Sharks start slow, run headfirst into Quick, and get shutout by the Kings 2-0
by Mr. Plank on Nov 28, 2011 11:02 PM PST
in Sharks Game Recaps
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You have to love how the Sharks finished tonight's game, controlling the play and throwing everything they had at Kings netminder Jonathan Quick.
But you have to wonder just when the Sharks slothful starts are going to subside, as games like these show why a 60 minute effort is the only recipe that can cook up a culinary creation that tastes like a win when you're sharing the table with an excellent goaltender and a team committed to clearing out the front of the net.
San Jose fell to Los Angeles tonight as the Kings got goals from Mike Richards and Ethan Moreau in their 2-0 victory. Jonathan Quick made 33 saves in the game, posting his NHL-leading fourth shutout of the season.
The first period was a physical affair on one side of the ledger, as the Kings came out in the opening minutes and proceeded to get down to basics-- get pucks deep, work the puck up to their defenseman, and let their talented blueline core bomb away as the forwards crashed the net. San Jose did a good job of keeping the Kings and their chances to the periphery for the majority of the period, but it didn't matter much as Los Angeles would put one past Niemi from a low-chance scoring area.
Following a harmless looking dump-in to the far corner, Sharks defenseman Justin Braun picked up the puck and attempted to backhand it up the boards up to a waiting Torrey Mitchell. Unfortunately for the young defenseman Ethan Moreau read the play like a book, and after picking up the turnover proceeded to throw the puck at the Sharks net from the end line. An unsuspecting Antti Niemi didn't manage to correct his angle and watched as Moreau's shot snuck through him for a 1-0 Kings lead.
Frazer McLaren would head to the box later in the period after treating Jonathan Quick to a Joe Pavelski esque snow shower, but lacking the seasoned experience of his 27 year old teammate, got rung up for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. San Jose would go on to kill the penalty and continue to improve immensely shorthanded ever since implementing their 1-3 scheme three weeks ago.
The second period started off ugly for San Jose as the Sharks were held without a shot for the first 6:11 of the period. Mike Richards would give the Kings a 2-0 lead after receiving a beautiful pass from Simon Gagne. After receiving the puck following a clean entry into the zone, Gagne circled around behind the net and delivered a saucer pass over the outreached stick of Niemi to find Richards in front of the net. A quick snap shot through Niemi's five-hole did the damage and San Jose found themselves down by a pair and struggling to get anything going.
It didn't get better from there, as San Jose continued to have issues in nearly all facets of the game. Things managed to turn around late in the second however, as San Jose received two straight power plays in the last four minutes of the frame.
The Sharks were deadly with their chances, moved the puck well, and did just about everything except get one past Jonathan Quick who went from being untested in the first thirty five minutes to a man that was going to see a lot of rubber the rest of the tilt.
The third period began where the second left off, with San Jose controlling the majority of the play and continuing to force the Los Angeles defense on their heels. Todd McLellan played his line blender cards right on cue, skating Thornton with Marleau-Havlat while Pavelski got a spin with Couture-Clowe, and the Sharks managed to do what they weren't able to do in the earlier portion of the game-- generate sustained offensive pressure and get dangerous looks on net. After Logan Couture hit the post early in the frame it looked as if the Sharks were going to pot one, but Quick continued to compile a video lesson for all young goaltenders in Los Angeles county to learn from.
San Jose received a scare in the middle of the period when Dustin Brown broke through the neutral zone, slicing and dicing his way through the San Jose defense. After getting around Justin Braun with an excellent move that left Braun in the dust, Brown drove hard to the net and put the puck on net. Niemi layed out to stop the first two wacks, but the third one managed to creep by him. After the Toronto gargoyles were awoken to review the goal, it was ruled that Slava Voynov kicked in the puck with his skate, disallowing the goal-- video evidence showed that Dustin Brown may have managed to touch the puck with his stick before it crossed the line, but there wasn't a conclusive angle to give the now rambunctious Staples Center crowd what they were looking for.
Jonathan Quick would help ease any of those concerns.
Quick would go on to make 13 saves in the final frame, and 33 throughout the tilt, giving the Kings a victory over their division rival.
The Sharks, who have been handed their first back-to-back loss since October 17th, will look to reassess their first periods, get better play from their top defensive pairing, and make sure Jamie McGinn keeps eating whatever he has been eating in preparation for a Thursday night matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
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Oh hush. After this win sets the Kings off on a twenty three game winning streak you’ll come crawling back to Matt and tell him he was right all along.
