Sharks Gameday: The Lion's Den
by Mr. Plank on May 4, 2010 3:30 AM PDT
in 2010 Playoffs
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On the surface, the minutes leading to today's 4:30 start should be a breeze. The Sharks are on a five game win streak and playing some phenomenal hockey, up 2-0 in a series for the first time since that one time they were up 2-0 in a series a couple years ago that ended in a way I don't quite recall. Joe Thornton has asserted himself in every single area, the defensive unit has limited their mistakes, Detroit hasn't been able to capitalize on their transition game, Nabokov has held the fort, and the Sharks are out-battling the Wings for nearly every loose puck.
And at this point, Joe Pavelski might be bigger than The Beatles.
Things are as good as they have ever been in the last five years. The fanbase is riled up, people are losing their minds throughout the festivities. And like the sea that has swallowed so many dreams before, a song from the Sirens has begun to float through the air into the collective eardrum of the city. Rumblings of a sweep on the radio, a broom this, a broom that, the melody enveloping the minds of the faithful. It is the sweetest of syrups, the slyest of sedatives.
We cannot forget.
Tonight the Sharks march into the Devil's Lair. It has been the cruelest of hosts during the past nineteen seasons, a proverbial wasteland where the malnourished and weak are slowly separated and devoured. This is the arena where dreams go to die. The demons weaving amongst the rafters above. The cold, unforgiving sheet of ice below. The Red Army lining up eye to eye, wooden bayonets poised at the ready. Many have fallen here, torn limb from limb under piercing lights, casually thrown aside like the masses before them. And if history repeats itself? If history has provided a compass to navigate this treacherous terrain tonight?
Then history has damned our very souls.
We cannot forget. We cannot allow the Hockey Gods to witness a conglomerate of men and women forget all of the lessons that have been learned over the course of nineteen seasons. This diaspora, our diaspora, requires respect and a patient understanding of what is rising just over the horizon. The opposing forces we go into battle with tonight are much more than an unusually large collection of tin foiled fear mongers who wield their complaints like a club. We are battling history, and a group that history has always seemed to smiled upon.
These are the obstacles San Jose must overcome. The greatest test of their physical and mental fortitude has yet to be administered. As the old saying goes, "You're not out of a series until you lose a game at home, especially when that home houses some of the greatest horrors your opponents have ever seen." The Sharks are prepared for this battle, likely more than they have ever been. They have shown their respect and paid their dues, kept their heads down and refused to focus their efforts on anything but the next shift, the next stride.
It is up to us to do the same.
One thing the Sharks have done extremely well this series is shut down Henrik Zetterberg. While Pavel Datsyuk has continued his wizard-like ways, Zetterberg has been a near non-factor during the course of the first two games. After compiling eleven points against Phoenix, including six goals, he has been held off the scoresheet against San Jose and limited to a mere five shots on net.
The reason for this is twofold-- Todd McLellan has asked Douglas Murray and Dan Boyle to log the majority of minutes against Zetterberg on the backend, with Joe Pavelski's line taking most of the forward duties against the talented Swede. Both of these units have worked harmoniously with one another in taking out one of Detroit's most potent offensive threats. With two one-goal games separating the teams at this juncture, one could make the case that the lack of Zetterberg has been the biggest factor during this young series.
McLellan's newfound craze for hard matching at home has a lot to do with that. Last season he was content to allow Randy Carlyle to put whoever he wanted out on the ice at a given moment, paying little attention to who would be facing who. This season he's running ghost units before faceoffs, forcing Mike Babcock to show his hand, and adjusting immediately by changing entire units at a time. It is as if the butterfly has burst from it's cocoon.
Tonight, McLellan will get no such luxury. This is an area where Mike Babcock flourishes, and with Zetterberg's lack of production thus far, he will likely try and get him some more favorable looks. Demers and Huskins, who have played well but are obviously the weakest pairing on the backend, will be Babcock's targets. With Marleau on the third line however, it makes it much more difficult for Babcock to truly exploit San Jose-- one of the many reasons, especially on the road, that splitting up the big three of Heatley, Marleau, and Thornton provides a better opportunity for the Sharks to win hockey games. It makes trying to decipher matchups and isolate weak spots all the much more difficult.
I assume he will go that route again tonight.
