Could Nabokov re-sign with the Sharks?
by Mr. Plank on Jun 15, 2010 3:00 AM PDT
in Armchair GM
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PrintWith free agency a mere fifteen days away, and the only announcement out of the San Jose camp being a Rob Blake press conference (in other words, a retirement announcement) and some lower-level signings, speculation is just beginning to ramp up.
And according to Sharkspage, that speculation is already in full force:
To throw a rumor out into the ether, sources inside the Sharks organization and outside of San Jose proper, all have said independently of one another that the Sharks are leaning heavily towards bringing goaltender Evgeni Nabokov back. Sharks President/CEO Greg Jamison said Thursday on Chronicle Live that the team was still in the planning and evaluation phase, conducting individual meetings with players and coaches to chart a course for the future.
An age-old policy of Fear The Fin states that anything published by Sharkspage is fair game for rational discussion. This isn't a case of Eklund blowing water out of his blowhole, or a newspaper editorializing through clever wording that disguises the author's personal opinion as fact.
Everyone has their sources, and as far as Sharkspage goes, PJ's are concrete. It is very likely the Sharks are heavily leaning towards bringing Evgeni Nabokov back.
Which is confusing on a myriad of levels.
The first question I ask myself is for how much? And then, which might be the most important, for how long? Nabokov is at the stage in his career when locking down a multi-year deal in his best interest considering his increasing age and subsequently declining skill set. Years of seventy plus start seasons have a tendency to wear on a goaltender, even one who speaks the iron man language as fluently as the Russian keeper. And although Nabokov had a phenomenal season during 2009-2010, posting a .922 SV% which arguably deserves the distinction of being named the Sharks regular season MVP, expecting him to continue or exceed those numbers next season is a long shot.
For starters, one look at his career save percentage shows that 09-10 was an anomaly. Nabokov has always been viewed by fans and media members as a top-five goaltender in the league, and whether that is true is still a point of contention in some circles-- however, his save percentage since the lockout doesn't seem to back that assertion up.
In fact, Nabokov is decidedly average by this metric. He has posted a .910 SV% since the NHL closed its doors in October of 2004, which lists him at 25th amongst goaltenders who have played at least 100 games.
In other words, he sits behind such notables as Cristobal Huet (.914), Chris Mason (.913), and Martin Biron (.910). Not the greatest company when speaking of an elite goaltender. While his .922 SV% this past season was notable, it is likely the safest of wagers to say that it will regress to the mean-- in other words, drop to the level we would expect it to be considering his career average and another year under his belt.
Secondly, and this might be the straw that breaks the camel's back when it comes to analyzing Nabokov's future with San Jose, the mainstay between the pipes for the Sharks has not significantly distanced himself from his goaltending counterparts over his ten year career. From an article published on Fear The Fin earlier this year:
Again, as made clear in the earlier piece we are referencing, this isn't to say that Nabokov is a bad goaltender. He is most definitely is a good and serviceable one who can get you 70 starts during the year, which has some added value in that you don't need to invest in a backup goaltender.
However, with the year Nabokov just had, he will be distinctly overvalued by many individuals. If the Sharks are indeed "leaning heavily" towards bringing Nabokov back into the fold, they must realize that there is at least one General Manager in the NHL who is willing to take a risk and attempt to bid for his services, possibly driving up his price once July 1st hits.
The hope here is that Doug Wilson recognizes that, and treads extremely carefully when negotiations with Nabokov hit a fevered pitch.
Whether Nabokov should or should not be re-signed is completely dependent on what price he comes in at, and how long that contract will be. It has nothing to do with his skill set, because despite an outcry at times from many (myself included) over his shortcomings, Nabokov is a guy who can win you a Stanley Cup especially when one takes into account the less than inspiring free agent class this season.
What he can't do, however, is eat up salary cap space relative to the rest of his unrestricted free agent brethren. With most logical estimates pegging Dan Ellis at $2.25-3.0MM per year, that is the compensation level Nabokov will have to accept if he wishes to log another minute under the roof of HP Pavilion. The fact of the matter is that San Jose needs to turn to a different salary allocation model than the one they have implemented in years past-- a blockbuster $5.375MM deal is well off the mark for Nabokov, and one that should never even enter the conversation.
Furthermore, anything that stretches into the multi-year range should also be avoided at all costs. A 35 year old is not someone you want committed on the cap for multiple years, especially when a young and talented pipeline of goaltenders is coming up through the system.
In summation, Nabokov is probably better than any other free agent goaltender out on the market today, or at least similar in talent level. But investing in him long-term, or even short-term for a comparable salary to what he made last season, seems irrational to me. Whether or not that is what the organization is looking at is unknown at this point-- you just have to hope they recognize that pouring elite money into a slightly above average goaltender isn't something that will breed success.
If Nabokov comes in at one year for $2.75MM I will be content with it. Once you tread into two-year deal territory (which is the "doomsday scenario" in that it invests multiple years into an aging goaltender), that final cap number should be around $2.25MM in order to accommodate an increased age. Anything in the three plus years range shouldn't be considered, regardless of pricing. All of these figures fit into my personal salary allocation model, and don't seem out of line to me in terms of talent vs. compensation.