"The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel." - Horace Walpole
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Yeah! I hope the Kings go on a ridiculous win streak so Rudy doesn’t get what he wants.
Wait.
Leslie Knope: "...but it has a lot of heart."
April Ludgate: "That's what people always say when something sucks."
Fear The Fin's Fifth-String Moderator !!
by idunno723 on Nov 28, 2011 11:14 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
I’m just glad the Kings didn’t look past this game to the much anticipated match-up against their real rivals, the Florida Panthers. I just hate them so much!
by RudyKelly on Nov 28, 2011 11:15 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
I feel like my comment is in the middle of a sinus infection. Lots of green oozing all over the place.
"The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel." - Horace Walpole
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Nov 29, 2011 2:39 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
On the bright side
the Sharks still have a perfect record when scoring first, and have proved they can kill penalties without Handzus.
Those count for something, right?
Kings got lucky tonight
though Quick did make several outstanding saves. The goal post should have been one of the three stars of the game, no doubt. SJ has run into some hot goaltenders recently, ring any bells from previous seasons? They’ve got what, three goals over the past three games? That’s gotta change soon, they’re putting way too many shots on to keep having such low scoring percentages. At least the PK is looking good. I like the way the team is playing overall, but it sure would be nice if they could put it into high gear in the first few minutes and keep it there. As usual, we keep coming back to looking for the full 60.
Twitter: H_2SO_4
dan boyle
What happened?
by logancouturesteeth on Nov 28, 2011 11:20 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions
It really goes back
to the 2nd half of last season and the playoffs. He just hasn’t been the player that he was when he first came to the Sharks. His skating is significantly less dynamic, he makes glaring mistakes in the defensive end and in the neutral zone, and his offensive instincts just aren’t there.
Tough to say what the answer is. He’s not getting any younger, and if he’s fighting injuries, the coaching staff isn’t doing him any favors by marching him out there EVERY game to play a ton of minutes. Seems like the coaches are going to keep giving him his usual heavy workload and hope he finds his game again. The problem though, I think, is the workload itself.
At what point do you have to say he’s just lost “it”? I love Boyle, but it’s a question the Sharks unfortunately need to start pondering.
by BillytheSid on Nov 28, 2011 11:36 PM PST up reply actions
That play in the third period where he got backed all the way from the neutral zone to the end line was a microcosm of his play lately.
He’ll get better— he still puts a ton of shots on net— but I agree with Meg from BoC when he makes the point that Boyle’s play this year could be what is expected of a 35 year old defenseman.
His minutes should probably come down as well, but that’s something that will start to take place I think.
"The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel." - Horace Walpole
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Nov 28, 2011 11:37 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I'm concerned that he's talking about it as the game changing around him and him needing confidence.
I think those things apply. But I’m beginning to think it’s more than that, too. Some of the age. But something else feels off, too, and not just with him.
Boyle’s CORSI was a -1.2 last year. It’s dropped over 10 points this year to -11.6. Murray’s has dropped almost 20 points from last year (-5.9 to -25.8). That pair is probably the worst set of two we have outside of Demers and White (and that might not even be true if we’re just combing their CORSI numbers). Two years ago, Boyle and Murray were both even further better CORSI players (Boyle 11.1 and Murray -1.5). Murray’s single-season dropoff is horrific, but Boyle has dropped just as far over two seasons. If the train is going off the rails that quickly, we’ve got to do something now.
That pair needs to be broken up regardless of chemistry. And both guys need reduced minutes. Vlasic and Burns are leaders in CORSI for the Sharks, and Braun and Vandermeer are both on the positive side. I think we need to strongly consider increased roles for all of them, not just token reduction of Boyle and Murray’s minutes.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Boyle fascinates me, and the latest feature on him in the Merc gets down to it in a deeper, more interesting way. I can’t think of a high-caliber player, one who has been as successful as Boyle has, who gets into these prolonged ruts where it’s so clear to the observer that he’s struggling mentally with his game, with his confidence, and those elements so sharply affect his play.
This certainly isn’t a knock on Boyle; I think that for whatever reason (maybe his underdog status coming into the league, or the fact that he was kind of a late bloomer at the NHL level), he just wears it on his sleeves more, and also isn’t afraid to talk about it. Most other high-level players won’t let any cracks show. But as I said, this is part of what makes Boyle so fascinating to watch as a close observer over the course of several seasons.