Speaking of isolating weak spots, McLellan has identified his fourth line as one. As we mentioned after game one their minutes were extremely low, and that trend continued in game two-- Helminen, Nichol, and McGinn all saw less than four minutes at even strength in a tilt that was close all the way through. The bottom line played a huge role in a victory against Colorado, but against a more finesse team, McLellan has evidently decided they will be a liability if given too many minutes. And while the amount of power play opportunities could be a factor in the reduction of ice time for line four, I believe this decision is rooted more in McLellan's confidence with his depth. It will be an area to focus on tonight considering it is likely the Sharks will not amass 12:54 in man-advantage time ever again. Trusting them to eat a couple more shifts on the fly should prove to be beneficial.
Thus far, this series has been won and lost with special teams. The Sharks were a +2 in this area on Thursday, and a +1 on Sunday. Even strength shots over the two games are dead equal at forty three apiece, with the Wings a +1 at evens in the goal scoring department.
Say what you will about who is carrying the play, who is dominating whom. This series is essentially even right now in terms of even strength play. As has been mentioned throughout Fear The Fin, Detroit will likely receive the favorable calls here at Joe Louis. These matters will even out, as they always do. In order for San Jose to take a stranglehold on this series and obtain victory tonight, Nabokov must be even better than he already has, and the penalty kill must continue to reduce the amount of time and space Detroit's skilled forwards have with the puck. Continue to pound the body at evens and work the low cycle because that tires the Red Wings. A simple road game, no matter how cliche, is essential.
One of the reasons Nabokov may have had such difficulty in Joe Louis Arena over the years (.903 SV%) is that the boards are extremely lively and kick pucks back out to the crease with astounding frequency. His game is built upon aggressively challenging shooters, and with these boards playing their tricks, his ability to do so is reduced. Striking a balance between not playing too deep and trusting your defenseman to cover the back door will be a fine line that must be walked. Much more than so than HP Pavilion, where the home crowd can incite a three goal outburst in less than two minutes, Nabokov will determine the outcome of this game. San Jose lives and dies with him tonight.
This is a wonderful opportunity the Sharks have in front of them. If there was one team in Sharks history that could go into Joe Louis and raise some hell, this is it.
History can be made. Here's to hoping it will.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-2. Goals by McGinn, Boyle, and Marleau. Pavelski has four assists and makes such a sweet pass on Marleau's goal that the scorekeeper gives him both the primary and secondary.
Go Sharks.
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I dunno how much better we can expect Nabokov to be. 2 of the 3 goals scored against him were when he was being screened.
The Datsyuk goal actually deflected off the Shark defenders stick. Nabokov could’ve still had it i suppose, but it wasn’t quite as straightforward as it looked. It was a deflection that unfortunately went perfectly into the top right corner of the net.
Nabokov made some really spectacular saves and hopefully he keeps it going later today.
Man Mr. Plank, you sure paint a creepy picture of this place, talking about damned souls and demons weaving amongst the rafters above. (Art nerd alert) Someone needs to photoshop Nabokov’s face on Michelangelo’s “Torment of Saint Anthony.”
I agree, Nabokov needs to have one of the best games of his career tonight.
by ToddMclellan'shair on May 4, 2010 4:51 AM PDT reply actions
If there's a better time to exorcise the collective demons of the Joe,
I don’t want to know when that will be. Tonight we have a chance to do just that; collectively shed the choker label, actually show the league that we’re legit, and all around earn a second round win. When we steal a game at the Joe (not if, but when), there will be much rejoicing in Sharkland, because only then will we know for ourselves that we’re legit. Even with all of the demons weaving through the rafters, the pregame voodoo the Wings must practice in their lockerroom, and the teal kryptonite buried under center ice, we must remember that the Wings are beatable at home (ask Bakes about that). I for one will be watching with bated breath starting at 6:30 CDT, and I hope I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
Go Sharks
First game of the playoffs I'm going to completely miss. poo.
Go Sharks!!!
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
"The last time I made a video in a hotel room…..very different than this." – Drew Remenda
Proud member of the "Lifetime Contract for Marleau" Club
Keeping with the theme….you’re gonna miss The Apocalypse?! Why?
by ToddMclellan'shair on May 4, 2010 6:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Evening classes.
Oh yes, they seem like such a good idea for college kids that really don’t feel like waking up before the crack of noon, but there is a downside. And this is it.
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
"The last time I made a video in a hotel room…..very different than this." – Drew Remenda
Proud member of the "Lifetime Contract for Marleau" Club
THANK GOD
That Randy and Drew will be back tonight. The Versus announcers are about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Wearing my Heatley jersey today at work OVER my dress. I’m rockin in style but who cares. It’s playoff hockey and since I’m a chick and can’t grow a beard, this’ll do.
Go Sharks.
by AmazinglyGraceless on May 4, 2010 7:01 AM PDT reply actions
Only THE BIG PAVELSKI...
Can have 4 assists on 3 goals!
