Sharks start strong but finish with a whimper, lose to the Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime
by Mr. Plank on Dec 11, 2011 7:20 PM PST
in Sharks Game Recaps
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PrintSan Jose hasn't set the bar very high for themselves in December, but tonight against the Blackhawks they looked like a team that entered the season as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. They were strong on the puck, dangerous in transition, and controlled the flow of play for nearly the entire game.
Up until the third period that is, where Chicago showed the type of resilence San Jose has unfortunately been lacking as of late. Antti Niemi took every opportunity to remind fans what kind of performance he is capable of when facing his former team in the third period, but it wasn't enough to stifle the waves of Blackhawks that pounded the puck on net and refused to give up.
Marcus Kruger, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Sharp tallied for the Blackhawks in their come from behind overtime victory, and Ray Emery turned in an admirable 35 save performance. Niemi made 31 saves, including 15 in a stellar third period, while Jamie McGinn and Justin Braun scored for San Jose.
Games between these two teams are always up-tempo exciting affairs, and tonight was no exception. Compared to the snooze fest last night against the Blues, this game was like an album release party hosted by Rick James; if you blacked out from boredom last night, you probably blacked out from a lack of oxygen tonight. Both clubs had their opportunities throughout the tilt, with the Blackhawks controlling the first five minutes, San Jose cracking skulls in the middle portion, and Chicago dominating the last twenty minutes of the tilt.
Jamie McGinn opened the scoring for San Jose, potting his fourth goal in six games. After a shot from Handzus found its way to the front of the net, McGinn utilized his big body and physical presence in front of the net to spread out wide and start taking some wacks at the loose puck. The third time was the charm for McGinn, who banged one past Emery at the 16:25 to give San Jose the lead.
McGinn's transition into a legitimate scoring threat this season has been spectacular, as he has begun to flash the potential many of us expected of him when he scored 10 goals in 59 games during the 2009-2010 season. After a dissapointing 2010-2011 campaign that saw him score a mere one goal, McGinn has rocketed up the scoring output. His evolution from a man dealing with the demons of Brad Staubitz, Rob Niedermayer, Todd Marchant into a toaster strudel cat flying through space is quite remarkable.
Too much McGinn praise for you after a brutal overtime loss, bitter Sharks fan? Hell, with the Sharks 2-5-1 in their last eight games, we'll take all the positives we can get.
The Sharks dominated the middle frame, outshooting the Blackhawks 16-5 and generating long periods of sustained zone time. Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan was able to roll four lines with regularity in the period, as all 18 skaters seemed to make noticeable plays throughout what was probably San Jose's best period of December. They haven't set the bar very high this month of course, but that level of dominance does indicate things may be beginning to turn around.
Despite the effort however, Chicago was able to strike first in the frame. A San Jose turnover entering the offensive zone went the other way and the Blackhawks entered the zone quickly before setting up shop. Nick Leddy found Niklas Hjalmarsson at the point where he opened up and drove a shot that was deflected by Marcus Kruger before beating Niemi.
San Jose would respond a mere 1:45 later, as the fourth line continued to use their size and speed to wreak havoc for Chicago defenseman below the circles. Brad Winchester did an admirable job of fighting off a couple of Blackhawks before sending a clean pass through the box to Justin Braun. Braun, who had crept up to the top of the right circle, received the pass and waited for Andrew Murray to get some traffic in front of Emery before wristing a puck into the back of the net.
The third period was a brutal outing for San Jose, as everything they managed to do right for the first forty minutes was lost as soon as they came out of the locker room for the final push. It's hard to diagnose what exactly what went wrong, but it's easy to state that nothing went right-- San Jose was held without a single shot on net for the first 11:20 of the period, which might be their longest shotless streak in any period over the last few seasons.
We're not narcissists so we're not going to double check that assertion, but rest assured, it was not pretty.
The Blackhawks on the other hand were excellent, even as Antti Niemi's heroic performance continued to baffle them for 18 minutes and 54 seconds. The Hawks outshot the Sharks 16-3 in the third period with wave after wave of scoring attacks, in large part due to their mobile defensive core that Joel Quinneville greenlit to start the frame. Marian Hossa looked like a Liam Neeson character out on the ice, blowing his way through the San Jose defense and generating countless scoring opportunities for his team.