That, plus he can still be so damn good and fun to watch.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
by Timorous Me on Nov 29, 2011 12:32 AM PST up reply actions
As far as high caliber players in ruts, I’m sure the Capitals can think of one or two that come to mind.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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Ovechkin, Semin, Vokoun, the entire defense…
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Yeah, well I think the coaching change there is going to set off some fireworks.
If nothing else, make people realize that they can be traded to Edmonton.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
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Edmonton's on the rise.
I don’t think they’d mind going there now. Probably Columbus or…uh…the Islanders? Or Hurricanes?
"I think he just dedicated a Cee Lo Green song to the referee"-Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda on Randy Carlyle yelling at the referee
I never forget a face, but in your case, I'd be glad to make an exception-Groucho Marx
by sanjosesharksfan on Nov 29, 2011 8:13 PM PST up reply actions
As pretty as it is up there...
…it gets too effin’ cold.
And that’s coming from a New Englander.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
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I don't think it's age
As you said, the drop off from last year to this year is extreme, I don’t think it’s his age…but could be a combo of things.
Boyle & Murray should never be up against the other teams top lines, but that true last year as well which you can see in the CORSI ratings. But maybe trying Braun/Demers with Murray and Boyle with White / Vandy might be worth a shot.
Two thinks will keep Boyle’s minutes high – 1) They are trying to play in thgough his funk and 2) McLellan (or whoever is running the D these days) just doesn’t trust the 3rd pairing.
I think you're probably right about Boyle's minutes.
And that’s where I really think Boyle and Murray need to split. If we’re gonna continue to force Boyle top minutes (despite Vlasic and Burns looking like an elite number 1 pair), we’ve got to stop the bleeding somehow. That might mean Murray has to take the bullet much as I love Cranky.
Braun did very well with Murray last year during Boyle’s injury, so I’d put that as a place to start. And since Vandy is the guy with the plus right now, I’d say he gets first nod over White. Not that my opinion matters, but maybe if I say it, it’ll magically happen.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
I agree--Boyles minutes should come down
And I’m still worried about having slow skaters on our 1-3 PK; Vanc went around it like it wasn’t there, and that is the key weakness of our current PK defensive strategy.
Big picture? Not worried about LA. We were don a few key pieces that we normally wouldn’t be. I’m more worried about how Vanc continues to make everyone else look like they are standing still on ice. When those rag dolls start diving, God save us.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
You know how
TMac said that Nemo does better when he gets more ice time? Apparently, that’s his solution for a 36 year old defenseman who is rumored to have a lingering knee injury. He played 28:55 tonight, 3:33 minutes above his average.
I have a theory
Dan Boyle’s skills were taken by a band of alien amusement park employees via magic glow puck for use in a high-stakes hockey game against the Looney Tunes, in which the Looney Tunes are playing for their freedom.
It makes sense, especially when factoring in other great hockey players who are having off years, like Ovechkin and Hiller. And wait a minute, didn’t Phaneuf and Kessel start being really good when Boyle and Ovechkin started declining? And didn’t Reimer start his great run right around when Hiller got vertigo (I mean, come on!) last year? The Maple Leafs are the Monstars. That must be it.
The only question is who is playing the Michael Jordan role. My money’s on Chris Pronger. Going from the flu to knee surgery? No way. That’s totally covering up his trip to Looney Tunes land to get them into shape for their game.
Fear the Fin - NEEDS MORE DOVES
by mymclife on Nov 29, 2011 4:17 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
all i have to say is
Rudyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
by Dermal Denticles on Nov 29, 2011 12:38 AM PST reply actions
Sharks game 21, now 2-4-1 in 1-day-off-games
Not good to slough off those 1-day-offers, because the majority of the games in the season are 1-day offers. Time to get it together.
Sharks:
game 21 this season: 0-2 loss at LA
game 21 last season: 1-6 loss at Vanc
at 21 games this season: 13-7-2 / 27 pts, 60 GF – 48 GA
at 21 games last season: 10-7-4 / 24 pts, 61 GF – 60 GA
Next 10 games, games 22-31 last season: 5-4-1
Going: W, L, W, L, W, SOW, L, OTW, SOL, L
This is the last update of the Sharkstistics of November, but after the last NHL game is played for the month, the monthly end bonus, the PPS, will be posted on that page. After the Sharks Dec 1st game, the December Sharkstistics will be started.
The Sharks barely hold the lead in the West in the Potential Points Standings, by no points, but by a game in hand.
Sharks, um, get going already! Break those bad habits you’ve had for several seasons now! You’re much better than that! Score a lot of goals, win games!