Whether or not that is fair market value is obvious-- Nabokov could command a much higher salary on July 1st. These negotiations present a situation that demands a hometown discount, and whether or not that is applicable to Nabokov and his agent is pure speculation. However, if the Sharks are indeed pursuing him heavily, you have to figure this is the situation they also envision taking place.
And if not?
Then the organization will have likely made a huge mistake.
Go Sharks.
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Definitely agreed
I don’t think it really makes sense to resign Nabokov, for either party. Nabokov would be doing himself a disservice to sign for such a low salary for only 1 or 2 years, and the Sharks would be making a huge mistake (lol @ AD, i’m totally rewatching that series again starting tomorrow) to sign him for any more, or for any longer.
Another good quote from the Sharkspage.com article was this one from Darren Elliot that pretty much sums up my frustration with Nabokovs play:
"If I compared (Nabokov) to Niemi, who has been better in this series first two games. The goals you score on Niemi, the way he plays, the way Michael Leighton plays, you can anticipate the kind of goals he is going to give up, they look the same."
"The way Evgeni Nabokov plays, you are never sure what kind of goal is going to beat him. He doesn’t play by today’s standards, that real basic, let the puck hit you style… He is a little bit of a throw back, so there are some inconsistencies in his approach to each shot, all of a sudden one sneaks in. From that stand point, he is a little bit unsettling to me when I watch him. He can be great, but you can be one puck away from something very unusual happening, it happens quite often with him."
That unpredictability is what drives me crazy and makes me rant on and on about signing some big butterfly goaltender who doesn’t need to do much more than make himself big and face the puck, (as Niemi has done throughout the playoffs this year) so that we’ll have some kind of consistency in net. I haven’t really watched stalock but i get the feeling that he’s kind of similar to Nabokov in that he can make some big saves, but he also probably lets in some softies, as well as a lot of random deflections/bounces due to his smaller size.
I have to agree that the unpredictability is frustrating to watch, and probably even more so to defend
But, comparing Nabokov to Niemi or Leighton was a little premature I think. Niemi, like the Hawks, stepped up their level of play to match their opponents.. meaning that Niemi (like Hiller and Anderson before him) started playing at some previously unattainable level of play.
He was, as I had predicted, mediocre in the Finals. Leighton, as evident by the final goal of the season, could be described the same.
I think it’s probably time to get a slightly larger goalie, as you mentioned. 6’0" isn’t going to cut it as the game becomes more power/offensively oriented (for better, or for worse). Personally, your description (big, butterfly, makes himself look big in net) makes me think of Gustavsson. He pretty much just sits in his net and hopes the puck hits him. That’s not quite going to cut it, but a guy like Price could do (yes…. I have jumped on the Price train)
How cool? Think Steve Nash...
"Go Sharks!" -Me
He wasn’t implying that Leighton or Niemi were necessarily better or equal players to Nabokov. He was just pointing out the contrast in styles. Niemi and Leighton might not be spectacular goaltenders, but they’re fairly consistent; you know which goals they’re going to let in (second chances, shots from in close, high top corner shots, etc.) and you can work with your defense to prevent/limit those chances and situations.
Whenever you come out of a big game, especially one you lost, you think, "ok how did they score those 3 goals and how can we prevent that from happening again. " With Nabokov though, you almost never have a definitive answer to that question after the game. Nabokov may have let one in that he normally doesn’t, or maybe goals went in off of bounces/deflections and we think, “ah well we can’t really blame nabby for those 2 goals, and i don’t think the defense really made any real mistakes or anything. One goal Nabby just didn’t have vision of, and the other was just a bad bounce.” but in reality those goals may not have gone in if we had a bigger goaltender sitting in the butterfly stance covering more of the net, or maybe if we had defensemen who were a little better at blocking shots.
It goes the other way too, where after we win a game we might think, “Well that went really well! Lets not change a thing, lets just try to play the same way again next game.” When maybe there were actually some serious issues with our defensive play that Nabby covered up by making some great saves.
I’m not even a coach or anything and I hate how unpredictable Nabby is, I can’t imagine how frustrated/perplexed the Sharks coaching staff gets by stuff like that. Which is why i’d like to see us sign a big butterfly style goaltender, because they’re more predictable and you usually have an easier time identifying their weaknesses, which allows you to adjust your defense to cover those weaknesses. Plus, they’re also better suited to the way hockey is played in the NHL these days. (bounces, deflections, screens, etc.)
I hear you, Khazz...
…but on the other hand, it’s kinda nice knowing our goalie doesn’t have a predictable weak point, no? I mean how many of use were screaming “TOP SHELF STICK SIDE GODDAMMIT!!!” whenever one of our guys was charging Niemi?
My gut is telling me that is what DW is weighing right now.
Stats are numbers. Replays show the story.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
Well he does have predictable weaknesses: Screens, traffic in front of the net, and deflections (i guess the last 2 apply to all goaltenders, but moreso to a smaller reactionary goaltender like Nabby). Screens become disturbingly effective when you have a reactionary goaltender who doesn’t cover a lot of the net, and who needs vision of the puck to stop it,
If Nabby signs with us for under $3 million,
I’d give him a 2nd year. I don’t think a 2 year deal is all that dangerous. Wouldn’t go 3 though, ideally.
"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
Scratching my head
Agree – I just don’t see why we need to re-sign Nabby unless he’s willing to sign for $2-2.5m which would be a bad deal for him.