Go Sharks.
not sure what to expect tonight...
i know detroit is going to come out flying, and totally agree that nabby had better be drinking from joe pa’s water bottle.
i have optimism because it seems as if though san jose has won 5 in a row, some of those wins came in spite of lackluster showings by certain sharks >cough heatleymarleau cough< who are now starting to find their game. even if joe pa and co. dont continue to produce at the astounding clip they are at, just being able to have to solid lines applying pressure and wearing down their matchups will go a long long way.
Go Sharks. Holy shit.
"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 May 4, 2010 8:00 AM PDT reply actions
This isn’t even directed at you necessarily but mannn Heatley’s been doing more than fine. He’s tied for 2nd for most points on the team. Most of those might as well be goals since a lot of them were either shots of his that were tipped in, or rebounds off his shot. I personally could care less if his shots go straight in or if they’re tipped, as long as it ends up going in. He definitely doesn’t deserve to be ragged on imo.
The Ominous Mr. Plank
You did indeed paint an ominous picture of the Sharks entering the Joe tonight. Well done and most accurate for sure. Here’s to OUR Joe’s (and company) busting some wings tonight.
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that, oh crap I quit drinking.
Great preview
Tonight the Sharks march into the Devil’s Lair. It has been the cruelest of hosts during the past nineteen seasons, a proverbial wasteland where the malnourished and weak are slowly separated and devoured. This is the arena where dreams go to die. The demons weaving amongst the rafters above. The cold, unforgiving sheet of ice below. The Red Army lining up eye to eye, wooden bayonets poised at the ready. Many have fallen here, torn limb from limb under piercing lights, casually thrown aside like the masses before them.
That is a fine bit of prose. Tip of the cap to ya.
As for what TSN thinks (which is not nearly as entertaining): Sharks misery in Detroit inspires Red Wings
“Our history dictates that we haven’t played well in that building, so we’ll have to try to change that and overcome that situation,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said Monday before the team travelled to Detroit. “There is a history and we’re aware of it, but what happened has absolutely nothing to do with May of 2010.”
GO SHAAARKS!!
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
Somebody is going to get hurt today
Sharks have to win one on the road, but they have to be careful. Detriot plays better at home….and more physical.
What Would Brian Boitano Do?
Joe Pavelski IS God!
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
F--- Versus...
…for not showing the game tonight! Looks like I’m watching on the internet…
Go Sharks!
If you live in California
It’s on the Comcast channel.
What Would Brian Boitano Do?
Joe Pavelski IS God!
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
hey, someone posted a gif of jumbo messing with one of the sedin twins
pushing his helmet off and then pushing it away with his stick. where do i find that?
"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 May 4, 2010 8:37 AM PDT reply actions
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on May 4, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions
THANKS I LOVE IT
"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 May 4, 2010 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
so far in the playoffs
5-0 when i’m not here for game threads. and 6-0 when mymclife isn’t here for game threads. that being said, see you after the game is over
MeThinksSports hasn't been updated since 2009...i think...
Higher On The Food Chain...
The fans that tossed the leopard shark on the ice have been interviewed!
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_15011608?source=most_viewed
The Sharks need to play like 2 Live Crew, "As Nasty As They Want To Be" -Drew Remenda
by 408SharksFinatic on May 4, 2010 8:48 AM PDT reply actions
absolutely
teams often say they learn more from losing than winning, so detroit should be geniuses by now.
seriously, im not going to cry myself to sleep if sj loses, i wouldnt be surprised by a multi-goal spread for the 1st game this series.
"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 May 4, 2010 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Speaking of Pavelski,
Babcock said this morning. "My wife actually mentioned it to me yesterday – I was driving the kids around, and when we got back my wife said to me, ‘Where’s that Pavelski from?’ and I said, ‘Why?’ ‘Well, he’s a stud.’ And I said, ‘Well, he played at Wisconsin – thanks for the tip.’ "
Soooo...
Babcock’s wife has the hots for Pavs! Somebody find a picture of her and photochop something risque with Pavs!!
funny you should mention it...
apparently Pav’s has been hangin with the ’Cock’s lately.
"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 May 4, 2010 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Hahahaha..
OMG, I’m crying…
The Sharks need to play like 2 Live Crew, "As Nasty As They Want To Be" -Drew Remenda
by 408SharksFinatic on May 4, 2010 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
This photo reminds me of the photoshops MCC does when Barry Zito is pitching.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=lf#!/photo.php?pid=31291932&id=1198113879
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
I love how the Mrs. is giving Pavelski’s love handles a squeeze.