If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
"Take a deep breath sometimes, a break, and play some hockey. Hockey is a great way to take a pause from day-to-day hard work." -- Lt Gen. D.H. Huntoon Jr. (paraphrased)
"He doesn't miss many of those!" --Randy Hahn
Shameless plug for my music.
On the plus side...
…it’s not last year ;-)
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
So far
Need to get that GF way up, and that GA down, and the Wins up.
If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
"Take a deep breath sometimes, a break, and play some hockey. Hockey is a great way to take a pause from day-to-day hard work." -- Lt Gen. D.H. Huntoon Jr. (paraphrased)
"He doesn't miss many of those!" --Randy Hahn
Shameless plug for my music.
Slow starts...
That’s about the biggest problem for this team right now. Everything else is alright… but those slow starts are killer. At some point in time, that has to stop.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Slow Starts arent the problem
The real question is “why does it always happen?”
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Nov 29, 2011 6:45 AM PST via mobile reply actions
The real question is "why does it always happen?"
Which means that it is the problem…
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
So, the Sharks are 7-0-0 when they score the first goal. While that seems awesome, that means in 21 games we’ve only scored first 7 times. That’s only 1/3rd of the games.
That’s just unacceptable for a team with Cup aspirations.
More than the PK this needs work, though honestly, they probably went hand in hand for a while.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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Wow, I didn’t realize it’s only been a 3rd of the time.
This team does have a trend of playing quite well in 2nd periods, and 3rd periods haven’t been as damning this year. But if the game doesn’t start off well… well, it’s just damn disappointing.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Solution?
Play all 3 periods.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
Solution?
Win!
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.
"Don't fart on my chair mutha fuckah!" - Randy Hahn
"Pavs with great feed but what a release by Wingels Peanut Butter Baby!"" - Jamie Baker
Why didn't I think of that?
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
My two favourite teams:
San Jose Sharks – A team that any hockey fan could consider stacked; near-perfect on paper. Plays like shit approximately 40% of the time.
Floirda Panthers – A team no one expected to do anything (150:1 Cup odds in Vegas); a rag-tag group of free agents outperforming expectations. Currently leading their division, despite predictions to the contrary.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
It could be worse but...
I think we can all look past these last two losses and chalk them up to outstanding goaltending. However, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about the lack of production from Havlat (1 goal all season) and Clowe (0 goals in his last 10 games). And how poorly we seem to play in the first periods of games (worst in the NHL I’d bet).
There are others as well who have come up short at the quarter pole: Boyle, Burns, Handzus, Mitchell, and D. Murray.
These next 4 at home are all winners if this team can get its game back. If not, then it’s time to worry about their cohesiveness and their "energy, commitment, and passion".
I like this stat: Since 09-10, the second leading goal scorer in the NHL is Patrick Marleau with 91 goals. He’s 20 behind Stamkos for the overall lead.
GO SHARKS!!! Let’s get it back and win the next 4 @ home!
I think of
the game against Boston when I see a game like last night’s or the last one against Dallas. With Boston the team seemed to be rolling on all cylinders and pretty much out hustled the defending champs. With Dallas they stood up and fought with the stars, never backed down and kept going. Yet it still seems like the Sharks would rather just win on skill alone every other night if there isn’t some HUGE reason not too. As if they have that choice against the best teams and then start to hustle later on in the game when they realize they don’t. I think the Sharks play their own style but fight between playing more like a Chicago and Van when they should always go into games playing a more uncomfortable, physical game like Boston. Which is why I think everyone always questions their comfort level.
It took the Sharks until the end of the 2nd to get their board game going. While Pav got cross check after cross check last night yet he and everyone else just kept skating away trying to win a game clean? And why it took Clowe or anyone else until the last seconds of the game to punch back was ridiculous. So I don’t see the 3-4 divison record as a surprise.
I see another big turn around once DW brings in some veterans and 3rd line help. But for now unless the Sharks decide to play a full 60 min game. The “if you push the Sharks, they might back down or at least give you a better chance to win” still rings true.
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
Slow starts & some issues
I can’t really figure out what’s up with the slow starts, but it needs to be fixed.
As mentioned above, Clowe, Havlat & Couture have all been way off the past 8+ games. It’s going to be really hard to win games when 3 of your top 6 aren’t pulling their weight and the #1 d-man is struggling so much.
However, to look on the bright side here – even with the slow starts, poor production from qutie a few players, a horrible (except for lately) PK, 3rd pairing D issues, etc. the Sharks are on pace for a 105 point season. There is no doubt this team has elite talent and I think they will put it all together, hopefully that’s sooner rather than later.
