except last)
I don’t know about you but after watching the Olympics and seeing what its like to have the Sharks players be on the team that I’m rooting against, I started to appreciate them more. Most teams would kill to have an entire line play for Canada and I’m grateful for what the Sharks were able to accomplish on their roster.
by CalFaithful707 on Mar 4, 2010 9:32 AM PST up reply actions
kindof
I said looking forward and seeing all of the contracts and that something has to give…I would prefer to shore up some weaknesses with a very expensive point producing underperforming inbiggames player AND keep some of the other guys that I personally enjoy watching more.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
When exactly did Nabby show up to the Olympics? Against Belarus? Does that even count? I bet he could stone the Worcester Sharks too. (except Logan of course)
He got shelled in the only game he played that mattered.
Speaking of games that mattered. How many points did Patty and Heater have in their last 3 games? Not a whole lot.
I’ll admit that Jumbo didn’t play well, but when the games really mattered, the rest of the Sharks weren’t exactly lights out (I still think the group put on some pressure as a whole, just didn’t capitalize on chances).
The lone exception is Danny Boyle, who was awesome throughout the final few games.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I respectfully disagree
The allstar teams of Canada and Russia did not gel as early as the masterfully balanced teams like the US (who did take time to look good with no where near the talent) and some of the other teams that essentially were actual teams and not just collections of players.
Marty FRICKIN Brodeur got ran and he played for the most talented group of players in the tourney. Luongo is one bounce away from being a dog too. Russia’s team never showed. They quit and embarrassed themselves. I don’t think you can take such a small sample size and crap on guys.
Patty and Heater did not have many points over the last few games but they made an impact, getting shots etc and I SWEAR I saw patty and Ryan Getz on the ice at the same time.
My whole thinking is that everyone gets shelled once in a while. Especially in single elimination. But Joe with all those allstars still was the guy that floated the ugly passes up the middle for other teams to turn the other way!
I think Joe is a B in my heart and guys like Patty and such clear A’s that my comments are taken as hate instead of the mild displeasure that it really is.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
We could argue this for years.
Hell, Miller didn’t show up in the only period that mattered in his career up to this point. Shouldn’t he saved that goal from Crosby?
Do silver medals matter in hockey?
but that is what I mean. Goals will be scored and to call a goalie a dog for giving up a goal is crazy. It was an all star tournament and someone was going to score.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
We’ll talk more about Nabby next week. However, I’ve read many interviews from various Russian hockey greats of the past, and I have yet to see one that puts the blame on Nabokov for Canada’s loss.
That includes the Russian coaches who finally spoke yesterday about what happened. None of them are saying they should have gone with Bryzgalov or that Nabokov cost Russia the game. On contrary – they’re all defending him.
Canada did not beat Russia solely because of Nabokov.
This seems to be mostly a score sheet debate from what I can tell. I think Jumbo had some great moments, and other times he tried to force passes he shouldn’t. I saw plenty of instances of him driving hard behind the net and protecting the puck. Trying to force his signature passes that did turn into turnovers occasionally (a little too often).
He didn’t have the points, but I thought he was good on the ice for the most part.
The rest of the guys did what they do. Marleau was fast, got chances, applied pressure. Heater shot it from everywhere. Boyle was Dan Fucking Boyle (I still chuckle when people censor themselves here). Pavs was a great 2 way forward with one of the biggest faceoff wins of his career (led directly to the tying goal) and had a chance in overtime after he stole it from Nieds.
Nabby had a rough game, but he was hardly the only Russian to collapse in that thing. A lot of those goals he was completely screwed on and they were shots from top caliber shooters that had no pressure at all defensively on them. The Americans never once hung Miller out to dry like that. The Swiss did a lot to protect Hiller as well.