Maybe DW’s been putting out feelers to UFA dman to gauge interest and is getting bad vibes. That’s probably tampering, though.
Who knows. It just seems darn clear that this team needs more speed and (at least) 1 solid top 4 dman, if not 2.
I have no problem with this if he's going to sign sub $3m
… and that’s not because Nabby is my favorite player ever :P
I think he could be used as a mentor for some of our pipeline goalies. Griess, Stalock, etc. could benefit from getting guidance from, arguably, one of the best goalies in the league. His stats may not separate him from his backups, but from teh games I’ve watched this season it was obvious that he was key to many victories… the lack of consistent offensive production was quite frustrating.
But, despite how much I’d love to keep him, I’m willing to let him leave IF it means we get a worthy replacement (ie a FA signing or a trade, like for Carey Price)
How cool? Think Steve Nash...
"Go Sharks!" -Me
Does it make me a bad person?
If I don’t want the Sharks to re-sign Nabby to any type of contract?
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Yes.
You’re about to be e-raped.
I saw this on Sharkspage, and didn’t want to say anything because it made me cry.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
lol Ghost
If you had to pick one, which would you prefer: To get Carey Price at a 2 million cap hit or to resign Nabokov at a 4 million cap hit?
Price, obviously
He’ll earn himself a trip back to the bench and I’ll be screaming “HAHAHAHAH I TOLD YOU” so all over this bitch.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Any type?
League minimum?
Free?
Pays us?
"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
If the price is right
resign him for the season and give our goalies in the system (including Greiss) more playing time and a little more time to step up. Having a guy like Nabby helping them out would be invaluable.
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
See that’d be great if he’d just sign on for 1 season on the cheap and helped Greiss develop and all that; but why would he do that?? That wouldn’t be smart at all for Nabokov when he could probably sign a 3 year contract at 4+ million with some other team.
I just don’t see how resigning Nabby could work out for either party.
Yeah, I don’t see Nabby being the mentoring type. For all the negatives in his game, he’s still considered to be a pretty good goaltender and other teams will seek his services. He isn’t washed up, which is usually when that mentor role is either foisted or resigned upon someone. I think if he were to resign, any serious expectations of him mentoring Greiss or any other pipeline goalie next season is grossly overestimated.
If they sign him cheap..
.. it should be to keep the position in a holding pattern until Staloc or Greiss are “ready”. Which means play him for 40-50 games, not 75, and give the young guns some room to improve.
no thanks...he did nothing for us the last 10 years.....next
"I knew when my career was over. In 1965, my baseball card came out with no picture."
— Bob Uecker
He didnt win a cup yes, but he has done a lot for san jose.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
regualr season stats? The only thing that matters is winning the cup which he cant or wont do while he is/was our goalie.
"I knew when my career was over. In 1965, my baseball card came out with no picture."
— Bob Uecker
What better chance did we have in our pipeline? Kipper hasnt done it, Toskala sure as hell wont ever do it. Greiss is really only becoming NHL ready this past season. Our goltending situation woulda been screwed pre lockout if it werent for Nabby. And the first couple years after that.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
People can’t get it through their heads that we are lucky to have a goalie like Nabokov. The man has time and time again proven to us that he is amazing. I’m starting to think that all these people harassing him are use to him and don’t see that he’s a damn good goalie.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Exactly, the Sharks werent always this stacked, Nabby saved our asses those years.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
It’s true. We are damn lucky to be where we are right now. Sure he haven’t won a Stanley cup yet, but we are in the process of building a team that can. Nabby has helped significantly during that time. He’s been able to adjust to the roster changes. It’s hard to have a roster change on you when you are a goalie. You have to have trust in the new guys to help you out, and sometimes that chemistry just doesn’t happen.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Exactly. The only Sharks defencemen who were here 3 years ago are Vlasic and Murray, hes had to adjut and trust 4 new guys in front of him. That can be hard on a goalie. Unlike Niemi hes made his defencemen look better than they were whilst chicago made niemi look better than he is. Personally I believe without Nabby we’d be in Dalls or Anaheim’s situation except minus the cup. He gave the Sharks stablility whils DW went out and stacked the rest of the roster.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
Glad someone else sees it the same way i do.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
You're not alone
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
ah … too many just take any opportunity they can to bash Nabby … sometimes best to read the articles and leave the comments to the idiots … :)
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
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
Thank you, Angie. It’s really nice to actually be talking to people who don’t flat out insult the man. I’ve taken it for years. It use to be that there was only praise for the man, but it slowly transitioned from praise to insults.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I remember those days, there used to be so much Nabbyy crap around I was able to be him once for halloween. Complete with a kids nabby helmet and stick! It was awesome.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
I love Nabby, I just think he’s too expensive to keep. That’s all. I selfishly REALLY want Patty to stay.
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
Marleau is a good player. Having him go would also be very detrimental to the team. You don’t just let a 40 goal scorer slip away like that to another team.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 17, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s only detrimental to the team if they don’t replace him adequately. The money saved from Marleau walking could be used to substantially shore up the lineup in other places.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 17, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
i’m sorry this sounds all too familiar to what happened to the team in the early 2000’s…
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 17, 2010 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Doug Wilson wasn’t in charge then…I have faith in him.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 17, 2010 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions
20 year process isn't long enough?