The Blackhawks would finally solve Niemi off a faceoff in the offensive zone. A quick D to D pass off a won draw ended up in the back of the net after it careened off what looked like a couple bodies and sticks on its way to the net-- Andrew Brunette was the last to touch it for the Hawks, whose late push sent an already buzzing United Center crowd into pure pandemonium.
The overtime period wasn't any prettier for the Sharks, who were outshot 5-1 and struggled to get any type of worthy offensive attack on Ray Emery. With 34 seconds remaining in overtime the deed was sealed-- a shot from Marian Hossa glanced off of Niemi and into the crease, where Patrick Sharp banged it home and ended a weekend in the midwest the Sharks would like to forget.
San Jose now heads to Colorado for a game against the Avalanche on Tuesday. It remains to be seen which Sharks team will show up at the Pepsi Center-- the one who got contributions from all four lines and three defensive pairs as they dominated Chicago for nearly half the game, or the one who collectively came apart in the third period besides the brilliant Niemi (seriously, we can't give him enough credit for pushing it to OT).
The lessons from tonight are there for San Jose to learn from, even if those lessons are being delivered with nails scorching down the chalkboard-- anything less than a sixty minute effort isn't going to get it done in this League.
Especially against a team like the Blackhawks, who proved tonight why they can be considered one of the League's best.
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The lessons from tonight are there for San Jose to learn from, even if those lessons are being delivered with nails scorching down the chalkboard— anything less than a sixty minute effort isn’t going to get it done in this League.
I’m beginning to think this is a lesson they’ll never learn, whether they fail to show up in the first or the third. I think the most frustrating thing about this year is that the team is struggling with the same problems as last year, for all the new faces and Winston Churchill quotes nothing seems to have changed.
I’m starting to think for all the problems the Sharks have, it’s not unique to them. It’s something that all teams in any sport go through.
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 Dec 11, 2011 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Somebody tell me I'm not being a homer...
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 !!
You're not being a horner.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 11, 2011 7:48 PM PST up reply actions
It’s true, but this is the second “bad stretch” that’s happened in this relatively young season. So, we’ve had two bad stretches for only 1 good stretch.
It’s just depressing to be so easy to score on when it counts.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
That just means were due for another good stretch.
RIGHT?!!
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 !!
Dougie in the announcers' box made it more bearable for me.
God, that Swedish, low, husky mumble….
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
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by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Dec 11, 2011 7:43 PM PST up reply actions
A good coach
would have them showing up all the time.
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.
By that definition
every coach in the NHL is bad!
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 !!
Not every coach
has the talent pool that the Sharks have. And look how some coaches can get their team to do better than what is “on paper”.
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.
I guess we just disagree on how much a coach has an impact on teams.
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 !!
How do you know the players aren't just good on teams that perform well?
Take St. Louis for example: they aren’t winning because Hitchcock is some genius motivator, they are winning because they have a lot of really good players.
by Briceratops on Dec 12, 2011 12:35 AM PST up reply actions
Phx is a good example
of a team playing above expectations. And this all coming after a coaching change.
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.
People didn't expect certain players of that roster to have the years they are having.
What does their coach have to do with Smith, Vrbata, and Schlemko exceeding expectations?
Phoenix is a bad example
First, look at who Tippett replaced…
2nd – the team may be exceeding your expectations (and maybe some “pundits”) but I guarantee you they’re not exceeding their own expectations. They’re currently in 7th place, it’s not like they’re running away with the division, they’re very much in the middle of the pack.
That team is built to win low scoring, boring hockey games. Smith is benefitting from the defensive system they play. They have a good defense and good defensive forwards with just enough scoring pop.
Coaches can definitely help (or hurt) teams and certain coaches are better than others at working with less talent (Phx, Nash). But the Sharks changing coaches would really just be a desparation move, and there’s no reason for them to be desparate right now.
Firing a coach with nobody obviously better waiting to take over is basically a gigantic admission of failure. Think Al Sims.
I’m not sure who would be a better coach for this team, except for Scotty Bowman, and I don’t think he’s looking for work….
Now, the special teams coaches are really falling on their faces this season, IMO. We’ve had no extended PK success, and our power-play continues to slide down the league rankings.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
But the Sharks changing coaches would really just be a desparation move, and there’s no reason for them to be desparate right now.