In the end though, people will look at the numbers, and the numbers in the last 3 games for the Sharks were not impressive and downright horrible for Nabby in his last game.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
One fair criticism of Joe
Puck management was an issue. Lot of turnovers or puck battles lost. But that’s been a trend for him, and the team at large, all season.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Joe
He does give a lot of turnovers, but some of his moves and passes are going to be dangerous to get the tough shots. With a playmaker you’ve got to be able to make the safe and dangerous, and I think he does both and it should be expected to get those turnovers when trying to develop something that could have a huge payout.
Fair point on the risky plays
But the problem this season has been on the ROUTINE stuff.
I’m talking about those gray area turnovers, high at the blue line that result from dicking around and slowing up the rush, or just straight up passing behind or not to the stick of an open player. Joe and the rest of the team are screwing up on the fundamentals.
THAT is a real hole in everyone’s game this season.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Oh I agree completly
There are games when the passing is spot on, but the majority of the nights its atrocious. I really think they all could use some conditioning on it. Not sure what else they could do to improve that then practice it constantly.
I have your answer:
Let Boyle take it past the blue line!!
I was looking at what i perceived as the effort, energy and impact of the shifts guys had, especially canada and USA.
Joe may have been a tip or two away from a couple of assists but that could be said about dozens of incidences for most players every game…I was comparing his impact to guys that he normally competes against. The beauty was it was the same game against the same competition. Guys like Staal, Getzlaf, Iginla etc had multiple monster shifts and came through when it mattered and not just on the score sheet.
I keep banging this drum but Joe IS the sharks…why not, when he plays the turnover game, put:
Marleau, PAVS, Heater
Clowe, Jumbo, Seto
and keep the solid bottom pairings…light a fire under his ass
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
I completly agree with Ivano
If you actually watched the game Russia’s defense was atrocious. At points in the game they had three forwards at the blue line while the puck was still near the net. I think they actually highlighted that during the game. What’s the difference with Canada is they had an amazing defense to compensate for a not so stellar goalie. I’m not saying lu is bad, but in comparison to Nabby I think he is.
Just like Nabby has compensated for a sometimes not so stellar defense from the sharks, he did his best for Russia. Was it the best game for him, heck no. Should he have stopped some of those goals, of course. I still don’t think it’s fair to blame him for the loss when none of them fought for it.
Wait, why is Luongo bad in comparison to Nabby? They’re both amazing regular season goalies, and Luongo, aside from the Chicago series, has done extremely well in the playoffs. His team just couldn’t score any goals, not his fault.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
My take on Lu
Playing in Canada as captain of his team has made him overthink his game in key situations. He can try to do too much (I think Nabby was guilty of this in the Canada game). This is especially true if he perceives his team struggles offensively and they need him to take over (hello Canada/Russia). He’s much better when he just does his job (same with Nabby).
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Turnovers is what killed Russia.
I don’t think I’ll ever have guts to watch that first period again, but I clearly remember inability to hold to the puck, which lead to constant turnovers and 21 shots on goal in one period.
Nabokov said this much in his analysis is that the shots that were coming from Canada were unpredictable because they were coming from all over the place. Playing against Canada was not like playing against Columbus where outside of line 1, everyone is predictable. But when his defense would lose the puck in their own zone and it’d be Getzlaf, or Marleau or Toews, or Crosby who picked up the puck, it was just a whole new puck game. He said he’s never played against such unpredictable offense as Canada threw at him.
Not being a big guy, Nabokov relies on positioning a lot, and when he’s unable to predict the course of action, he finds himself in a wrong spot.
Maybe for these reasons a bigger Bryzgalov might have had a better luck, but it’s easy to think about these things now.
What I mean
I am not saying he’s a terrible goalie, but in my eye’s I think Nabby is just that much better. I guess I’m a bit biased… I’m just much more comfortable and feel I can trust Nabby in tough situations. While watching the Canada games I didn’t feel that same comfort I did that I normally get in Nabby, and what I felt with Miller in goal.
"All I can say is wow, Jonathan..."