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
That is such a ridiculous statement I'm dumbfounded as to an appropriate response.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
He can absolutely still keep this team in the game all the way to the Cup. It might be in our best interest to keep him, and in his best interest to resign.
Last year, Hiller way outplayed Nabby, but this year was totally different.
In the second half of the Colorado series, Nabby by far outplayed Anderson. With Colorado suddenly in desperation mode, they were becoming more aggressive and our defense stepped into action more often. He especially outplayed Howard, because with Detroit’s common aggressive style of offense, he was peppered with shots and kept the Sharks in the game. Niemi may have outplayed Nabby, but it was only because Chicago, like Detroit, has an aggressive offense. So he can still get it done with the Sharks, guys like Brodeur and Osgood have remained consistent despite older age, so can Nabby.
Perhaps the real changes we need this summer are bringing in more youngsters for the defense. Players with profiles like Couture or Demers: young and speedy. We definitely need to lose Huskins and Wallin, they have failed to impress.
It will be hard for any other team to resign Nabby, because he is by far the highest priced UFA goalie on the market right now. The runner up is Turco at about 3 million. So no matter where he goes, he may have to agree to a lower salary; but he will likely look at other teams first before resigning. But if Nabby goes, I say we try to get Leighton, Price, or Ward.
Niemi also had a better defense. Chicago’s defense was rock solid, definately better than the Sharks and it really hellped Niemi out.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
I agree. This year showed us that you dont need a top 5 goalie to win.
"I knew when my career was over. In 1965, my baseball card came out with no picture."
— Bob Uecker
Yeah
Duncan Keith had to be pretty close to Toews for MVP.
Who’s gonna finish this off? I am going Boyle. - FML! No more OT Predictions from me!
Yeah i think if Nabby were to resign for the right price (between 2 and 3.5 million) which I highly doubt would happen and you were to put a solid D in front of him hed be alright. Also limit his starts to around 50 to 60. If Chicago’s D wasnt as awesome as it was this year Sharks woulda killed Niemi on rebounds but as it was their D was better. As far as the Conn Smythe goes, I think it should have been Keith’s but the cap hell that chicago has coming now is way funnier thanks to Toews.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
srsly.
Nabby couldn’t stop 13 shots a game, and Anderson had to stop 50+. Not even a conversation.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
How is it Colorado, with their young, semi-aggressive offense, were not able to dominate any games? The only games that were decided by more than a goal were won by us. He especially outplayed Anderson in game 5 (the 5-0 game). We outscored Colorado 19-11 in that series.
I don’t think the series against any of Colorado, Detroit, or Chicago was a battle of the goalies in context but Nabby certainly did a great job. The only reason he gave up goals too easily in game 2 is because our defense didn’t step it up enough; and the reason why we had to pound Anderson with shots before they went in is because we made it too easy for him to stop them.
by zack007attack on Jun 15, 2010 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Definition of insanity
I think you all know what that is. GROAN!
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hate those trumpets, but this gif is awesome.
by JenLovesHockey on Jun 15, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
I hate to agree with Puck Daddy
But it’s time to move on.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
If Nabby is to stay...
I love Nabby, I have nothing but respect for the guy and I’d be sad to see him go even if its for the best, but if he stays then its probably Marleau gone and that gives me very mixed emotions. That said if this happens its not just an issue of less money its definitely an issue of less play time as well. Griess needs to get a fair shake of starts so we can see what we really have with this guy finally, we need to see whats in the system because Nabby is not getting any younger.
Who’s gonna finish this off? I am going Boyle. - FML! No more OT Predictions from me!
If Nabby can swallow his pride
He certainly has a place on this team. Thomas Greiss is a very athletic guy, but clearly needs some mentoring.
Nabby’s focus has been questioned, so you do have to wonder if he’s the best mentor, but he’s probably the best mentor AVAILABLE at this point. And we pretty much know Greiss is a big part of any Cup aspirations we have next season. If we are to win the Cup, Greiss has to start 30-40 games and win 20-30 of those. Looking beyond next season, who wouldn’t feel better about Greiss getting an increasing workload in platoon with Nabby?
No matter anyone’s stance on Nabby, I think it’s universally agreed that we can’t afford him for anything more than $3M. With a reasonable cap hit, I’m not even opposed to signing him long term, because there’s always a trade market for a Veteran Goaltender. If Nabby is serious about staying in San Jose, he will be looking at this team as a stable, dependable option, which might temper his salary requirements.
And if the price for Nabby is letting Marleau walk, I can live with that. Bring on the rotten tomatoes. I think Nabby IS worth more to the team than Patty.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Yeah I dont feel comfertable throwing in Greiss right away next season whithout giving him at least 25 starts this year, against quality opponents to for some of them preferably. I also dont feel all together comfertable with Ellis or Price. From his interviews Nabby sounds willing to take a pay cut so if he comes back for a little more than Ellis or Price would cost, cut down on his starts, wed still have money for a better D and wed have a better goalie in Nabby than Ellis or Price would give us. Hell I only like Ellis for his tweets right now.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
I just personally feel that Patty’s worth a lot more than Nabby, but I’ll get rotten tomatoes for saying that, too, I’m sure.
by JenLovesHockey on Jun 15, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
You're not the only one
I agree that Patty is worth more than Nabby if it came down to one or the other.