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
"The Sharks need to keep playing well and finish off Detroit. If they don't I guarantee a third straight Pitt-Det finals. WE'RE HOCKEY'S LAST HOPE!!!" - ZeroIndulgence, via text
What a proud mother.
What Would Brian Boitano Do?
Joe Pavelski IS God!
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Can someone explain that quote from Babcock to an ignorant Russian? I don’t get it.
I’m serious.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Babcock’s wife finds Joe to be cute.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
It's sarcasm
As if Babcock hadn’t noticed that Pavelski was a “stud”. Consider it like Michelle Obama speaking to her husband saying, “You know, that Iran place, it doesn’t sound very pleasant.”
'The good news is, there's a little more room in the penalty box; there's only five Sharks in there now.' -- Randy Hahn, VAN @ SJS 8 April 2010
This
Babcock is being sarcastic. It would be like me saying to my girlfriend during the Olympics that Nabokov plays for Team Russia.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Oh alright. I thought maybe I’m missing some joke I don’t know about Wisconsin or Michigan being their rival, or something.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
The cup has been to Pavelski’s hometown! I remember two year ago when Rafalski had his day with it, the story mentioned that he was in Iola, WI, a place I have visited on occasion. It’s more or less a suburb of Steven’s Point, Pav’s home.
Just thought I would impress you with what I know about Wisconsin geography.
"It's a lumberjack convention out there." Drew Remenda 3/4/10
Jon Casey fan since '84
Founder of Feel the Teal.
Finally!!
I was beginning to miss Randy & Drew. Also did anyone notice Versus screw up with PP clock a couple of times?
The Sharks need to play like 2 Live Crew, "As Nasty As They Want To Be" -Drew Remenda
by 408SharksFinatic on May 4, 2010 9:15 AM PDT reply actions
They sync their clocks to the arena scoreboard
So if there were, it’s likely on the guys managing clock at the Tank. In fact, there was a point in game 2 where the officials had to go over to the scorer’s table because the penalty clocks were off by a few seconds.
"Playing Detroit in the playoffs is like paying your taxes. You either pay now or pay later." - Suisun Dan
Haven’t seen them in several days; I’ll bet Randy and his playoff beard have him looking like the worlds best dress homeless man.
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that, oh crap I quit drinking.
Or possibly the worlds best dressed, AND interesting man!
“Stay hungry Sharks fans!”
by Suisun Dan on May 4, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
"Stay hungry Sharks fans!"
Rec’d!
"Fear the Fin: where some fans chose to swathe themselves in baseless optimism all season long." -CTGray
by workthecycle on May 4, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Not just the PP clock
but the game clock too. Had it at 2 minutes at one point in time during the first few minutes of the third.
Go Sharks
by AmazinglyGraceless on May 4, 2010 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
GO SHARKS!!
I’m trying to not get my hopes up too much for Game 3. Wings are at home. They do not want to get themselves in a 3-0 hole. God I’m nervous and I won’t be able to watch this until the 2nd period when I get home … ugh! (yes, will be listening on the radio tho)
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
Why shouldn't you get your hopes up?
If they play the way they’ve been playing, the results should come. I’m getting a little tired of the resignation that we fans have that every time we play at the Joe, it’s a foregone conclusion that we’ll lose. Nothing against you Ang, I’m nervous as well, but I have high hopes for this one. The Sharks want to go up 3-0 as much as Detroit wants to avoid it. Positivity!
by Chicago Shark on May 4, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh I know we can do it, but we shouldn’t discount that the Wings are good as well. I’m sticking to my Sharks in 6. If the Sharks want to prove me wrong and do it in less, I’m perfectly fine with that. :)
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
I'm with you
I’m all about POSITIVTY! and I’m optimistic about how things are going, but at the same time I’m gonna follow Han Solo’s advice and not get cocky. I fully expect the Wings to push back. Now that they have home ice and will most likely alter their game plan to stop some of the problems they’ve been having (PP was looking dangerous on Sunday) these next two games are gonna be rough.
We’re doing well, but we can’t expect the Wings to just lay down and die at any point in this series. I’m not saying any of us think that or are acting like it, I just don’t want to upset the Hockey Gods with talks of sweeps or what have you.
That being said, I’ll gladly take all the Shark wins I can get.
Abel to Yzerman
As Earl Sleek pointed out on BoC, shouldn’t that be Abdelkader to Zetterberg now?
