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Around SBN: Stan Van Gundy Fired As Head Coach Of The Magic

Sharks look to put cherry on top of a successful homestand with win against the Canucks

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7:30 PST
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22-12-2, 46 points 19-11-3, 41 points
2nd in Western Conference 3rd in Western Conference

Television
CSN-CA
Radio
98.5 KFOX, Sjsharks.com
Antagonists
Five For Fisting
The Province

Jimmy crack corn. Cares.

That's how the Anaheim game felt like on Monday night. Deep down you look at the Ducks, look at the perfect homestand record coming into the game, and realize that a loss won't mean a whole lot in the big picture. The Sharks are playing some pretty fine hockey as of late and a loss to a desperate Anaheim team who always shows up against San Jose is... I wouldn't say it was expected, but it was reasonable. Winning streaks don't last forever, Jonas Hiller's ability to stymie the Sharks apparently does, and we move on.

But there's something that still irks the Sharks fan when it comes to Anaheim-- something that just doesn't sit right. You flip the results of the games against Tampa Bay and Anaheim and all is right with the world. But the mental anguish that still eats at the soul, that first round loss in 2008, that fact still makes those games seem mythological in stature. It is a blight on the soul.

First world problems, folks. We've got em' and we've got em bad.

And when it comes to teams who have the Sharks number as of late, you needn't look further than tonight's opponent the Vancouver Canucks.


San Jose vs. Vancouver, 2010 through 2011

Date Type
H/A
Vancouver San jose
Result
11/26/11 Regular
.Home
3 2 L
5/24/11 Playoffs
Away
3 2 L, OT
5/22/11 Playoffs Home
4 2 L
5/20/11 Playoffs Home
3 4 W
5/18/11 Playoffs Away
7 3 L
5/15/11 Playoffs Away
3 2 L
3/10/11 Regular
Home
5 4 L, SO
1/20/11 Regular
Away
1 2 W, SO
1/3/11 Regular
.Home
4 3 L
11/26/10 Regular
Away
6 1 L
TOTAL -
-
37 (3.7/GP)
25 (2.5/GP)
2-6-2

Certainly not a pretty picture there for the Sharks, even if the majority of those games (seven of them in fact) ended up as one goal differentials or losses in the shootout. That's the rub-- one goal victories may be heartbreaking, brutal affairs, but they may be a sign that these two teams are so evenly matched it's only a matter of time until things go the other way. Or it could be a sign that the Canucks have a little extra gas in the tank that allows them to grasp victory by the skin of their teeth each time these two teams meet.

I guess we'll find out later tonight.

Star-divide

As we mentioned earlier this week, both San Jose and Vancouver are two of the best teams in the Western Conference when it comes to a basic look at the underlying metrics that indicate sustained success in the NHL. Coming into tonight the Canucks have the better points percentage (3rd, .639%) compared to the Sharks (5th, .621%), the Sharks have the superior 5v5 goal ratio (2nd, 1.47) compared to the Canucks (4th, 1.24), and the Canucks are one of the best teams in overall goal differential (2nd, +32) while the Sharks are a very respectable team in that regard as well (4th, +17). All in all it sets up what should be yet another classic between two teams who, outside of hating each other's guts, both know how to play the game of hockey pretty damn well too.

Reports out of Vancouver indicate Roberto Luongo will get the start tonight for the Canucks. I've defended Luongo's abilities as a goaltender before in the past, but with the way Cory Schneider has gone against San Jose as of late, that might be considered a good thing. While not confirmed, it's safe to assume Niemi will get the start for San Jose-- it has been tough sledding for Niemi throughout his entire career against Vancouver, but with Greiss and Niittymaki beginning to take more and more of a backseat as the season progresses, it's time to live and die with the Caudal Finn*.

*The Caudal fin is the fin that moves a Shark forward while hunting for prey. It's not the best nickname as it doesn't have a great ring to it, but it's still a shame we didn't at least float the idea out there when both Niemi and Niittymaki were the tandem goaltenders last season.

Prediction: Sharks win by McGinn.

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Roberto louongo gets the start tonight against the Canucks?

But Lou is not a member of the sharks organization

by Justboo on Dec 28, 2011 5:32 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions  

But Lou is not a member of the sharks organization

And to that I say WooHoo!! :)

by milanahalek on Dec 28, 2011 7:40 AM PST up reply actions  

2 Points

Just want a win, don’t care what the score is or how they do it…Just beat the damn Canucks!!

by milanahalek on Dec 28, 2011 7:41 AM PST reply actions   1 recs

Me Gusta

"I will BREAK you"- Douglas Murray

by Bdub408 on Dec 28, 2011 8:03 AM PST up reply actions  

I was hoping to end 2011 on a 6 game win streak

Since the Ducks game took that dream away, lets take it out on the Canucks and finish 2011 with a dominate win.