High sticking, tripping, slashing, spearing, charging, hooking, fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, interference, roughing… everything else is just figure skating.
- Anonymous
"My hope is that we put him (Couture) on a line with Seto and CloweThen you get the Coochy-Goochy-Clowe line." - Cerise
by mssjsclowie29 on Jun 15, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
I actualy think thats the general consensus. If having Nabby means no Patty, I dont like it. Id rather have Patty.
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
I personally am leaning towards wanting the Sharks to part with both…and rebuild with more depth, and less top end salary. But I know I’m alone there…
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 15, 2010 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm 50% with you.
High sticking, tripping, slashing, spearing, charging, hooking, fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, interference, roughing… everything else is just figure skating.
- Anonymous
"My hope is that we put him (Couture) on a line with Seto and CloweThen you get the Coochy-Goochy-Clowe line." - Cerise
by mssjsclowie29 on Jun 15, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm getting to that point too
I just have more overall loyalty to Nabby over Patty at this point.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I have equal loyalty to both. Cant we just pay Nabokov in vodka or something? Use the extra money to bring Marleau back and give us depth
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
if that's the case....
we can pay Clowie and Seto with the ladies. :P
High sticking, tripping, slashing, spearing, charging, hooking, fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, interference, roughing… everything else is just figure skating.
- Anonymous
"My hope is that we put him (Couture) on a line with Seto and CloweThen you get the Coochy-Goochy-Clowe line." - Cerise
by mssjsclowie29 on Jun 15, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Give marleu some friends and their will be no need to pay him!
"Hes like a Sweedish Bear" -Randy Hahn 4/8/10
Dont boo your team!
:O
Captn Awkward does NOT need friends…he just needs his XBox 36….oh..sorry nevermind.
High sticking, tripping, slashing, spearing, charging, hooking, fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, interference, roughing… everything else is just figure skating.
- Anonymous
"My hope is that we put him (Couture) on a line with Seto and CloweThen you get the Coochy-Goochy-Clowe line." - Cerise
by mssjsclowie29 on Jun 15, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah exactly. And in no way am I saying that Nabby sucks or anything to that effect. Nabby is awesome, but he’s expensive for what he’s given us, in my honest opinion, and Patty’s worth to the organization is huge.
by JenLovesHockey on Jun 15, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
I love nabby too
But when it comes down to it, he wont steal a game single-handedly but he will lose games single-handedly. Yes arguable he “stole” game 3 possibly for detroit, but he hasnt been able to more than average on many occasions, and has let in some very weak goals (see patrick sharps goal in the first game) that come at the worst possible times.
Check it...
2010-11 SAN JOSE SHARKS
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Dany Heatley ($7.500m) / Joe Thornton ($7.200m) / Devin Setoguchi ($3.200m)
Ilya Kovalchuk ($7.800m) / Joe Pavelski ($4.200m) / Logan Couture ($1.242m)
Jamie McGinn ($0.997m) / Manny Malhotra ($1.500m) / Benn Ferriero ($0.850m)
Frazer McLaren ($0.543m) / Scott Nichol ($0.750m) / Jed Ortmeyer ($0.550m)
Steven Zalewski ($0.750m)
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Boyle ($6.667m) / Dan Hamhuis ($4.000m)
Marc-Edouard Vlasic ($3.100m) / Douglas Murray ($2.500m)
Jordan Leopold ($2.000m) / Jason Demers ($0.543m)
Mike Moore ($0.512m)
GOALTENDERS
Evgeni Nabokov ($2.750m) / Thomas Greiss ($0.550m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
ROSTER: 22; CAP:$58.8m; PAYROLL: $59.704m; CAP ROOM: $0.026m BONUSES: $0.930m
Meh.
Bottom 2 lines are inconsistent, you lose secondary scoring w/ Couture on 2nd line…and the 2nd D pairing is not good…so not so sure about that…
Go Sharks!
I like all the D but the last 2 forward lines dont look great
by pooponastick on Jun 16, 2010 2:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Nabokov Fucking Blows
The Sharks are smart. Comb the free agent market, drop $2M on a 1-2 year deal, and get Greiss some serious playing time. Any suggestion that they might sign Nabby is smoke in your posterior.
Also, signing Kovalchuk would be an unmitigated disaster.
Big talk
From a person who is obviously ignoring last season’s stats. Do you watch hockey, or just troll?
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Hawerchuk actually watches a lot of hockey, he does some great stat analysis. If you think that’s mean, read what his opinions of the Avalanche were :)
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I get pissy whenever someone starts insulting Nabokov like that. The man puts a lot into the game. It’s not him that’s “blows”, or sucks, or whatever other insult that has been thrown his way lately. Nabokov gave his best during the season and playoffs. The Sharks need to figure out how to stop the other team from screening so much, and step up their D.
I’ve grown up living hockey, and not just Sharks hockey. I learned the basics of the game before i was in preschool. It annoys me when someone, even people who write analysis, don’t appreciate the hard work and dedication from individuals from any team. Looking at the big picture it’s obvious the Sharks team is flawed. They cannot throw Greasy boy (my nickname for him knock if you must) out for more time because he isn’t ready. Sure, sounds like a good idea, but there’s a reason that hasn’t happened as of yet.