“wow…”
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Poor poor cheech
I wonder if he ever gets healthy again? Last I heard he was banging in the minors and making people look dumb.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Maybe this will be good for him?
Pressure is off a bit, weaker competition, he could really get his groove back (provided he stays healthy)
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
He and Dr. Elsa Schneider are in a Library in Rome attempting to find clues that will lead them to a system of underground catacombs.
After that, they’ll probably head to the Canyon of the Crescent Moon. Hopefully he won’t get captured while trying to impersonate a Scottish prince.
Jonathan, remember though, when you’re on your way to the grail and fountain of youth, remember: In Latin Jehovah begins with an “I”!
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by TCY on Mar 4, 2010 9:43 AM PST up reply actions
and the sssssnnnnnakes
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 9:46 AM PST up reply actions
Set dem bitches on fire.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by TCY on Mar 4, 2010 9:47 AM PST up reply actions
As I said in the OT thread
I have bragging rights for a year on the line here with my cousin’s husband (a Habs fan) thanks to this game. I hope the boys can pull through so for my next visit to Canada means I have something to brag about.
Go Sharks!
SHARKS!
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
I thought that the trade talk would end after the deadline.
I thought the “OMG SHARKS SUCK IN GAMES THAT MATTER” talk would end until after the playoffs.
Silly me.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
I thought this was a forum for discussing the team and not for cheerleaders only. Oh well. I will check in later and read all 75 postings that say go sharks. That’ll make for interesting reading.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Haha no not at all. I totally agree. You can say whatever you want and I expect you to do so.
I’m just going to say that the Joe doesn’t show up argument is stale, in my opinion. See it everywhere. Constantly. For three years.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by TCY on Mar 4, 2010 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
and when they resign all of my favorite guys next season I will breathe easy and not worry about it. This same board will blow up in two months with the same arguments because only 1 team wins it all. I think it is relevant that the olympics showcased all of the same fears that may be stale but are entirely relevant for teams gearing up for a run.
sooo anyway.
go sharks.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Although I do think that the Olympics showed some things that we worried about are possibly true, many went into the Olympics with predetermined views on how a player would play.
Joe had a pretty decent Olympics, in my mind, above the box score. He was a few Patty tip ins from a great stat line. But becuase he had 2 points, he’s a flop.
Pronger, by almost all standards, had a very poor Olympic run. But becuase most consider him an elite defenseman, I heard nothing about people being worried about him in the cup run for Philly. Same with Brodeur.
As a Sharks fan who has become admittedly bitter over the last few seasons, I’m trying to give the team a clean slate and let them prove themselves in the playoffs. If they fail, it will suck, but it won’t make me feel any better to say that I doubted their ability to win down the road in a pregame thread against Montreal.
I guess each fan goes about their business in a different way. I’m trying to be a little more positive, or this job-hobby will get me depressed.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Just a brief rebuttal on Pronger
Most of the talk on the street I heard in my brief stint north of the border was that people were unhappy with Pronger on the team. They felt he wasn’t giving sufficient impact to the team and was taking a spot from someone else.
Then again, he was also getting big ups after the Russia game because he played physical and intimidated the Russians. He was suited well to playing against the more “European” teams. Against the US, Slovakia, et. al. that could handle the physical play and were MUCH MUCH faster, Pronger was perceived to be a pylon.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Yeah, I know people were disappointed with him, but I’m just saying that I haven’t heard Philly fans up in arms to trade him or afraid of his playoff performance because of the Olympics. Same with Brodeur.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Brodeur has earned himself a lifetime pass
And I’m sure someone from the NHL or Hockey Canada would put out a hit on anyone who argued for Brodeur to be traded or otherwise maligned (nevermind that since the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, of which JS Giguere was the Conn Smythe winner, Brodeur has won exactly 1 playoff series).
I thought I’ve heard some rumblings that Philly fans hate Pronger’s contract.