"Playing Detroit in the playoffs is like paying your taxes. You either pay now or pay later." - Suisun Dan
I can’t stand that blog. That blog makes my blood boil each and everytime I got there >_<
by AppleSweetRose on May 4, 2010 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
We keep making the Zetterberg joke BUT
Abel = AB
Yzerman = YZ
It’s actually much cleverer with Yzerman.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Since Versus sucks,
anyone know of a solid site the I can watch the game on? Most of the sites I’ve tried are pretty hit-or-miss.
myp2p.net
You can usually find a solid stream from there. I use the Team Teal websop.
Try Justin.tv
That’s where I’ve watched several games when I’ve been away from home.
by AmazinglyGraceless on May 4, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
http://atdhe.net/
Is awesome, works for me 90% of the time.
Cheech...WHO?
by JumboHeatedPatty on May 4, 2010 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Breath Holding
7 Hours of holding my breath remain, waiting for the carnage to ensue. Please end the future of those who history seems to favor. Also please give us some good officiating so the crying will stop.
The crying will never stop
Well, if things go the way we want it to. Even if they don’t I think Wings fans will still cry.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
That's because their team is so good
that it can’t possibly ever be there fault that they lose games. If it weren’t for the refs/league/ghosts in my closet/monsters under my bed/fact that I forgot my tinfoil hat/government conspiracy against the Wings, then the Wings would win every game, and would have their 15th straight Stanley Cup.
by Chicago Shark on May 4, 2010 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
WHOO the day has arrived finally!
I’m scared shitless for our guys tonight but it is what it is and if they work hard and grind grind grind…..I sure hope they’ll make it out alive. Go Sharks!!! Let the real bloodbath begin.
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
Nabby
You said it in the preview Plank, and I think this is the one… We need Nabby to steal a game at the Joe. Why not do it now? I think the first ten minutes are going to be key- we need to come out with more fire then we did in even game 1 and 2, and show Detroit that we are not letting up, only getting started!
The day of doom and destruction has arrived.
Here’s to hoping it will be the Sharks that will deliver the Apocolypse in that arena, to all the fans, and silence them!
Oh my god, I can’t this day is here. Please, please, I hope they do everything and WIN!
Haha I will cry if they lose, but whatever, there will always be game 4.
Let’s hope they’ll at least steal one at the Joe.
Go Sharks. DESTROY!
Pavs Prediction - 3 goals, 4 assists
Love it
"Who were you rooting for in the Olympics?" - Drew Remenda
"I wanted Team India to go all the way." - Manny Malhotra
4 assists on 3 goals I mean
Still love it.
"Who were you rooting for in the Olympics?" - Drew Remenda
"I wanted Team India to go all the way." - Manny Malhotra
And...
I forgot that this game will be on the East Coast.
WTF!!!
I can’t watch two games at the same time!
This is insanity!
Though, if I have to choose, I rather choose the Sharks vs Wings. That series has been the most exciting of all ‘em all… /sigh.
The Sharks it is.
Pens start at 7, so I’ll get to watch 30 minutes at least.
I’m extremely annoyed now ugh.
Oh well.
Go Sharks.
Go Sharks!
Well done everyone on the Pavs photoshop pictures. I’m not talented enough/creative enough to photoshop. So I just sat back and enjoyed everyone’s photo.
BTW, I’m using TCY’s Pavelski/Patton photo as my new avatar.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Just showing some love
Go Sharks! Take down Motown
"We have to win eight. I'll be crushed if we don't win eight." CRN...Eat it BN, lol
Lets go SHARKS! Super bummed about this 4:30 start time, but I guess we’ll all have to deal for a games. I’m expecting a lot from the boys tonight. DON"T LET UP!
As I thought today wanting to complain about 4:30 time, 4:30 is still better than no game start at all, as was the case a year ago.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
The story of the Shark thrown onto the ice in game 2.
That was some serious Ocean’s 11 planning right there.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Read the original article at the Marin Independent Journal of their 2007 shark tossing...
http://www.marinij.com/ci_7129022
The Sharks need to play like 2 Live Crew, "As Nasty As They Want To Be" -Drew Remenda
by 408SharksFinatic on May 4, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Faceoffs
The other obvious change in this game outside of last change is the faceoff circle. The Sharks have been absolutely killing Detroit in the dot. And even so, you have to say, puck possession, which is Detroit’s bread and butter, has been pretty even.
This game right here is where we find out how big Manny Malhotra and Scott Nichol are for this team. You can bet Detroit is going to try and go at our D, and force us to ice the puck and wear us down. We are pretty stacked down the middle. And Detroit isn’t too bad either.
If Detroit can get more puck possession, the game is in their wheelhouse. We know they are going to get some ticky tack calls, and those calls are FAR more likely when you are chasing. Over the course of a season, yes, faceoffs are more of a cursory detail. But this game IS the small sample size. In this game, and game 4, faceoffs are going to be key. If we don’t win the faceoff battle tonight, our odds of winning this game go drastically down in my eyes.