However, to look on the bright side here – even with the slow starts, poor production from qutie a few players, a horrible (except for lately) PK, 3rd pairing D issues, etc. the Sharks are on pace for a 105 point season. There is no doubt this team has elite talent and I think they will put it all together, hopefully that’s sooner rather than later.
The way some comment around here, you would think they’re on pace for a 60 point season.
Fear the Fin: "I've always said that if you don't have the motivation within you... It's not Doug Wilson's job to motivate me. I've got motivation within myself, especially going through some of the experiences that I had last year." - Nick Petrecki
by Matthew_Taylor on Nov 29, 2011 7:59 AM PST up reply actions
in three games against some of the better competition in the West
Games that you’d think they had marked on the calendar, and games they had time to prepare for, they have, on the whole, looked mediocre. Execution is poor, speed is lacking, everything is sloppy. I think a modicum of FTS is appropriate.
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Changing signatures is for suckers.
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
by ElvisVF101 on Nov 29, 2011 8:19 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
When top teams play top teams, it’s kind of a crap shoot. I look at it this way:
They handled Detroit, they beat Chicago in a game they shouldn’t have won (something good teams do from time to time), lost a close game to Vancouver in which they played well and lost to Los Angeles after turning in a poor first.
The slow starts are troubling, the lack of scoring is a head scratcher, but the fact remains that the team is winning games and sits in a very nice position. They have beat Boston, they have beat Pittsburgh, they beat Minnesota, they beat LA 4-2 earlier in the seaon.
I think critisim is a good thing, and they deserve it. We just tend to deal in extremes here and I think it’s a bit overboard. Sharks are 4 points out of first with 3 games in hand.
Fear the Fin: "I've always said that if you don't have the motivation within you... It's not Doug Wilson's job to motivate me. I've got motivation within myself, especially going through some of the experiences that I had last year." - Nick Petrecki
by Matthew_Taylor on Nov 29, 2011 8:26 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Speaking of lack of scoring...
I just came to the realization that the last 3 regular season Sharks games I’ve attended were all shutouts against.
Then I checked the schedule, those are our last 3 shutouts on record.
The lack of scoring is apparently all my fault, I need to stop going to hockey games….
Playoffs are fair game, I was at game 3 against the Kings.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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They have scored 3 goals in the last nine periods. That’s not going to win you many games.
Still, the supporting numbers (CORSI, Shots, etc) all suggest that it’s a blip and not a trend.
Fear the Fin: "I've always said that if you don't have the motivation within you... It's not Doug Wilson's job to motivate me. I've got motivation within myself, especially going through some of the experiences that I had last year." - Nick Petrecki
by Matthew_Taylor on Nov 29, 2011 8:31 AM PST up reply actions
It’s just mildly aggravating that they decide not to score any goals when I’m in the arena. Otherwise I’ve really liked the Sharks play most of the season. The PK has definitely improved (even if now the PP is struggling a bit). I guess it doesn’t help that the two goalies I live near are Quick and Hiller.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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I really can't debate that.
As I said above, I’m not too worried about LA overall. Like you said, we’ve handled them in the past, and it’s always been a back-and-forth with them.
My concern this year is the same one I had last year. Vancouver has speed and skill, and will, most likely be our toughest competitor. While we had the shot differential on them, I had several non-hockey fans over, and all of them kept saying, “wow, that Vancouver team sure is owning the ice.”
Wasn’t a lot I could say to disagree.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
When top teams play top teams, it’s kind of a crap shoot.
Oh. That explains why we’ve only beaten Vancouver once in our last ten meetings.
by meetyourmako on Nov 29, 2011 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
Pittsburgh hasn’t beaten us in years, it doesn’t mean they suck
by a10dency2ask on Nov 29, 2011 1:37 PM PST up reply actions
but point taken, even though we don’t play them an average of twice a year and they’ve been terrible until three-four years ago.
by meetyourmako on Nov 29, 2011 1:41 PM PST up reply actions
psst!
(Detroit’s not that good anymore!)
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.
"Don't fart on my chair mutha fuckah!" - Randy Hahn
"Pavs with great feed but what a release by Wingels Peanut Butter Baby!"" - Jamie Baker
They have the third best goal differential in hockey
Best in Western Conference. If that’s not good, than make the Sharks not good.
I was at the game
I didn’t enjoy the first period at all, but after that I had a really good time. The Sharks really dominated play in the 3rd and even in the second things looked a lot better.