Anyways, i’ll step off my Nabby soapbox now. Hawerchuck, if you could please respect the individuals of the Sharks team that would be awesome, if not you’ll have lowly little fans like me nipping at you for being so insulting.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I have no doubt that Nabby gives it his all, but statistically he’s not much better than a lot of goalies in the league, and he’s certainly not worth remotely close to his current salary. He may not “fucking blow” exactly, but I don’t want to spend a lot of money on him next year and there are other free agents or rookies I’d rather see in teal
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
The amount currently is absurd, I agree, but it could break this team to throw out Nabby completely. What needs to happen is him taking a huge cut, and signing a goalie that can replace him once he retires. Greasy boy needs more time to mature into a professional goalie, so finding an experience free agent will help out. The team needs to be able to work with Nabokov’s replacement before we throw them out on the ice.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Nabokov needs to repeat this past season in order to be worth the kind of contract he wants. If Greiss puts up Nabokov’s league-average numbers for less than $1M, that’s $4M the Sharks can pay a player who could help them win.
And sentimentality is, frankly, for teams that don’t mind losing. Even if the Sharks had won the Stanley Cup, they should be cutting ties with Nabby.
Nabokov really does blow
See my analysis here:
http://www.behindthenethockey.com/2010/4/23/1434084/what-is-evgeni-nabokov-worth
1) His established track record is poor
2) He’s 34
3) His last contract significantly overpaid him
4) Greiss will be a serious value contract if he’s even as good as, say, Quick
5) Anderson (and others) have shown that the goalie market is inefficient, so Shark dollars are better spent on any other position
And of course I’ve watched Nabokov play about 250 times, for what that’s worth.
I think I love you.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
So what are you so afraid of?
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I was talking to hawerchuk
*blushes
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
We like to think of it as 'educated'
SOmetimes loyalty has to go out the window, and business is business.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
You have a fair point about business being business
I’m holding out hope that Nabokov will take a reasonable contract. IF he does, in my opinion, there are no better options out there at a good price.
To me, Nabokov at $3M is better than Price at $2.5M, or Ellis at $2.5M.
If you let Nabokov go, you’d better hope that a top 4 D-man is coming to San Jose.
I’m somewhat skeptical because I’ve been cruising a few blogs and it seems like EVERYONE is after the same (very few) number of D-men: Martin, Hamhuis, Volchenkov, Michalek, Souray, Kaberle.
I think it’s MORE likely we can sign Nabokov for a reasonable cap hit than it is that we can nab one of those guys PLUS one servicable netminder to platoon with Greiss. To my mind, it’s not about loyalty, but about the course that best serves the franchise’s needs.
You’re absolutely right. It’s a business. Letting Nabokov go for a top-4 D-man? Absolutely the right move. Letting Nabokov go and NOT getting a top-4 D-man or a serviceable partner for Greiss? Suicide. Signing Nabokov for a moderate contract and getting a serviceable d-man? Not as good as option 1, but better than option 2. I suspect that management is going for some middle ground here.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
No, I agree wholeheartedly with that.
We need D, and D that aren’t filler a la Wallin and Huskins.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Elvis got the point before I could.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Nabby is 34, coming off a career year, and a deep playoff run. What makes everyone here think that he’ll sign a one year deal for 2-3 million? That would make literally zero sense for Nabokov…and I"m sure his agent wouldn’t let him do that. This is his last chance to get a longterm contract that’s going to get him paid until retirement (or a move to the KHL). Him signing a low cap hit, short term deal would make no sense for him…
And if he signs the deal he could reasonably expect to get on the open market (at a minimum, 4 years, 4 million per), I want no part of that.
Business is business for Nabokov too…I think it’s very unlikely he settles for 1-2 years at 2-3 million.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 15, 2010 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions
It is very likely the Sharks are heavily leaning towards bringing Evgeni Nabokov back.
Which is confusing on a myriad of levels.
It seems that every year the organization does something that makes us scratch our heads. Signing Matt Carle to a huge and long contract and then trading him a year later. Or signing Rivet to a long deal and then trading him a year later to sign Rob Blake. Or signing Mitchell to a generous contract, or Huskins’ signing last year, or Clowe’s..
It won’t surprise me to see Nabokov resigned to a contract that will upset many of us.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Crap
Puck Daddy picked up the story, and naturally, the peanut gallery is out in full force on that one.
"Playing Detroit in the playoffs is like paying your taxes. You either pay now or pay later." - Suisun Dan
Meh
To that peanut gallery we could win the Cup and still manage to choke somehow.
Who’s gonna finish this off? I am going Boyle. - FML! No more OT Predictions from me!
that is exactly why I don’t look at puck daddy anymore. they are so biased sometimes. Even if they say good things about the Sharks, I feel as though it won’t help us. The most important thing that will help us in our quest for the cup is to believe in the team, not pay attention to the sports critics except Randy, Drew, Dan, and Jamie.
by zack007attack on Jun 15, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the issue for me is
Nabokov is still a starter with a skill set that diminishes when he doesn’t get played, and diminishes when he gets over played.
It really is a tightrope walk with him as to which Nabby we get. Given the stage in his career, he still think he’s worthy of 70 starts a year. He’s not. Is he going to be happy playing 40 – 55 games? Probably not.
So what do you do with him? he’s too good/expensive for a back up, and people are doubtful as to whether he can take us all the way.
What a predicament!
I know this will be unpopular, but I say lock him up career wise with a longer term, Mildly front-loaded contract now.
