Sharks Captain Rob Blake retires
by Mr. Plank on Jun 9, 2010 2:15 PM PDT
in Sharks News
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San Jose Sharks Captain Rob Blake will be retiring after 21 NHL seasons, according to CSN Bay Area.
CSN explains that Blake had held off on announcing his retirement due to the current Stanley Cup Finals between Chicago and Philadelphia. Blake did not want to take any attention away from the event, and therefore, his decision will likely not be confirmed by the organization until next week.
This marks the second time in a year that a Hall of Fame worthy player has retired in San Jose after a twenty year NHL career. Jeremy Roenick, who was brought on in 2007 due to his ties with General Manager Doug Wilson and veteran presence, announced his retirement in San Jose on August 6, 2009 following the Sharks first round loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Blake, however, goes out with a bigger bang. He took over the Captaincy from Patrick Marleau last summer, and despite receiving criticism from many for his defensive miscues and lack of mobility during the regular season, elevated his game during the 2010 postseason. Blake logged 23:20 of ice time in the Sharks run to the Western Conference Finals, and was a notable presence in his own end throughout the playoffs, leading the team with 44 blocked shots.
With Blake's retirement, questions have begun to surface as to who the Sharks will target during the 2010 offseason in order to shore up a defensive unit that was 20th in the league in terms of shots against. With goaltender Evgeni Nabokov's future uncertain with the team, going after a top-minutes defenseman such as Paul Martin or Dan Hamhuis would be an immediate boon for the franchise, and allow a less talented goaltending tandem to flourish by restricting shots on net.
Another story of this summer will be the Captaincy position. Attentive readers will remember the debates that raged across the city when Patrick Marleau was removed of the C last year, and it is likely a similar debate will take place this offseason.
However, the choice may not be as difficult. With defenseman Dan Boyle being one of the most outspoken Sharks to the media, and possessing a fire that many find admirable, it stands to reason that he will be the leading candidate heading into August. Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton will likely be the front-runners for the assistant duties.
Fear The Fin would like to thank Rob Blake for his two-year service to the organization. Although his booming slap shot had lost a little bit of it's net nose as the years began to pile up, Blake was a world-class individual in San Jose and a player who elevated his game when it mattered most.
A Hall of Fame career to be certain, and a fine player who will most certainly be missed on Opening Night next year.
Go Sharks.
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All I can say about Blake
He seemed like a classy guy who handled the Captaincy well and gave as much as his body could handle.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
second that!
Enjoy your retirement Blakey!
BERTUZZI: "Getting tired, Nabby? You've got another five and a half minutes of hell coming."
NABOKOV: "You've got another five and a half minutes left in your season."
I will miss Captain Hook mainly for this moment.
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 9, 2010 2:31 PM PDT reply actions
took me a second
you should photoshop Perry into that
by PNK on Jun 9, 2010 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
i also agree on the awesomeness of that moment, btw
by PNK on Jun 9, 2010 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions
As in, putting Perry’s head on the end of the spear as if Blake had killed him?
by In Bust we Trust on Jun 9, 2010 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
This isn't my image btw.
And I have never used photoshop. I just saw this image on an article about Blake’s UFA status on FTF last summer and saved it haha
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 9, 2010 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Wonder if he’ll mount the pair to remember the good days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1B_YpUx0Nc
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Rob Blake was a class act for this organization...
I think he ended up being the perfect choice for the C once it was unceremoniously stripped from Marleau’s jersey. I mean, they could have gone in any direction. They could have given it to Thornton, who had the same things being said about him as was being said about Marleau. They could have gone to the popular choice, Dan Boyle, who had also only been here a year, but didn’t have the same prior leadership pedegree as Blake. They could have gone young with Pavelski, which would have been an odd transition. But they gave it to Blake…and that really kinda settled down the talk surrounding the C change talk. No one could really complain that Blake was a bad choice, or couldn’t do the job, as he had done it numerous times before! It allowed this team to just come together and play, without worrying about it, and that was a huge plus.
Also, from what I heard from the dressing room through postgame quotes and such, Blake was a very calming influence in the locker room as the C. He kept this team on an even keel, and that is very important for a Captain to do. I’m afraid, that should the C go to Boyle, he might not provide the same sense of calm. He almost seems, at least to me, to be a perfect A….someone who can jump in and speak up and yell when needed, and use the weight of the A to get his point across and get people to wake up…but that doesn’t end up being the main message coming from the top guy.
Of course, we know next to nothing of how the clubhouse politics work in San Jose, so all we can really do is guess as to who would make the best next C. And even though I think Boyle very well could be the next C, I think assuming he will be because of comments he made to the media after losses is a little flimsy at best. Don’t overlook Thornton as a potential C…
Anyways, Blake had an awesome career…and once again, Sharks fans got to see the waning days of a living NHL legend being played out in Teal. We are very lucky to have been able to cheer him on over the last few seasons, and have him lead our boys into battle this past year. Thanks for a badass postseason, Blake. Enjoy retirement!