I still think the hook on Jumbo was BS, what’s he supposed to do with Stoll bear hugging his stick like that? I watch them skate practically from center ice with Jumbo just trying to work it free.
The no-goal was hilarious. They put an angle up once on the jumbo-tron that clearly showed Voynov kick it, I didn’t see Brown touch it in that angle, but they never showed it again, they just kept showing the overhead which didn’t give a real view of what was happening with the puck.
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Thornton was trying to remove Stoll’s cup with his stick, I would have held on to it too
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Nov 29, 2011 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
He should have let go of it, and let Stoll get called for too much stick.
(sic.)
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
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Why I can't stand the Kings
I was at the game last night, like I am for every game at Staples when the Sharks come into town. Over the last few years, I haven’t been able to truly understand why I hate the Kings so much. The Ducks spoiled a President’s Cup trophy for us recently, have won a Cup, and have Corey Perry, yet my dislike for them doesn’t even rival the Kings. Last night, I finally figured out why.
The Kings in game entertainment and arena crew spend more time than any other arena I’ve been too mocking the opposing team. Maybe this is just the case when the Sharks come into town, but I’ve never seen this before at other arenas. I didn’t pay much attention to it, but after visiting a few other arenas last year and taking note, it’s clear as day now. Granted I’ve only been to 7 of the NHL arenas and not when the home team played their rival, but I’ve only seen this at Staples Center. There are the Southpark sketches, last night had a very weird skit where a Shark is taking a hearing test and is run over by the Kings mascot in a truck (ya, most Kings fans didn’t even get it), the Kings mascot dumped popcorn on a Sharks fan (I’ve seen this in other places before, but not on the jumbotron), they put Mitchell’s face on the jumbotron and warped it in a segment they call bubble cam, and the organ player consistently plays chords intended to sound like Niemi’s name and “Sharks suck” to get the crowd to respond. It creates a very hostile environment for Sharks fans. I realized that I see more Sharks and Kings fans heckle each other (let’s be honest, they are not going to fight) and cuss each other out than in any other arena. Now I know why, the Kings fans are encouraged to hate the Sharks and their fans by in game staff. I’m sure this goes on for Kings and Ducks games too, and I wonder if it does for all of the NHL teams.
Now I’ve definitely seen Sharkie mess with a Red Wings fan before, but nothing as glorified and purposeful as what the Kings do. I like that. I like that we come off as a classy organization that wants our fans to root for OUR team more than heckle and cheer against the other team. Evilducks was right, the in game crew sure did mess up by showing Voynov kick it in, but they quickly fixed that by showing the off angle of Brown over and over again. That’s my rant for the day. I know the Bruins are pretty aggressive with their marketing too, and I’m sure other teams are. It’s just interesting to see how differently the Sharks organization and marketing team handles it compared to the Kings. Makes me proud to be a Sharks fan. Even a Kings fan said last night, “It sometimes gets pretty amateurish.”
Go Sharks! No more losses to the Kings, cool?
by Ronnibily on Nov 29, 2011 9:44 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I think it’s because the Kings have yet to establish that rivalry with the Sharks as we have with the Ducks. With the Ducks, things just sort of developed because both teams were good right out of the lockout. Then the playoff series happened, and those games are intense.
For the Kings, they’ve finally established themselves as a talented team, especially over the last two years. But, for some reason, the games don’t have the same sort of spark, even after the series last year (which resulted in bragging rights for both teams, oddly enough).
The Southpark stuff does seem a bit amateurish, as does the dumping the popcorn thing. I mean, Sharkie screws around with other fans by pretending to eat them, but it seems to be all in good fun… I honestly can’t say about the popcorn thing. But I feel like these gimmicks may end once the rivalry actually hits full gear. Then there’ll be a reason for some bitterness.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
I blame that crap more on the owners/front office than the players.
And, you’d think, given the whole Stowe thing, those morons would have learned by now that inciting confrontation in the stands is a moronically bad Idea. I know I’d have to seriously hold myself back if some dork in a lion suit spilled popcorn all over me to entertain the arena. Sweaters aren’t cheap, and butter stains are not the easiest to remove.
IMO, that shows wholesale lack of class and maturity by their front office.
Like I said, I have nothing but admiration for their players. They are tough, play hard, and always make for a great game. But baiting confrontation with the fans? That’s bullshit.