Lower his starts, and let Greiss/Stalock/Yr Mom, challenge him for the starting job. If he proves he is better than our prospects, then great. If not he would make an awesome back up in a few years to mentor the ton of prospects we in the pipeline, or we trade him mid season to team that needs a decent goalie.
I’m thinking in the vein of Cujo/Rollosson. But he’s still at least a season or away from that type of role.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
It’s too expensive to carry around an expensive mentor goalie considering all of our other cap headaches
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
That's only an option if he doesn't pan out as a starter
and we can’t trade him mid-season.
And I dont think we would have any issue trading Nabby down the line.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Does anyone know if you can front load shorter term contracts?
Say three years
2.5 Followed by 1.5 and 1.25?
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Of course you can. You can allocate salary per year any way you want in contracts.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 15, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm in favor of keeping Nabby longer term, front loaded contract
with the following understanding:
Limit starts to under 55
No crying if we start Greiss/Stalock/Yr Mom more than you.
You will be traded if prospects eclipse your performance.
I think we owe Nabby something. The Sharks success is intertwined with his, which is both good and bad.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Dude, I wouldn't put My Mom in against a kiddie league team. ;-)
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
I agree with this post
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I'm glad. My mom would suck as SJS Goalie ;-)
(Couldn’t resist)
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
Bleeding teal since 1997
If he can take a significant pay-cut to around 2.25-2.75 (or any kind of money that allows us to sign a defensman and our other key free agents) and realizes that Greiss should get about 20-30 starts, then I’d be okay with it. They shouldn’t break the bank on this guy, especially when you know a guy like Dan Ellis will be cheaper.
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jun 15, 2010 11:12 AM PDT reply actions
Ellis acknowledging his bargain-bin status... and trying to work it to his advantage.
“I’m hoping to find my niche where I’m a cheaper option than the $4 million and $5 million guys, maybe an option for a team that’s feeling the cap crunch,” said Ellis, who turns 30 on Saturday. “I’m not a huge money guy. I live in Omaha, Neb., in the summertime. My most important thing is to find a team who I can win with.”
Nabby’s possible willingness to take a paycut, whatever that may entail to is just conjecture. Ellis is straight up banking on it, and sounds like he’ll sacrifice some change to go to a winner. [Original Article]
Sounds like a certain Mr. Malhotra last offseason…
If he had said that he was a cheaper option than the 3 million and 4 million dollar guys then i MIGHT be interested.
I think we should sign Carey Price but if Ellis would come in cheaper than Price then we’d have to consider it. Price is almost certainly going to be below 2.5 million though.
The difference being we’d have to trade for Price (or try to RFA sign him, in which case we lose draft picks), whereas we could just sign Ellis for that amount without losing any other assets.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 16, 2010 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions
A very confident orangutan http://tweetphoto.com/27351020
Come on, this guy is comedy gold. And relatively affordable. Sign him already! (I know we’re not technically allowed to yet)
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I’m going to throw on my tin foil hat now. Could it be a possibility that Nabby will take the huge pay cut in order to be able to retire as a Shark? He’s dedicated to this team, and takes a lot of pride being a Shark.
"Don't even start"
by ZombieSkittles on Jun 15, 2010 11:14 AM PDT reply actions
Unless Nabby takes a huge paycut ($2.5MM?), I want no part of this. I’m ready to watch a goalie with a different style.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 15, 2010 11:20 AM PDT reply actions
Easier to type, and people know me this way anyways.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 15, 2010 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions
As everyone else said a hundred times...
If nabby resigns please please please let it be < 3.00 mil. It needs to be cheap.
Here's my twitter losers
by idunno723 on Jun 15, 2010 11:35 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
No thank you...
I don’t want any part of Nabokov anymore. For a few reasons. First, he’ll probably be too expensive for too long. He could command that on the open market, why would he sign with us for just a year or two and a favorable salary. Second, we all know if Nabby is resigned, he’ll get his 60-70 starts next season…and we 100% cannot afford for that to happen again. No way, no how. Greiss needs to get some starts…like 25-30 starts…so we know what we have. That will not happen with Nabby back. And as an organization, we literally cannot go any longer without knowing what we have in Greiss.
I’m ready for the Sharks to be rebuilt, to an extent. I’m ready for a new goalie, some new blueliners, and a new scorer or two. Nabby resigning, as much as I appreciate what he’s done for us, would only be a step sideways when we need to be moving (and looking) forward.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 15, 2010 11:40 AM PDT reply actions
DAMN YOU AND YOUR REALISM!
CAN’T I JUST HAVE MY LITTLE FANTASY WORLD WHERE NABBY AND GREISS PLATOON FOR REASONABLE CAP HITS IN FRONT OF A REVAMPED BLUELINE BECAUSE NABBY WANTS TO WIN A CUP IN TEAL?!?!?!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Jun 15, 2010 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Thats just the A's fan talking in you!
But really that’s a good point about starts. It’s time to move on…
Here's my twitter losers
by idunno723 on Jun 15, 2010 11:50 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Anyone consider
that to sign UFA, RFA, and/or NTC having Dmen Wilson and San Jose have to appear to be committed to win the cup? We will look like we’re in rebuild mode if we do not make it clear that there will be quality goal tending at HP Pavilion. I think this is simply a sign to those interested in coming to a SC contender that this specific team will have quality goal tending. Moreover, what is likely to win SJ that hometown discount from Nabby and Patty? Hardball from DW or that family-like commitment SJ seems to have exhibited over the years? This is marketing…plain and simple.