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m afraid, that should the C go to Boyle, he might not provide the same sense of calm
Exactly! Danny’s compete level, passion for the game and dedication is second to none on this team, but I think perhaps he may be a little too “fiery” for a captain. IMHO, there has to be a balance of passion and calmness, and as much as I love Dan Freaking Boyle, I don’t think he’s captain material. I still think Pavs would make a good captain. He’s young sure, but just look at Toews, or Crosby, and Pavs isn’t even as young as they were when they received the C.
BERTUZZI: "Getting tired, Nabby? You've got another five and a half minutes of hell coming."
NABOKOV: "You've got another five and a half minutes left in your season."
I’m not sure what the Sharks think of Pavelski’s leadership abilities at this point. Last season when they needed extra A’s (because Blake or Thornton or Boyle were out for the game), did Pavs even ever get an A? Marleau got the A sometimes, Clowe got the A. Pavs might be ready for an A, but a jump to the C seems a bit much.
But maybe a fresh start with a new, young, freshly signed C is just what the doctor ordered? Who knows :)
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 9, 2010 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
CLOWIE GOT AN A!
sorry…I’m still just so proud.
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 9, 2010 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Now that its news and not just speculation
it makes me kind of sad…I’m gonna miss Blakey.
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
Sad news, blake was awesome...
Now lets sign somebody REALLY GOOD in his absence..
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
Bobby Crosby is my Cousin
www.athleticsnation.com
Is FtF on the Martin train?
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
Screw the Wings.
yes.
"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
I 2nd that
"Like I said, it’s like me giving you a high-five and chest bump after you hit for the cycle against the kid in the wheelchair." Vacafan on May 14, 2010
I’m going to miss my youngest asking me “Is that Blake in the box again?” … :)
I really hate this time of year – family members leave, new ones come that you aren’t quite sure you’ll like yet.
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
Keep him on the team
Hire him into a staff position. He’s got instant credibility with the players, coaching staff, and ownership.
He’ll be missed in San Jose, no doubt about that. I’m glad he had the playoffs that he had – he’s retiring while still playing well.
Will be interesting to see who will replace him. Hopefully this guy.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
I couldn't see it
Is it Volchenkov? I totally agree if it is :o)
BERTUZZI: "Getting tired, Nabby? You've got another five and a half minutes of hell coming."
NABOKOV: "You've got another five and a half minutes left in your season."
My exact feelings
I was a little down on Blake at times, but really came around over the course of the season and, especially, the playoffs. Amazing that someone at his age can sort of “go out on top,” but I’m glad our lasting memories of him will be good ones.
My lasting memory
of him will be from Game 4 v. Detroit, with him blocking shots like a madman even though it was patently obvious we were going to lose that game.
That is unequaled dedication in my book.
BERTUZZI: "Getting tired, Nabby? You've got another five and a half minutes of hell coming."
NABOKOV: "You've got another five and a half minutes left in your season."
by sharkiesgirl on Jun 10, 2010 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions
I sure hope so.
He’s like a more defensively sound version of Douglas Murray.
by U Guys R Good on Jun 9, 2010 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Hahaha, nice
sorry, Doug Murray is my new whipping boy on the team. Got to have one every year, I guess.
by ruben398 on Jun 10, 2010 10:37 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
He'd be good, but he's gonna be expensive
Unless DW works some of his tan magic, I still prefer Martin.
I wonder if you brought him up only because he’s Russian…:)
"Imagine how many banners we would have if I was GM..." - Drew Remenda
I’d rather have Volchenkov over Martin. Volchenkov is like 10 times more physical than Martin is and he’s a much better shot blocker. Just looking purely at defensive abilities, Volchenkov is one of the best guys out there imo.
i agree, but if he's asking for 5M+ he gets a pass if im DW.
Ive seen some montages on him on youtube, and theyre impressive. He has no care for his body, as hes hitting anything that moves, and thats good to see. But he doesnt improve our puck handling in the defensive/neutral/offensive zone. Martin can easily be on the PP and the PK. He’s a solid 2 way defenseman for less. IMO
"Imagine how many banners we would have if I was GM..." - Drew Remenda
by BrandonMK50 on Jun 11, 2010 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions
As I said in the other topic
We’ll miss you, your leadership and game in the 2010 PO couldn’t have mattered more, and have fun getting into the Hall of Fame.
Thanks for your help guiding us to the 2010 WCF, and of course…
Go Sharks.
Go Sharks!
Godspeed, El Capitan.