Unless there was a guy like Bylsma out there (for some reason, he’s one of my favorite coaches). I think Tippet and Babcock have done a fine job with their teams (and Hitchcock and Yeo have been pretty good this year). Still, coaching changes are not always the answer… though it may very well be for the Sharks. However, there better be a damn good replacement.. because I don’t think TMac is all that bad.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Stalock would've....ugh.
….taken the pain away by giving it a stern look and reading us all the Polar Express with funny voices and then checking under our bed for monsters before leaving to jetpack around the world fighting terrorism.
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
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by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Dec 11, 2011 7:41 PM PST reply actions
Disappointing loss but...
Maybe I’m alone here but I saw a lot of positives in this game. The PP, even though they didn’t score, looked a lot better. The PK was better as well.
They absolutely dominated play for a lot of the game and I’m not too surprised they kinda ran outta gas in the 3rd period seeing as this was their 3rd game in 4 nights.
Niemi was fantastic! The 3rd and 4th lines are generating chances, giving the team energy and chipping in on the score board.
The Sharks problem is still not being able to put the puck in the net. Clowe has been really not good, Havlat absolutely has to start contributing and the top line needs to finish some of their chances.
They have quite a few games coming up against teams that are stuggling and the Sharks need to take advantage of that. They really need to string some good games / wins together to build up the confidence that seems to be lacking in a few guys.
Patrick Marleau is not a third line winger
Put the top line back together.
@brothornton
FTF Invitational #2 - #dadshootsmuffins88
by checkthesharkadoppler on Dec 11, 2011 8:00 PM PST reply actions
Stating the obvious...
Niemi shoulda won this game. he absolutely DOMINATED for the entire game. But on the OT goal…it looked like he kicked the puck into his own net…which must’ve been his only mistake of the game. Bad timing.
Braun had an amazing game tonight. So did Winchester, after getting off to a slow start. Nice to see Marleau finally be a factor in the game. Sharks can’t get away with not playing 60 minutes all the time. :/
by dothedougiemurray on Dec 11, 2011 8:03 PM PST reply actions
Absolutely nothing can be blamed on Niemi
He played back to back nights for a combined GAA of less than 2. If a team with the weapons the Sharks have can not come up with more than 1 pity point out of that then the problem is certainly not goaltending.
I would rather be happy than right any day.
by SouthBayernMunchen on Dec 11, 2011 9:53 PM PST up reply actions
I didn't see this game since I was at the girlfriend's house, where she doesn't have a TV connection, but it's always frustrating to get lip from the locals after they beat our guys
My theory though is that two deep runs into the WCF have weakened this team a bit. Maybe it’s injuries, maybe it’s general fatigue, maybe it’s the adjustment of adding new bodies, but hopefully it gets fixed sometime soon.
"Rosebud ... Yes, Rosebud Frozen Peas. Full of country goodness and green pea-ness... wait, that's terrible, I quit! Just a handful for the road."
Maurice LaMarche as Orson Welles in The Critic
OMG.... I'm having chest pains after this one.
Sharks were too tired on their second of B2B games. Still, I hate prevent defense for the entirety of the third period.
We were fortunate with the late scrum… I was sure SJ would start down a man in OT. Does anyone know what Clowe was so pissed about as regulation came to an end?
Sheesh. What a shame to lose after a game like that. What a crappy hockey weekend for all of us, eh?.
God, this loss reminded me of Gm 5 of last season's WCF
loss vs the Canucks. Lost it in the final minute of regulation and then losing it in the final minute of OT. Why in the world do we do this to ourselves? Why?!?
"Sometimes when the hockey gods f*** you over, the only thing you can do is hope they leave you a twenty on the dresser."
Not enough doom in this recap.
And not enough judgements on things that you can’t measure like effort, heart, and guts.
Weeellll...
At the very least we saw flashes of the good Marleau, and 2 full periods of absolute awesomeness. If the Sharks manage to play like that for a full 60, and if they luck out and play against a bad goaltender, then they’re going to start ascending the standings again.