IMO.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
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I’d take that mascot’s head off for sure.
by meetyourmako on Nov 29, 2011 1:44 PM PST up reply actions
What’s more, I’d back you up if I were with you. I hope other sharks fans would do the same. There are certainly enough of us there.
by meetyourmako on Nov 29, 2011 1:46 PM PST up reply actions
Someone should bring Bailey up on a-salt and buttery charges.
by meetyourmako on Nov 29, 2011 9:17 PM PST up reply actions
why would anyone blame the players for that at all?
by a10dency2ask on Nov 29, 2011 1:48 PM PST up reply actions
More of a clarification for when someone say "I hate LA."
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
All the old Raiders fans are going to Kings games, now. That doesn’t help.
by meetyourmako on Nov 29, 2011 1:38 PM PST up reply actions
Hearing Cartman
say “Go Kings Go” over and over again almost every time there was a face off was very annoying. You put Crazy Train on to get people into games or like S.J out here when we put the Jaws theme on before a power play but Cartman’s annoying ass voice (as funny as the show can be) to get a crowd into it? I just don’t get it.
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
Is it just me, or does Ryan Braun look really bad?
like the play where he reversed the puck to a King. Looks like he still needs work in Worchester.
"Sometimes when the hockey gods f*** you over, the only thing you can do is hope they leave you a twenty on the dresser."
Ryan Braun's the freakin' MVP
What more can you ask for?!
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
by Bockerz on Nov 29, 2011 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
You’re pointing to one bad play and ignoring his backcheck aid to Vlasic when Vlasic was in a stickless 2 on 1 or when he shut down another break attempt (not to mention that he’s played statistically better defensively this year than the entire D but Vlasic and Burns). I’m not saying he played a great game. But CSN harped on that reverse and Dustin Brown putting a good move on him ALL NIGHT last night and it’s bull. Braun had bad moments, sure, but he had some good ones, too. Beyond that, other guys should own part of the first goal (A-Murray for not skating with the King who got the puck, Niemi for not being ready for a potential turnover).
Rookies make mistakes. Especially when their coach says “I really like his game right now” and then benches them for a week. One mistake shouldn’t demand that the player be sent back down to the AHL when the body of work for the season has been strong.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
by Auth0r on Nov 29, 2011 10:27 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
You get a rec for this one…
Justin Braun is a really good young defenseman who is an asset on both ends of the ice. Rookies make mistakes, but he also had some brilliant stretches of play! And of course he’s going to make a mistake or two when he gets banished to the press box every time he takes positive strides in his game.
That’s probably the biggest overall problem I have with McLellan as coach…his complete disinterest in developing our young, NHL-ready talent.
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
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by ZeroIndulgence on Nov 29, 2011 2:01 PM PST up reply actions
That’s probably the biggest overall problem I have with McLellan as coach…his complete disinterest in developing our young, NHL-ready talent.
The problem with that statement, in reference to Braun anyway, is that he and Demers are fighting for the same spot – having them alternating games or playing 2 then sitting 2 is hard on both of them. One of the two guys needed to prove he belongs in the line up every night, neither really did (though I thought Braun has been the better of the two).
Braun has been re-assigned to Worcester where he’ll get a ton of minutes, that’s good for him. Demers will, hopefully, find his game with consistent playing time.
Really, the fact that Braun and Demers will both be getting play time is the thing that is the best argument for Braun heading back to Worcester, despite my hopes that Braun would stay. They both need ice time and Demers is no longer waiver exempt, so it’s a logical choice.
I don’t love it because I think Braun is ready for NHL minutes, but minutes anywhere are better than nights in the press box.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Agreed
Though I would like to see Demers get some more minutes. Sitting him in the press box is in no way going to help his numbers and/or his confidence.
That’s why I’m glad Braun is getting sent down. He gets to continue playing, and hopefully so does Demers.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
McL could
have sat Boyle a few games since the start of the season against easier teams. Giving Braun and Demers more ice time. Tmac got a pass with Ferriero since he only has a game left and I know that the team is known for giving a lot of NHL games to it’s youth but I would also like to see McL do more when it comes to the kids coming up.
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
Honestly?
I was kinda pissed hearing Ratto hang the loss on the kid. I have nothing against him, but hockey just doesn’t seem his forte.
Who the hell blames a rookie for a loss? Where’s the top line? 60 minutes of effort? Why were people only showing they gave a damn 4 seconds before the end of the 3rd? Those are better remarks than saying a rookie screwed up here, and it hosed the whole 60 of the game.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
Yeah, exactly.