But eh, apples and oranges really.
We, as a fan base, are becoming increasingly cynical, and we’re not helped by the persistent east coast bias, nor the perception of us as people who think hockey is “totally tubular” or something.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
We, as a fan base, are becoming increasingly cynical, and we’re not helped by the persistent east coast bias, nor the perception of us as people who think hockey is "totally tubular" or something.
Exactly what I’m trying to say. It’s tough being a Sharks fan, and god dammit… I want some playoff success. But I’m doing my best just to enjoy the games.
So sue me. I’m definitely not a cheerleader, as anyone who follows the site can tell you. I’m just resigned to the fact that no matter how much I bitch about Joe, Nabby, et. al., it won’t make me feel any better nor will it make them perform any better.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
On that point, new, substantial points and arguments are always welcome. As Ivano mentioned, Plank will be dropping a piece on Nabby in the near future. I guarantee you that the main argument of it will not be “Nabby has never carried his team to the Stanley Cup final, and becuase he looked bad in the Oly’s he cannot this year.”
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
ITA
for sure…before FTF I the bff and I were the biggest Sharks pessimists ever!!! EVER!! Stuff like “Kill Nabby, No the puck is the other way Nabby!, TOO FAR OUT NABBY!!! Shoot Blake, yes, keep passing that puck, Did Staubie just biff that with one one around him? WTF Jumbo and Everyone shoot wide tonight because that’ll be the best and we’ll win that way!” were shouted regularly…but regardless we keep coming back for more. I guess we’ll just try out this optimism thing and see where it leads us. Its not easy being a Sharks fan…but man do I love’em.
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 10:42 AM PST up reply actions
hmmmm I guess we’re just masochistic.
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 10:49 AM PST up reply actions
I have a hard time going back to the same ol “The Sharks are going to Choke” routine because, as people seem to have overlooked, nearly half of the Sharks’ roster has turned over from last season! Between Heatley, Malhotra, Nichol, Ortmeyer, Wallin, Huskins, Leach…young call ups like McGinn, Couture, Demers…and people who were hurt or scratched most of last year in Staubitz and Mitchell…we have really no idea how they’ll perform in the playoffs. At all!
I mean, we have no idea, maybe Jumbo gets shut down (I’m sorry, maybe Jumbo chokes), but then Malhotra chips in with 8 goals, and Nichol/Ortmeyer get a few, and also shut down opposing top lines…and McGinn comes into his own with 6 or 7 goals, and Heatley plays like he tends to in important games and racks up 30 points during our run. I guess what I’m saying is, we literally have no idea how THIS GROUP of Sharks will perform in the playoffs.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 4, 2010 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
Joe IS the Sharks
At least, to the MSM, because, WTF, there’s hockey in California?
The disappearance of secondary scoring in the post-season, when there are actually eye-balls on the game, doesn’t help, because, well hey, no one else is scoring, clearly this team is Joe plus a bunch of other random dudes.
As Joe goes, so go the Sharks. For better or worse. He is our $6M man, he will play upwards of 20 minutes a night, and he is our most dangerous weapon (or should be).
Who knows. It’s why the regular season IS so frustrating. It’s NOT the playoffs. And you never know how they are going to go until they start. And they can end very very quickly. And when they do, everyone lines up to pin it on Joe.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Simply put...
Secondary scoring will get the Sharks further in “months-that-shan’t-be-named”, regardless of which Thornton will show up (GOD I hope it’s JOE that shows up).
by ilooklikeafat16 on Mar 4, 2010 11:51 AM PST up reply actions
Win or lose
I’m a sharks fan. Of course I want them to do good, but I’m not going to up and jump ship for another team. Hockey is such an unpredictable sport, which is what makes it so much fun. You’ve got to take everything in context. Yes the point totals for Jumbo weren’t the highest, but are you taking into account how many near goals Patty or Heater almost had because of him? Frankly I recall some absolutely amazing saves from all the goalies.