Whether or not one thinks Blake should’ve still been playing from a hockey perspective, his calming presence and cool leadership were undeniable. Personally, one of my favorite things about Blake was his uncanny ability to draw cries of bloody murder from the fanbases of opposing teams; the Avs series is a great example of this.
Much like Brian Wilson enjoys loading up the bases rather than simply closing out a game, raising the collective blood pressure of the fans in the process, Captain Hook enjoyed wreaking havoc on us fans thanks to his frequent late game antics in the defensive zone.
Here’s to hoping he ends up in the front office.
..:Fear The Fin:..
The artist formerly known as cyoung
In tribute
I shall play NHL 96 using the LA Kings for the evening. But only this once.
Witty signature line
DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ASS
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 9, 2010 4:09 PM PDT reply actions
o_0
did that happen this year??
"Imagine how many banners we would have if I was GM..." - Drew Remenda
That was from Get Him to the Greek, so don't yell at me. lolz
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 9, 2010 4:09 PM PDT reply actions
I’d like to see Blake sign one of those 1 day contracts with the LA Kings, so he can retire as a King as that is the jersey that has defined his career (no offense to sharks or avalanche fans).
by BruinsSelectSeguin on Jun 9, 2010 4:36 PM PDT reply actions
I dont think most Kings fans are too happy with Blake
Not sure they’d retire his jersey.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Kings fans resent him? Gee, I wonder why.
The reasons people boo Campbell pale in comparison.
In Dinglebarn We Trust
I guess this explains
Why all 5 LA Kings fans boo Rob Blake.
Not that I’m going to stop booing Brian Campbell. Why? Because the fucker has a Cup. And I hate him. And he’s good at hockey. And I hate him. God I hate life… I must be a Sharks fan…
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I’m glad someone still likes Blake, I guess. He actually seemed to try for you guys. Still, there are a broad range of reasons he’s losing the “Should we retire his jersey” poll by a wide margin over on the Kings’ site — and I don’t think anyone should be honored that way if feelings are so mixed.
In Dinglebarn We Trust
Understood
If I was a Kings fan, I’d boo him too. But I’m not. And I was sorta just taking out my post-hockey depression on you guys because, well, we’re the Sharks, and the rules kinda state that we hate the Kings.
Heck, I was mad at Blake when he first got here because he was wearing Kyle McLaren’s number while McLaren was still in the organization.
He won us over because even though he had penalty trouble, he never quit on the team.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
we’re the Sharks, and the rules kinda state that we hate the Kings.
That is both just, and the true way of the world. Unless I’m rooting for you to take out the Wings (thanks, BTW).
In Dinglebarn We Trust
is it weird i kinda like the kings?
"Imagine how many banners we would have if I was GM..." - Drew Remenda
by BrandonMK50 on Jun 11, 2010 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah the Kings aren’t so bad, I kinda like them too, but that might just be because up until now they haven’t been much of a threat to the Sharks. Plus i used to live in So Cal when i was younger and i used to go to Kings games with my Dad during the Gretzky years.
Although I’ll like them a lot less if they take Marleau from us and start kicking our butts next year.
If they get Patty, they'll probably end up my 2nd favorite team.
"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
It makes me sad
that the Sharks couldn’t win the Stanley Cup for Blake.
Bye bye Blakey!
You’re probably my favorite player of all time, I was glad you were able to play for us and I could actually get a Sharks Blake jersey!
Farewell Captain Hook!
You will be missed.
by In Bust we Trust on Jun 9, 2010 5:09 PM PDT reply actions
Godspeed Captain Hook!
Your play this post season was downright impressive. You demonstrated to the team how you dig deep and find another gear for the playoffs. I hope they all paid attention and will do the same next year.
You will be missed.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Blake's hip check will be missed
Great career. One of the real classy guys in the league.
Does anyone think that the Kings will retire his jersey?
Patty Marleau: An Erotic Life in San Jose... to be continued?
The Sharks will miss Blake
He was huge for the Sharks down the stretch and in the playoffs. Great career, great guy.
Love that Rob Blake, love Rob Blake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkstGDNXWEM
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
This is one of those moments that kinda sucks
For as long as I’ve watched hockey, Blake has been there (yeah, I’m not that old… sue me). Suddenly, he’s going to go off and retire and all of a sudden it’s a completely different NHL. Especially because he was on the Sharks…
Good for him though. A classy guy, and a very talented defensmen (though maybe not these past few years).
It sucks for us, knowing that he wont be on our team any more, but it’s probably nice to retire at such a fairly young age. Congrats.. and thanks!
How cool? Think Steve Nash...
"Go Sharks!" -Me
Love Rob Blake, will definitely miss him. A really great guy and had a great career. I don’t think it’s really going to hit me until we play a game and he isn’t there.