Oh, and Havlat and Burns, you’re making it increasingly hard for me to defend you guys.
by JBarrow on Dec 11, 2011 9:18 PM PST via mobile reply actions
If anyone you know questions Burns,
Kindly let them know that he leads all of hockey in CORSI while facing tough competition. Havlat…uh, let them know that by trading for him we could extend Burns and Couture.
Oh, I totally forgot that he was! But yeah, my dad’s always like “there goes Burns turning the puck over again!” Which sucks, cause I’m a big fan o’ Burns, and he’s a big fan of Pavelski’s. Like, Burns turns the puck over a lot, but it seems like whenever Pavelski turns it over, it ends up in our net, at least Burns can recover it once he’s turned it over. And who lost the faceoff right before the Blackhawks 2nd goal again? Oh right…
And yeah, I just can’t wait until Havlat gets on a roll, like I heard he does.
by JBarrow on Dec 11, 2011 9:52 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I'm totally down with Havlat.
the thing about him and Handzus is they are always in the right position. Just very smart players who understand the game and will make our team more sound and efficient. Two players that definitely make our team better in my opinion.
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Dec 11, 2011 10:16 PM PST up reply actions
As much as a 2-5-1 run at this point in the season
makes me want to rip out my hair and quit watching hockey, the standings show us only one point out of the division lead with 2 games in hand. As long as they can ride out this crap streak and still be in striking distance when they get their heads out of their asses, they’ll be fine.
It’s frustrating to see such a talented squad make the same mistakes year after year and be unable to fix persistent issues. I’m not going to call for firing Todd or trading Marleau, but something needs to happen to shake these guys awake.
Thank you
There is so much uncalled for negativity on FtF these days that for the first time I find myself debating whether I want to visit. Come on guys.
They dominated for 2 periods, and Emery kept Chicago in the game.
They were playing less than 24 hours after a really tough game.
They were playing one of the best teams in the league. In the third, they sagged a bit, and more so, the hawks poured it on. They did not let down on the effort in the third – they were beat by an awakened good team.
They came way with a point, and still hold games in hand, one point out of first in their division.
EVERY team goes through stretches like this, every year.
by psantangeli on Dec 11, 2011 9:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Asses out of their heads*
Boudreau’d.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 11, 2011 9:58 PM PST up reply actions
Well, sounds like it was a good thing I was witnessing Tebow Time 7 rows up a mile high in Denver instead of watching this game…
But anyway I think its time the Sharks start winning. And scoring. And not getting scored on. Ever. We should win every game like… 153-0. Anything less in unacceptable.
"I love inside jokes. I'd love to be apart of one someday." - Michael Scott
My pathetic excuse of a Twitter account: http://twitter.com/santacruzsharks
by tealstherealdeal92 on Dec 11, 2011 9:54 PM PST reply actions
I felt during the time that not capitalizing on any of those glorious chances in the 1st/2nd was going to come back to bight us in the rear end, and it turned out to be the case.
Either way, I wasn’t too PO’ed after that game for too long, because I got to see a glimpse of what this team is really about when they put it all together. I was wondering, do we know how long Doug Murray is going to be out?
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Dec 11, 2011 10:09 PM PST reply actions
He’s been placed on injured reserve, so he is required to stay out for at least another 7 days.
Didn’t think I’d miss him this much when I first heard he was going to be gone.
by JBarrow on Dec 11, 2011 10:18 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Douglas Murray
Actually, he’s eligible to come off of IR on Tuesday if he’s able to play…he was put on IR retro to 12/4.
And seriously
Can SOMEONE kill the Wild already? They are majorly P’ing me O right now.
I am glad that the Penguins are starting to get a bit tripped up though…
by JBarrow on Dec 11, 2011 10:17 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Here's a fun fact:
There is a correlation between the Sharks losing games and the amount of flags comments get.
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 !!
If only this kind of information
could make itself in a post in the form of a chart or two. Maybe with insight into what gets flagged on other teams sites and/or more stats from Copper and Blue..
I am sure there are a few of us that would love to see this. You could call it the WLRVCFIGDT Index or WVFI for short.
Keep it real... Keep it fresh... Keep it real fresh ~SLNC
Picklesnake 2011-2012
Damn formatting
*Win Loss Record Versus Comments Flagged In Game Day Threads Index
Keep it real... Keep it fresh... Keep it real fresh ~SLNC
Picklesnake 2011-2012
Flagged for offensive.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 6:14 AM PST up reply actions
Game 27
Sharks blow another lead in the 3rd. Same ol’ stories. I still think that TMC is letting them coach themselves, and with Jumbo with the “C”, isn’t helping.