Manny, Scotty, Pavs, Jumbo, Patty, don’t fail us know.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
*now
grammar fail
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Good Luck Sharks!
Here’s to hoping you can turn the tides at the Joe and whoop ass on the Scum at home.
I went to a fight the other night and a hockey game broke out.
- Rodney Dangerfield
Blargh, also going to be missing much or all of this game as well. A few thoughts, however: I don’t see the need to split up HTML, necessarily. Taking into account the fact that the 4th line has seen drastically reduced ice time, we’re essentially left with 3 viable lines that will have the opportunity to make a real impact for most of the game.
I think we can all agree that the 2nd line is extremely dangerous as is, and needs no changes.
That leaves us with 2 lines with which to experiment, the 1st and 3rd lines. It would seem Thornton’s finally elevated his game to a level we sorely missed in past postseasons, and Heatley’s at or near full strength (I’ll take 3 helpers over 1 goal from any player, any day). That just leaves Marleau, who I definitely believe will be back at 100% for tonight’s clash.
Assuming Detroit will be matching their top defensive pairing with Clowe’s line, I think the most effective thing would be to leave the top two lines intact, and for Malhotra to center Couture and Ginner on the 3rd line. Then, perhaps T-Mac can think about mixing up the 3rd and 4th lines throughout the game, maybe moving Nichol around if others aren’t finishing checks and taking the body enough, barring something drastic which I don’t anticipate occurring. If that were to occur, then breaking up HTML may make more sense.
Granted, the aforementioned 3rd line has yet to really assert itself on the scoreboard in this series, but I think the chemistry between Bust and Ginner needs to be relied upon more than it is, and what better player to center them than Manny, who brings 110% on both sides of the ice every single night, and can also find the net on occasion.
I think how HTML plays for the first period will determine a lot, because if we have two lethal lines, Babcock probably won’t know how to prioritize them with regard to defensive pairings.
..:Fear The Fin:..
That is if we keep HTML in tact.
Personally, I like Heatley Thornton Mitchell, Clowe Pavs Seto, Marleau Manny Couture, McGinn Nichol Ortmeyer/Helminen
lol
I hope no real Shark players read Planks write-up before the game, they’ll have nightmares during their nap of demons and the ‘red army’ with their ‘wooden bayonets’ haha. Awesome stuff though.
Is it mean of me to remind everyone that tonight is Cinco de Morrow? You know…the anniversary of Morrow’s Game 6 4-OT goal? I’m just pointing that out.
But I’ll be rooting for the Sharks tonight anyway. Little Joe caused me to jump on the bandwagon…
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on May 4, 2010 11:53 AM PDT reply actions
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Not that we’re bitter or anything…
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I had already decided in my mind that we’d probably lose game 3, but then win 4 and then win it all in 5; but i actually have a good feeling about tonight. I have a feeling Nabby’s gonna play out of his mind and Marleau’s gonna tear it up.
The Wings are playing frustrated, and they might even be a starting to fear the Sharks. I mean look at the number of penalties they got last game, that’s soo uncharacteristic of them; and look at that GIF of Pavelski getting mugged by 3 Red Wings. They’re definitely getting frustrated and it’s starting to affect their play. Also, they had a terrible showing the last time they were at home and so that pressure to win at home might make them try to do too much and it could make them play sloppy; or it could make them play out of their minds lol. Lets hope for the former.
What SJ should strive for in the opening five minutes is getting on the board first and take out their fans. Silence them. So far SJ has done a very effective job in the opening stanza at getting on the board early, game two being the exception. Both games have shown high energy levels from SJ and they will have to duplicate that. Dominate the neutral zone and take the zone with aggression, but watch the giveaways too. Staying out of the box and watch Detroit trying to get calls go their way will be key. And, lastly but by no means less important, is Nabby needs to stand on his head once again.
GO SHARKS!
So far SJ has done a very effective job in the opening stanza at getting on the board early, game two being the exception.
Even though they gave up the first goal to Datsyuk, I still think that they were pretty effective in the opening minutes of Game 2 (even better than Game 1, save for the 3 goal outburst which came in the middle of the period). But I agree, they need to continue to bring that kind of energy tonight and generate some good scoring chances early. Good thing is, I think this team knows exactly that and will bring it.
Go Sharks.
"Who were you rooting for in the Olympics?" - Drew Remenda
"I wanted Team India to go all the way." - Manny Malhotra
While we wait for 4:30 to roll around...
did anyone see this?