I had to turn off the postgame, and I almost never do that. I’d love to see Brown and Hedican on together some night. Or Brown and Kurz for that matter. We’d get some good analysis out of that I think.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
The way I see it
That’s probably the biggest overall problem I have with McLellan as coach…his complete disinterest in developing ouryoung, NHL-readytalent.
IMHO, TMC’s problem is a) playing money players over doing whatever it takes to win, and b) letting the players coach themselves too much, and just trying to ride the talent instead.
If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
"Take a deep breath sometimes, a break, and play some hockey. Hockey is a great way to take a pause from day-to-day hard work." -- Lt Gen. D.H. Huntoon Jr. (paraphrased)
"He doesn't miss many of those!" --Randy Hahn
Shameless plug for my music.
Don't call me a prophet, but Braun got sent down.
I agree with the comments below re: Demers getting more ice time. I’d like to see him and Pickles get paired together because they looked like they had good chemistry a la last season’s playoffs. At the same time, I’d like to see Boyle’s minutes decrease except when he’s on the PP.
"Sometimes when the hockey gods f*** you over, the only thing you can do is hope they leave you a twenty on the dresser."
Haha...I just noticed.
Ryan Justin Braun. LOL@myself
"Sometimes when the hockey gods f*** you over, the only thing you can do is hope they leave you a twenty on the dresser."
“Energy, commitment, passion—I definitely saw that in the third period. I just want to know where they went between the second and third (periods) to find it. I’m really disappointed. It’s probably more disappointing because we came out hard in the third, so it made it even tougher to swallow.”
—Coach Todd McLellan after the Sharks’ 2-0 loss Monday night at Los Angeles.
Look like TMac agrees with most Sharks fans, then.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
by Bockerz on Nov 29, 2011 10:19 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Really frustrating part about last night was that we had the chance to really put the pressure on the Kings. A loss against the Sharks and maybe a few more this week would have probably cost Murray his job and sent the Kings into some disarray. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Kings take this win to create a little run here now.
If beating the Sharks means Murray keeps his job…gotta say, I’ll take it. My opinion, Murray will keep that team from winning anything. He’s really not the right coach for the type of team Lombardi has put together.
by milanahalek on Nov 29, 2011 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Murray is the wrong coach for this current Kings team, so I hope he keeps his job.
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by Megalodon on Nov 29, 2011 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
So, what you're saying is...
A LOSS TO THE SHARKS IS FIVE TIMES WORSE!
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Why has Havlat been demoted to the 3rd line for a lot of this last stretch? Do you think he still might be recovering from his off-season injury?
Probably because he’s not scoring. It might be related to his missing camp and the early games, causing inconsistency.
I know that’s a dumb answer, but he really has dropped off a cliff after posting good numbers and playing well for his first 10 games.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
did the numbers drop off before the demotion though?
by a10dency2ask on Nov 29, 2011 12:09 PM PST up reply actions
just seems strange to me – it’s not like mitchell’s production has been any better
by a10dency2ask on Nov 29, 2011 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
From Pollack’s twitter feed:
Telling numbers: Couture has 1 goal in last 8 games, Clowe has no goals in last 10, Havlat only 1 assist in last nine and 1 goal for season.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
My greatest hope...
…is to see Demurs hardcore self abuse at practice finally pay off. Extra half hour every time I go to watch.
I’m also hoping mitchell continues to improve and T-Mac puts him back with patty. Speed kills.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
Per Pollak...
…Nitty may be engaged in full team practice as soon as tomorrow (via the Twitters)
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
Oh, and apparently it was Wayne Thomas he was working with when I went on Sunday.
I’ve never seen/met Mr. Thomas before, and, since they were at the far side of the rink, I wasn’t sure who it was. I find it kinda cool that our Assistant GM works the ice with the Goalies.
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
That asst GM is one of the reasons the Sharks have been a goalie factory, he’s been the goalie coach for I can’t even remember how long…he and Strelow were very, very close.
The guy's in his 60's and he still has game.
fun watching him throw at Nitty Sunday. If only I had known then…
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
Greiss
should get the next start, I think the change would do the team good.
"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn
That, and everyone wearing this in the stands:
"Never start a fight, but ALWAYS finish it."
@TheFourthPeriod How intense with the #Bruins #Habs PO series be? || @Noctro Like K-Y Jelly lit on fire. || @TheFourthPeriod Wow. Best. Answer. Ever.
"I still say McLellan needs to roll Pavelski, Marleau, and Stetoguchi together. No one would go NEAR that line."
My Twitter
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