Game 27 this season: Overtime loss 2-3 at Chi
Game 27 last season: Shootout Win 5-4 at Phi. Remember that one? The come-from-behind game where the Phi goal was a no-goal due to time just expiring.
at 27 games this season: 15-10-2 / 32 pts, 75 GF – 64 GA
at 27 games last season: 14-9-4 / 32 pts, 83 GF- 77 GA
next 10 games, games 28-37 last season: 5-4-1
Going: L, OTW, SOL, L, OTW, W, W, W, L, L
Sharks dropped to 6th in the Potential Points Standings.
These and the rest of the December Sharkstistics have been updated.
Exorcise the DoppleSharks!
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.
Looks like Terry Murray is on his way out in LA
Can’t wait for the angry posts demanding we hire him
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 Dec 12, 2011 12:11 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
He could coach the Penalty Kill and defense.
He should never, ever touch the Power Play, though. Ever.
Hmm… I don’t sound angry enough. Here, I’ll fix that.
>:( Grrr! Fire the equipment manager for making Dan Boyle’s sticks an extra inch long and whatnot. Trade the guy who opens the door to the penalty box to Minnesota.
I was worried this might happen
The last thing the Sharks need is for someone to take over the Kings who will actually allow them to open up their offense and score goals. There’s absolutely no reason they should be this lousy offensively.
Maybe Lombardi will hire Carlyle. Ha.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Interim: John Stevens
Yeah, that’s not much of an improvement.
After all, he was fired for leading a “Stanley Cup contender” Flyers team to a similar start in 2009…
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
also...
Stevens is just the interim, guess there’s ‘talk’ of Tony Granato being in the mix to take over, also a huge upgrade.
Really, I don’t think they could’ve had a worse coach (Murray) for that team.
It’s an improvement relative to Murray, because Murray WAS FIVE TIMES WORSE!
But I guess I’m a bit skeptical about this “change coach, turn your season around” deal. I mean, it (seems to have) worked with Hitchcock in St. Louis. But Carolina and Anaheim still suck, and Washington has hardly improved.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Well
Carolina and Anaheim both had mediocre teams to start with. St. Louis ices a seriously talented and deep team, as does Washington, who has started to turn it around.
LA has way too good of a roster to be where they’re at and I’ve been pretty convinced for the last 2 1/3 season that Murray is keeping that team from reaching it’s potential. Guess we’ll find out soon enough, eh?
I love Tony, but his work with the Avs wouldn’t inspire much confidence if I were a Kings fan.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
The highlight of this game was Ryane Clowe beating on 2 guys without getting a penalty.
by TheSoundOfHockey on Dec 12, 2011 6:17 AM PST reply actions
I was actually really pissed off at him
He was letting his frustrations show and certainly deserved a penalty—it was an incredibly selfish and stupid thing to do, a hearkening back to a younger and dumber Ryane Clowe.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
For his boarding call? I’m kinda sceptical on that one, I mean, it looked like he was trying to stop, and he was just coming in too hot to stop before hitting the guy. He didn’t directly hit the guy into the boards, so I doubt Shannahan will suspend him… Hopefully… Sheppard??….
by JBarrow on Dec 12, 2011 7:14 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Desi
I’m a bit surprised they decided this needed a hearing…I really like what Shanahan has been trying to do but he / the NHL are failing miserably at handing out these hearings based on the action rather than the player (in my opinion).
The biggest one’s that comes to mind is Lucic’s hit on Miller that was absolutely intentional and injured Miller, which got nothing and then Tootoo which was really just a goalie interfernce penalty that resulted in a two game suspension. And Ovechkin’s pretty bad spearing on Chris Neil, which didn’t even warrant a phone call.
I’m going to hope that all Desi gets is a warning or a fine, but won’t be at all surprised to see him get a game for what was a run of the mill boarding.
Dear NHL:
STOP. KILLING. HOCKEY.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 11:57 AM PST up reply actions
Disappointing loss, but I’ll take it. The game against St. Louis was downright awful, but last night wasn’t.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Also, anyone still pissed off at the goaltending?