Craig Anderson was soooo good against SJ the thought crossed my mind.
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that, oh crap I quit drinking.
Dude gets lit up. Wow.
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
"No, That's Not General Malaise, It's NHL Playoff Fever." Real Fake Sports
Damn
That Archibald guy should be suspended for the rest of that series. And be required to get a haircut.
"Who were you rooting for in the Olympics?" - Drew Remenda
"I wanted Team India to go all the way." - Manny Malhotra
I think it was mentioned that he was suspended indefinitely.
"It's a lumberjack convention out there." Drew Remenda 3/4/10
Jon Casey fan since '84
Founder of Feel the Teal.
Good. The way the goalie flew into the boards, he’s lucky that he wasn’t more severely injured.
"Who were you rooting for in the Olympics?" - Drew Remenda
"I wanted Team India to go all the way." - Manny Malhotra
Go Sharks!
NOMNOMNOMNOM ALL YOU ALLS
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
"No, That's Not General Malaise, It's NHL Playoff Fever." Real Fake Sports
Yay!!!
NOMNOMNOM Dead Things!
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 4, 2010 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm going to absent from the thread
Accordingly, it’s time for Dave Valentine mojo.
It worked in Game 6 against Colorado (also on the road). Remember to rec Dave’s comment if he comes by – he’ll owe us each a Werther’s Original.
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
"The Sharks need to keep playing well and finish off Detroit. If they don't I guarantee a third straight Pitt-Det finals. WE'RE HOCKEY'S LAST HOPE!!!" - ZeroIndulgence, via text
I remember this "Dave Valentine" from earlier this year
what ever happend to him?
"Imagine how many banners we would have if I was GM..." - Drew Remenda
He’s just enjoying retirement – that photo’s from when I visited him in South Carolina, before we all drove to Raleigh to see the Sharks beat the Canes.
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
"The Sharks need to keep playing well and finish off Detroit. If they don't I guarantee a third straight Pitt-Det finals. WE'RE HOCKEY'S LAST HOPE!!!" - ZeroIndulgence, via text
Hi DAVE!
I’ll probably try and say it until he says hi back. :)
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 4, 2010 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
SOMEONE SAY MOJO
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on May 4, 2010 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
hahahah wth?
is that a taser??? That’s so sad!
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 4, 2010 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
It's a photoshop from the kid who got tased at the Phillies game.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on May 4, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
hahahaha thats awful
and like workthecycle said…./dont tase me bro!!!!
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 4, 2010 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Please
don’t tase me bro!
"Fear the Fin: where some fans chose to swathe themselves in baseless optimism all season long." -CTGray
Did the kid call her dad and ask permission before running out on the field?
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 4, 2010 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I love it!
“Rookie Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard is alone at his locker, peeling off his gear and spewing profanities. Specifically, he repeatedly mutters one word that starts with “F.” That expletive apparently has 10 verbal variations, or one for every Sharks power play he faced"
The Sharks need to play like 2 Live Crew, "As Nasty As They Want To Be" -Drew Remenda
by 408SharksFinatic on May 4, 2010 1:03 PM PDT reply actions
Man, I am hella nervous about tonight.
The Sharks have been playing awesome lately, but The Joe is still The Joe…and that building terrifys me. The Sharks have just the worst luck there. I really hope the boys come out to play tonight even harder than they have in the last two. Scoring first will be pretty important.
Man, I dunno, the Sharks have won two in a row, but neither game have they looked dominant. They’re gonna need to step it up 5 on 5, and they will most likely need a badass PK tonight to survive.
Here’s to hoping for the best!
GO SHARKS!
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
I’m with you, ‘cept it’s good that SJ is going in there 2-0. I’d like to see them pull off 1 of the next 2 and come home and slap some wing meat around on home ice. Here’s to the Sharks being physical tonight and wearing down Detroit early on.
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that, oh crap I quit drinking.
Pavelski on ESPN!
Here’s a clip from ESPN’s SportsCenter recapping game 2 – John Buccigross goes nuts in raving over Pavelski. He seems so amazed by Pavs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E-Y43FJ5UE&feature=player_embedded
"Playing Detroit in the playoffs is like paying your taxes. You either pay now or pay later." - Suisun Dan
Sweet revenge baby lets trash these wings now GOOOO SHARKS :)
"SAN DIEGO SUPER CHOKERS!!"- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LfVfsUGFOc
-Lets bring home da Cup Baby GOOOO SHARKS!!!!
by Suleku on May 4, 2010 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
nice.
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
"The last time I made a video in a hotel room…..very different than this." – Drew Remenda
Proud member of the "Lifetime Contract for Marleau" Club
Stellar!