Also for regular season accounts I feel that almost every game we play, the opposing team has the game of their life. Just seems to me that, unless our team completely fails on all assignments, we really have an opportunity to win every game. In the end is the opposing team having another award winning night? Seems so every time the sharks are in town. We are one of those teams everyone get’s pumped to play , that’s why we have to have that much desperation in every game. Just my 2 cents.
NJ
last game had a great few minutes of effort at the beginning for the sharks…but NJ didn’t play out of their minds! They just ground out another win.
Thornton will get 4 points against the Habs and everyone will say “see how good he played!” but the Sharks lost to NJ and will just bully a weak opponent next time and we keep drinking the koolaid.
Boyle for Captain, Marleau for Govn'r, Pavs for President! Go Sharks!
Aero. I tend to agree with the pessemistic view. But at this point there isn’t anything left to do. Rosters are set. All we can do is cheer our godamn heads off and hope for the best. I find little to think that we should expect a different result from last year. But even with that said it doesn’t matter now until the player get their chance to prove us wrong.
by skilletboy on Mar 4, 2010 10:52 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I just tend to wonder what, say, Nashville’s or Columbus’ fans would be like with a roster as stacked at this.
Independent of course from the previous “failures”.
Just funny to me how the second best team in the NHL comes with this much baggage and doubt.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
I suppose this is how fans of some other teams felt/feel
The Red Sox
The Cubs
The Colts
The Mavericks
Heck, even in hockey, the old Blues or old Capitals teams, maybe even the Flames before they finally broke through against Edmonton.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I would kill myself if I ran a Cubs blog. Although, it seems like they’ve moved past the stage of real criticsm and have moved on to sarcasm. Which is much better.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
What will Chicago fans do if the Cubs ever actually win the World Series? They won’t be able to play their “woe is me” card anymore. They will also no longer be the lovable losers. I think Cubs fans enjoy being able to bitch about the Cubs more than they would enjoy them actually winning…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 4, 2010 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
Actually here are the 7 stages of grief:
Denial (this isn’t happening to me!)
Anger (why is this happening to me?)
Bargaining (I promise I’ll be a better person if…)
Depression (I don’t care anymore)
Acceptance (I’m ready for whatever comes)
wonder where the cubs fans are?? Have to think after ONE HUNDRED YEARS… they must be in acceptance
Well, this is their 101st year without a championship. I’m not sure if there’s a Cub fan still alive that saw their last World Series Championship. They should have moved past criticism at this point, 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
thank you! Cause I was just bout to say something bout that … all this negative shit is getting to me. We’re #1 in the conference, #2 in the league and people here find things to nitpick on. More than the fans, the players themselves want to win the Cup. They know what is at stake.
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 4, 2010 9:56 AM PST up reply actions
they’re hella bummin me out…j/k :D
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 10:02 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
for hella
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I'm officially in a race
To get to hella comments!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
’cause we hella live in CA! Ya know? Hella good.
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 10:43 AM PST up reply actions
Go Ags!
Scott Nichol re: his US-born son: He was all about Canada. He’s only six so I can manipulate him pretty good.
Puck Daddy: You would definitely hate the Ducks more than you'd hate the Kings, right?
Joe Pavelski: Yeah, definitely.
LOYAL AGGIES
ALL FOR ONE!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
WOOT!
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 4, 2010 12:48 PM PST up reply actions
wow…that went hella too far…
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
I hella joined that group on Facebook. I also hella joined the “I hella say hella” group.
"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
Chicago lost to the Islanders...
They are so not gonna win the Cup.
I do think Joe actually plays well in the playoffs (besides his first year). His game, unfortunately, is dependent on others to create the superficial statistical measure of success. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the attitude, heart, etc.