Niemi always gets knocked on for not being able to “steal games”. He nearly stole two games against Chicago… but last night the Sharks shit the bed in the 3rd and OT. For all the stress the goaltending causes, that’s really not the issue right now.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Seriously. I think his stats for his last 11 starts are somewhere around 93% SV percentage, and some number below 2 for GAA. With all the offensive “threats” that we have, we should be able to score more than 2 goals a game to help our goaltender.
by JBarrow on Dec 12, 2011 7:09 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
These past two game no one can blame nemo
Now i agree that we should be able to score more than we did, give credit to chicago. They hit the afterburners like hell in the 3rd.
2011-2012 season= Sharktank Redemptiom
The thing with Niemi is that he's horribly inconsistent.
Yes, he played well last night, but I remember his first game of the season… Very sloppy ‘tending. Seen that a few times this year. But last night’s loss is not on his shoulders.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
I remember his first game of the season… was coming back from offseason surgery. I don’t think any of the games going back to Minnesota last Tuesday have been bad on his part.
Now the offense (and power play in particular). THAT’S really been horribly inconsistent. And the PK has just been horribly consistent.
Rated M for McGinn.
When Jamie McGinn is your most consistent goal scorer...
You know you’re dealing with Bizzaro Sharks.
I say make McGinn the captain.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 9:16 PM PST up reply actions
For realzies
I mean, they’re “secondary scoring” really is their ONLY scoring right now.
by JBarrow on Dec 12, 2011 9:33 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Sure
I didn’t say he wasn’t. Just, at least right now, goaltending doesn’t seem to be an issue, which is interesting because that was considered to be the team’s major weakness coming into the season.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
He's a notoriously slow starter, but has played remarkably well the last few games.
Niemi’s not the problem right now.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 12, 2011 8:03 PM PST up reply actions
Stanley Cup contenders?
That is laughable! I hope you meant it that way MP? This team is struggling just to make it to post season, they are no where near competing for a cup this year.
I’m just going to say it: Time to trade some of the over priced, underachieving “super stars” in our line-up. I’m not worried about NTC, there are ways around those especially if a player knows he’s no longer part of the teams future.
Take your pick: Marleau, Boyle, Clowe, or D. Murray. I think we can all see why Havlat was made available. He’s been a complete bust scoring goals this year. He makes Marleau look like an aggressive player.
With Thornton, Marleau, Boyle, and Havlat sucking down major cap space and not producing on a consistent (Stanley Cup contender) level, DW better fix this leaking ship and do it soon before it’s too late. Otherwise this is your team, a very inconsistent bunch that is near the top of salary in the NHL.
by 1 and done on Dec 12, 2011 8:54 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I've never seen you before.
You must be one of those reverse bandwagoners I’ve been hearing so much about.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 12:19 PM PST up reply actions
We're contenders.
And we’re playing so-so hockey. Think of how awesome it’ll be when they get out of this funk.
I love the way Havlat has been playing with and without the puck, even with his lack of offense. He’ll come around. Marleau is just Marleau, in one of his slumps, but he’ll also find his scoring touch (he’s been playing a grinding, more physical game, at least that’s what I’ve been seeing). Clowe is doing great on that 2nd line, good along the boards and is always a physical presence. Boyle, like Marleau and Havlat, will find his game, which he seems to be doing as of late. Murray is a bit of a liability, but I’m hoping that he’ll come back from his injury with energy and even longer hair.
In summary: The Sharks are in a slump. All teams have them. Detroit had a stretch of losing 6 in a row and they’re doing quite fine now. I’m not worried about this team, nor should you be. I am worried that Sharks fans will start jumping ship because they can’t handle a patch of bad games.
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
by Pavsisaninja on Dec 12, 2011 1:54 PM PST up reply actions
I am worried that Sharks fans will start jumping ship because they can’t handle a patch of bad games.
You shouldn’t. Some people are just generally pessimistic when it comes to their sports team. Others are realistic. I am well aware that I’m stupidly optimistic about the Sharks… and I’m not planning on making any adjustments to that mindset. The Sharks are one of things in my life that make me quite happy consistently… why shit on that parade (Canuck’s fan reference!).