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
"The Sharks need to keep playing well and finish off Detroit. If they don't I guarantee a third straight Pitt-Det finals. WE'RE HOCKEY'S LAST HOPE!!!" - ZeroIndulgence, via text
I really love the detail
For example, the players’ numbers and names on the sharks.
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
"The Sharks need to keep playing well and finish off Detroit. If they don't I guarantee a third straight Pitt-Det finals. WE'RE HOCKEY'S LAST HOPE!!!" - ZeroIndulgence, via text
WHOO Clowe love!
this one is amazing!!!
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 4, 2010 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
hahaha... started last game
doing Wing Stop again tonight!!!! Wooo
by SharksFanTillDeath on May 4, 2010 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Yummy!!!
Tear em up
"We have to win eight. I'll be crushed if we don't win eight." CRN...Eat it BN, lol
Our legends?
Like Valsti Krupa and Alexei Semenov?
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
I'm not sure who made this
and why they put Yzerman rather than a current player. It looks cool, but I don’t know if it makes much sense.
However, I don’t really think this is a “diss” on Stevie T.
by PNK on May 4, 2010 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Wings fan here
It’s weird to read about a 4:30 start on a weekday where you guys are. On one hand, I’d be pissed if I ever had to work overtime and miss part of the game. On the other hand, it’d be nice to be rid of the anxiety period between getting home from work and puck drop.
When games start in San Jose at 10:30, it’s one of the best parts of the playoffs. I love it when those games go to multiple OTs. It makes the coffee taste great the next day.
Gotta do it....... Angry Joe MOJO!!!!
"Be polite, be professional... But have a plan to kill everyone you meet." -- General James N. Mattis, Commander 1st Marine Divison, Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003
by SetoThorMarChooSki on May 4, 2010 2:33 PM PDT reply actions
He looks more than ready to enter the lion's den.
"Fear the Fin: where some fans chose to swathe themselves in baseless optimism all season long." -CTGray
psh with all that facial hair
he is the Lion in the lion’s den!
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 4, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Angry Joe SMASH!
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
"No, That's Not General Malaise, It's NHL Playoff Fever." Real Fake Sports
Angry Joe! I like this year’s version of Angry Joe better…the one who uses his edge on the ice to bring us victory!
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 4, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
And snow showers
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Most Bay Area fans probably don't care, but...
Being a fan in Southern California and having to depend on Versus to see my team play, it couldn’t be more frustrating this year. Minus the last two games, every Sharks game has been “joined in progress”, forcing me to try to find a stream that is decent enough to watch on my netbook. I mean, I understand that hockey, along with most sports, holds an east coast bias, but it’s ridiculous that I have to pray that the Montreal-Pittsburgh game doesn’t go to OT so I can see the end of the Sharks game. They need to come up with a way to bring regional coverage to certain areas, like CBS does for March Madness. /rant.
"He has to want it because talent only takes you so far. How much you want it is the difference between good and great." - Rick Neuheisel
Center Ice
Has solved my Shark viewing needs.
Except for that one time that it was only on versus and the Penguins game went into OT.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
So ready!
I did my homework to kill the time before the game, but i finished early… One more hour…
GO SHARKS!!
DC
I even made my Halo: Rach beta character a Shark
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on May 4, 2010 3:49 PM PDT reply actions
Thought you guys might appreciate this
I went to a fight the other night and a hockey game broke out.
- Rodney Dangerfield
Tin Foil Hat Brigade
= Tea Party Brigade?
Mind my moderate politics here, but it’s just as ridiculous haha.
Drew: 'Oh no.. That is certainly the meaty part alright, but it's not the thigh..."
Randy: "No... that bone is NOT connected to the thigh bone..."
www.fearthefin.com
Sidney Crosby is my Cousin
www.pensburgh.com
"AM" technology comes thru.
In the age where everything can be seen on TV or streamed live to your phone I am trusting the first thing that sports was broadcasted in, AM radio, to carry me thru this hockey game tonight. The Versus network will not be showing the game :( and my work does not get the correct bay area channel :(. Streaming live thru my 6 year old phone is not an option :( and the computers here are just as old:(. So AM radio it is gotta love old Technology.
GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!
Just because nobody has put it up yet
Sharks Raping Red Wings Mojo
by jMoneyBrah on May 4, 2010 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
because it's Star Wars day (May the Fourth be with you)
for all you nerds out there….
by noava22 on May 4, 2010 4:11 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
sweet!
"Fear the Fin: where some fans chose to swathe themselves in baseless optimism all season long." -CTGray
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