"This is a good time to come together and raise our middle finger in the air." - Dan Boyle
by TheSoundOfHockey on Jun 9, 2010 8:47 PM PDT reply actions
Fare thee well, Capn Hook! We shall miss you. Thank you for all you did for the org, sir. (and for giving us so many chances to make capn hook jokes ;) )
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
Yeah, I'll have to retire my pylon/4 photoshop
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 10, 2010 1:48 AM PDT reply actions
Thank You Rob Blake
A true class guy, a great competitor, and a definite first ballot Hall of Fame player. Thank you for giving your last 2 years to the Sharks, The Salt Lake games and for entertaining us all this time.
Who’s gonna finish this off? I am going Boyle. - FML! No more OT Predictions from me!
Next Captain:
Boyle. He just has to be it. He’s the only guy who’s shown any real leadership on the team.
To be fair, we have no idea what kind of leadership is being shown in the locker room…
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 10, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
To be fair...
You’re right. We don’t have any idea who’s a leader in the locker room. But here’s my retort…who cares?! Unless the locker room leaders are also the on-ice leaders…it’s worth dick. On-Ice leadership is where is counts, and Dan Boyle is the only guy on the Sharks who brings it every single shift.
All the recent Cup winners have had ON-ICE leadership, from their captains (who are presumably the locker room leaders as well), who also happen to be their team’s best players. Coincidence?
Your captain has to be your best player and on-ice leader if you want to win the Cup. There’s maybe only been 2-3 teams the last 20 years who can say they’ve won the Cup without their best player also being their captain.
Not a chance...
I love Marleau, he’s probably my all-time favorite Shark, but he’s just not C material.
The captain should willingly take the heat and be personally accountable for the team’s success and failure, and Dan Boyle is the only guy in recent memory who would sack up and say “I need to play better” when the team is down.
Marleau, Jumbo, everyone else…when the chips are down, they all say the same “we lost as a team…blah blah blah” crap. they’ve NEVER (publicly) held themselves accountable.
Dan Boyle is the only real choice, he’s arguably the Sharks best player (I, personally, think he’s more valuable than Jumbo).
Ah, well, if the Sharks want to make their best player their C, I’d have to argue for Thornton to get the C! :)
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 10, 2010 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Almost as prevalent as those that begin with: NO HEART!!!! NO GRIT!!! FIRE JOE THORNTON!!! TRADE DOUG WILSON!!!! (see what I did there?)
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 10, 2010 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, I am sure haha.
I’ve posted questions for DP before, but I don’t get into debates there.
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 10, 2010 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Debate is such a kind word
textual blood bath is probably more appropriate.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Ah, yes.
Sounds much more appropriate.
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 10, 2010 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought we were done with those after last summer. Guess not.
"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
Aha!
When the C retires, the debate resumes!!!
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 10, 2010 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Debatable
Whether this qualifies as news…
Class guy, great career. It’s time.
He’d be a great coach for young D men. Enjoy muscle beach Rob.
by rumpledforeskin on Jun 10, 2010 9:55 AM PDT reply actions
The retirement of a future Hall of Famer?
I’m pretty sure that’s still news.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Only meant
from the perspective that it was obvious.
by rumpledforeskin on Jun 10, 2010 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Good by Blake
You will be missed
"Like I said, it’s like me giving you a high-five and chest bump after you hit for the cycle against the kid in the wheelchair." Vacafan on May 14, 2010
San Jose, a place you can make your career exit while still holding your head high.....
Thanks Blakey! Hope to see you in the front office. Hello cap space!
The Sharks need to play like 2 Live Crew, "As Nasty As They Want To Be" -Drew Remenda
by 408SharksFinatic on Jun 10, 2010 12:38 PM PDT reply actions
Gonna miss Rob Blake
Rob Blake has always been one of my favorite players. I was so stoked when the Sharks signed him. I’ve enjoyed rooting for him as a Shark and I really hope he stays involved with the organization in some capacity. It’s sure gonna be strange not having him around.
Have any of you guys seen the old Kings commercial where they compare him to an M1A1 Abrams tank? It was pretty funny, but it’s probably been 10 years since I’ve seen it. I’ll try to post it if I can find it.
NOW TAKING BETS FOR OUR NEXT FAREWELL TOUR CHARITY CASE
I GOT FIVE BUCKS ON MODANO
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jun 10, 2010 5:14 PM PDT reply actions
At least we would know who would wear the C...
Mcginn – Modano – Couture looks like an excellent 3rd line “lolololololololol”
"Imagine how many banners we would have if I was GM..." - Drew Remenda
by BrandonMK50 on Jun 11, 2010 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions
My hockey stick has a Modano curve.
If we get him, I won’t feel like a traitor anymore…
"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
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