Though I really do wish the pessimistic people would show up at all times though (ala Buttercrunch). Or, better yet, at least have some more thought out argument.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Fans don't jump ship. They stay with the team through thick and thin.
They just bitch a lot in the process.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 9:38 PM PST up reply actions
dont forget last year
sharks had a huge losing streak then rocketed up to win the division again, this season is still very salvagable
Frustrating...
It’s very frustrating to see a complete 50 minute effort from the Sharks plus Nemo just being flat out amazing (why does he blow during the “easy” games but is amazing against teams like Chicago, Detroit, etc) and then just fizzle out in the last 10 mins and into OT. I know a lot of the post game announcers were stating they just ran out of gas from the night before. Well, the Sharks didn’t put that much of an effort against the Blues until the last 10 minutes so hard for me to use that as an excuse.
But I did see some positives… PP didn’t look AS bad as before and the PK was better. Niemi, like I said before played beautifully. Secondary scoring is still high… Mitchell had a good game, so did Jumbo.
Negatives… first of all, why did Clowe become a goon there with Duncan Keith? I was really pissed off that him for that crap. Can anyone explain this to me? He’s LUCKY he didn’t get a penalty for being so dumb. Havlat… oh boy this trade is working out well for us thus far isn’t it? I’m not giving up on the guy (actually I wasn’t that thrilled with getting him in the first place but I gave him a chance) but damn, the guy just can’t produce a goal to save his life. Also where is this “speed” and “defensive ability” I heard about all off season.
Just hoping the Sharks can build over the positives and the great effort they put in (sans last 10 mins of the game) and get the 2 points in Denver. GO SHARKS!
Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...
GO SHARKS!
Find me on Twitter @njahoda
I don't get why everyone thinks Clowe was doing something for no reason.
It’s pretty clear that Hossa’d been saying things to the guy all night, and he lost it. It happens. He went up against Keith when Keith cross-checked him from behind while he has having words with Hossa. Derp.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 12:21 PM PST up reply actions
Hossa's words to Clowe
“Stop hitting me from behind like a coward” or some reasonable facsimile thereof.
We all love Clowe, but he was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY off base.
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.
There might have been something else going on there
You don’t know that Hossa was completely clean.
by Briceratops on Dec 12, 2011 12:47 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, seriously, I just don't buy that Clowe reacted that way over something petty like Elvis suggests.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 12, 2011 12:49 PM PST up reply actions
Besides
I was watching the game with a few friends and we were all really pissed off that the Blackhawks had scored. Clowe making Kieth’s nose bleed felt really good.
by Briceratops on Dec 12, 2011 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Punches to the face
Generally require something pretty substantial to set them off.
Clowe had just come off a bad shift.
Anyone see Hossa do anything? Slew foot? Cross check? Slash? At any point during the game?
We know Clowe. He doesn’t like the ‘Hawks, and his temper has been known to get the better of him, particularly when he isn’t playing well.
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.
Clowe can't help the fact that his balls are the size of cantaloupes.
by Briceratops on Dec 12, 2011 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
No wonder he's such a slow skater!
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 Dec 12, 2011 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Agreed.
He’s lucky he wasn’t penalized in that situation, and TMac was right to bench him for the OT.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 12, 2011 8:04 PM PST up reply actions
I'm still not convinced
Still waiting for a game where the Shals play for 60 minutes!!!
by Tiberon07 on Dec 12, 2011 1:15 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I'm still not convinced
Still waiting for a game where the Shals play for 60 minutes!!!
by Tiberon07 on Dec 12, 2011 1:15 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The worst part
Besides losing games of course, is the fact that the other teams in our division are losing too! Now would be the perfect time to pad a 8 point lead in the division, something we could have been on our way to doing with a few more wins this month. Unfortunately, we are keeping the Pacific a pretty tight race, and because of that I fully expect us to be challenging for the division title to the last week of the season. It just seem like even in games, or in the third period, or in divisional standings, we refuse to have that killer instinct and put our foot on the throats of other teams. That is the most frustrating part to me.
Really cool post here!
But I still think I deserve some of the credit for that stupid “Ian White no longer plays for the Sharks” thing. Look two comments above Matt’s.
by Dermal Denticles on Dec 12, 2011 1:44 PM PST reply actions
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