That said, you play enough playoff games, and the sample size issues should go away and you should get a performance that gets closer to the mean performane (if slightly less due to increase in skill of the competition). There is only so many times “oh, his linemates didn’t put it in” can cover for lower production. Fair or not, Joe has to have a good playoffs, statistically, AND the Sharks have advance deep for Joe to repair his big game reputation.
by ruben398 on Mar 4, 2010 11:12 AM PST via mobile reply actions
My biggest beef with Joe right now
is the turnovers. And i’m not talking about turnovers int he offensive zone when he’s trying to get Patty or Heater to tap in a goal, i’m talking about bad passes in the defensive and neutral zone that come from lack of defensive awareness and lack of concentration.
I was noticing it a lot during the month or so leading up to the olympics. We’ll see how things are leading up to the postseason.
And for the record, i am not in favor of trading Joe and do not think he’s as big of a choker as most of the NHL seems to.
The bad passes can actually be blamed for almost everyone on the team and I believe someone said on another post McLellan should shoulder the blame for that one. More practice should be devoted to fundamentals like passing (although what do I know, I’ve never been to a practice). I dunno, just some thoughts.
Awesome story about Pav’s nieghbors and friends celebrating the silver with him
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Owen Nolan was there. My dog, that is.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Yep. Parents go to the same park. I don’t have my own dog yet, so they’re usually the ones bringing him there and having all the fun. I live around the corner from my parents.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
You need to get a female dog
And name it Correy Perry.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
i could imagine that dog getting knocked up
but adamantly state that it’s actually Nabokov who is pregnant
Scott Nichol re: his US-born son: He was all about Canada. He’s only six so I can manipulate him pretty good.
Puck Daddy: You would definitely hate the Ducks more than you'd hate the Kings, right?
Joe Pavelski: Yeah, definitely.
DUDE!!! Whoa that was…wow. True but wow! Elvis who knew you could be so mean.
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
The amount of hair that dog has
Are you sure it’s not Getzlaf?
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Can I just state
For the record, that I love FTF.
So much!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Somebody needs to Photoshop that one and make it the official Perry-pic.
by skilletboy on Mar 4, 2010 12:26 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
OMG. I think I spotted.
Nicely done. The likeness is uncanny.
Can’t figure out if it’s the tongue hanging out or the overall stupid look on his face.
by skilletboy on Mar 4, 2010 1:08 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I think you just hurt that dog’s feelings by even mentioning Perry let alone saying it looks like Perry.
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Mar 4, 2010 12:39 PM PST up reply actions
Best. Dog. Ever!
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 4, 2010 12:49 PM PST up reply actions
2nd INT. MEET-UP
For those going to the game, we could meet where they had the medal display: Sharks Foundation booth by section 124. Oui?
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
sounds good
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
Cool
Also, for those who want to practice before the puck drop:
Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
lalalaaa
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Mar 4, 2010 1:46 PM PST up reply actions
Sounds fine to me. Assuming I remember. I’m rather flighty at times.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 4, 2010 1:45 PM PST up reply actions
Now I wish we were playing the Ducks tonight instead. This thread could get slappy…
by skilletboy on Mar 4, 2010 1:40 PM PST via mobile reply actions
A true story (also a boring one)
“…I have tickets to the game tonight, so you need to be out here by Xpm”
“Sure, ok. So there’s a game tonight? Who are they playing?”
“Habs.”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“Montreal.”
“… oh.”
“I thought you said you were a hockey fan?”
grout sander goes whhhirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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
Sigh…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Mar 4, 2010 1:46 PM PST up reply actions
This happened to me a few times before. I’m taking someone to the game on a free ticket that I think is a hockey fan, and then he’s surprised when he finds out Cheechoo is no longer playing here.
Nothing worse.
It IS pretty amazing, but yeah. Still am.
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
Go Sharks! Should be an awesome game,
because I will be there. ha ha…
"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
BUT...
The majority of awesomeness comes from me.
"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
AHEM!
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
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