And Ghost…you crack me up. I admire your aggression and find that it leads to some quality dialog. High fives n’shit.
I am a San Jose Sharks fan, first and foremost.
That doesn’t mean I have to like a certain player. I want what’s best for the team, and right now, I’m one of the few willing to step up and say that I’m on the side of the fence that thinks it’s time to throw loyalty out the window for the sake of the greater good.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 15, 2010 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
it’s time to throw loyalty out the window for the sake of the greater good.
I’m actually with you here. There’s no room for being sentimental when we’re trying to win a Cup.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 15, 2010 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Exactly...
Let’s look at the spectrum of sentimentality for a few ticks…
Fans love teams and they love players. You get sad when players you love leave, and get jazzed when players you covet show up to wear teal.
What is the sentiment implied by the salary structure of all NHL teams? Do they take less money to sign more talent and subsequently improve all player’s (and their fan’s) chances at hoisting the cup? Let’s just say that it’s probably about as rare as a Communist party incumbent in Colorado Springs. You know what sentimentality gets you? Third place finishes, dashed hopes, and sad hangovers. Sentimentality has no place beyond the emblem on the sweater. It’s kinda like war. Ever been in a war? You fight for the flag ’cause your buddy just became a smoking hole in the ground.
Now, find me a GM that can get a team to buy into dynasty building by getting the players to sacrifice some of their (exorbitant) income so that they can sign a bunch of talent, win a bunch of cups, become legends, and truly earn a fan base’s love. That’s a committed organization…that’s teamwork.
But as you all surely have surmised…I’m insane.
The last 3 posts
are right on imo. I hate the hawks so much but I have to admit I’m jealous of their situation: get a team so stacked at forward and defense that you could have tiny tim between the pipes and still make it to the finals. Salary cap and key cogs being lost to potential western conference rivals? who gives a shit. It’s time this franchise claim its rightful place as one of the most likable/consistent teams in any sport and obviously if you need to make drastic changes which could potentially hamstring the roster for a few years then SO BE IT. Please, DW, don’t be the chargers or the eagles, make the unpopular trades necessary to stack the team up for 2011 and who gives a rats ass what the team looks like after next season, we will all be warm in our Stanley Cup Champion Sharks shirts.
by Haie on Jun 16, 2010 2:05 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
EPIC NABBY MOMENT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxSa7J6YlU0
Great stuff, and look how pleased Doug WIlson is. Although i hope DW’s judgment isn’t being clouded this offseason thanks to moments like that.
No way
Sorry Nabby but it looks like his time in SJ is up. Too old, and we have Griess and Stalock as prospects(not to mention Karllsson) with the season he is having he would be demanding likely 5 million again
With Marleau and Nabokov demanding 5 million or so probably we cant afford both
Waiting for the cup in San Jose
I never forget a face, but in your case, I'd be glad to make an exception-Groucho Marx
by sanjosesharksfan on Jun 17, 2010 12:17 PM PDT reply actions
Wow you guys sound like San Diego Choker fans lolz
Man I know that’s football, but stats, wins and MVP Don’t mean crap when compared to winning a “Championship” Baby. Don’t get me wrong Nabokov has made the sharks worth watching the past compare of years since I started loving this team 2 death but man it’s time 2 let this cat go. I’m getting sick of choking in the playoffs every single year :( I wanna big the cup. We needz a championship bound goalie….. Nabby will “Never” be on that level I mean “Never!” sad 2 say. No offense tho just telling the truth.
"The San Diego Super chokers ain't never getting that ring sooo live with it!!!"
...
After looking at your teams, I’m just wondering, how the hell do you know what’s required for a championship?
And “choking.” Really. You can make a case for the 2009 playoffs, but other than that, how can you call the Sharks chokers? This year, they lost to the eventual Cup winners. EVERYONE thought Chicago was a better team going into this, and so being beat by the better team isn’t exactly choking, is it? In 2008, the Sharks lost in the equivalent of 7 games – the 4th OT of Game 6, after coming back down 3 games to none. That’s not choking. In 2007, the Sharks lost to the Red Wings, who have always had our number and have been hands-down the best team in the past two decades. In 2006 they lost to the Oilers, who were on an inspired run to the Cup Finals. In 2004 they lost to the Flames, who also made it to the Cup Finals and lost in Game 7. Before that, they were always the underdog, not even expected to make it into the playoffs, much less win a game or a round. That’s not choking. If you want to see choking, see the Boston Bruins this year. Or the Washington Capitals.
And Nabokov has won a championship, BTW. He played a HUGE role in Russia’s 2008 gold medal in the World Championships. He won best goalie of the tournament or MVP or something like that.
"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 Jun 17, 2010 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Boom.
Roasted.
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jun 17, 2010 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I may have taken a backseat to all the rosterbation, but like hell am I going to let someone get away with the tired choker refrain, especially after this year.
"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
You're absolutely right.
Even Puck Daddy said the Sharks are no longer chokers. And if the person who was behind many of those comments jumps off the bandwagon, its time for the choker thing to die.
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jun 17, 2010 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions
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