Go Sharks!

by SharkKings49 on Dec 28, 2011 8:21 AM PST reply actions  

Let's wrap up 2011 with a win!

I totally forgot until I looked at the schedule this AM that we have a 5 day break between tonight and our next game.

Sharks win 3-2 in OT. Goals by Thornton (to make up that lapse he had on Monday), Handzus, and Burns.

Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...

GO SHARKS!

Find me on Twitter @njahoda

by winthecupsj on Dec 28, 2011 8:28 AM PST reply actions  

seriously? diving? seriously?

don’t tell me that the Vancouver Canucks are the only team that embellish to draw a call.

by ChuckinNux on Dec 28, 2011 12:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Im surprised...

EA SPORTS didnt include a diving feature you can use when you play as the Canucks in NHL12, maybe next year they will put it in along with a unlockable riot control uniform for their thrid jersey.

by sharkblood99 on Dec 28, 2011 1:58 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

give it a rest guys

its just not true.

Every team dives, its called trying to get a power play.

Oh, and soloact? Watch the games without the Teal glasses. There are a lot more than just Jumbo Joe on the Sharks that try to get the call.

So sad. next you guys will be rolling out the oh so original “Sedin Sisters” or LUONGOALZ…

Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." Ghandi. I think he was a Canucks fan...
Writer at Nucks Misconduct

by vancitydan on Dec 28, 2011 2:11 PM PST up reply actions  

I wouldn’t lecture the commenters on this blog when the writers on your site repeatedly patronize and insult the Sharks.

by Briceratops on Dec 28, 2011 2:56 PM PST up reply actions  

Fine, let's give this a rest.

It’s not like the Canucks’ players bite fingers or anything…

Randy Hahn - "The Man With The Big Butt - Patrick Marleau - we like him and we cannot lie..."
Proud fan of the Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011)

by sharkzfan on Dec 28, 2011 2:57 PM PST up reply actions  

"Sedin Sisters" or LUONGOALZ

WHOA! Who do you think we are? Dave Bolland!?

Seriously, though, I don’t think it’s fair for you to say that it’s not true and that we’re being biased. The Canucks are guilty of a considerable number of dives, many of which are rather blatantly obvious. I cannot say the same for the Sharks (though it may happen, but I’m a Sharks fan), or many other teams that are not in Montreal.

"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank

Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.

by Bockerz on Dec 28, 2011 3:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Shouldnt you be busy....

Burning your city down or something?

Also, why is it that the failnucks will only fight when they feel like they cant lose? Garbage.

Fight or stfu.

This is Team Teal. Sharks and Phins.
Cut me open and I bleed Teal...

Just a reminder, fans, comin’ up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Dolphins won a Super Bowl. -Mosul_DolFan, Phinsider.com

Marc Emery ... the Big Bad Bogeyman ... who offered natural seeds that could potentially become a non-toxic, non-addictive, highly beneficial 12,000-year-old plant. Where are the victims? Where are the bodies? "Justice Minister" Rob Nicholson and his ilk should be the criminals imprisoned.

by Sharkz_N_Phinz on Dec 29, 2011 12:50 AM PST up reply actions  

Thats the only diving Sharks gif that I've seen out there

but I’v seen like 20 Canuck diving gifs.

"You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain Kent Huskins!" - Randy Hahn 2/13/11
I'm on the tweets

by pooponastick on Dec 28, 2011 2:01 PM PST up reply actions  

See the thing is…once a team employs that as strategy and it works… other players start thinking hmmmmm………
If NHL isn’t careful a football [soccer] match is going to break out.

Adopted Giant: Eddie I Have It Grant.

TSFGWTWS DESPITE Botchy, not BECAUSE of him.

by Merope on Dec 28, 2011 3:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Look at that gorgeous table.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 28, 2011 8:49 AM PST reply actions  

LOL

spoken like a true content pusher :)

GO SHARKS!

by jMoneyBrah on Dec 28, 2011 1:07 PM PST up reply actions  

thats cute.

Maybe he will have a future with the Sharks.

Go Big or Go Home

by ChangoT on Dec 28, 2011 10:21 AM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Cute

but I’m baffled how he remembers Harri Sateri’s number, but not Joe Pavelski’s?

Rated M for McGinn.

by DownRUpLYB on Dec 28, 2011 1:38 PM PST up reply actions  

He was just waiting to get to Patrick Marleau.

"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank

Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.

by Bockerz on Dec 28, 2011 3:12 PM PST up reply actions  

he probably knew Joe’s number he was worrying about saying the name right and got stage fright!!!

Adopted Giant: Eddie I Have It Grant.

TSFGWTWS DESPITE Botchy, not BECAUSE of him.

by Merope on Dec 28, 2011 3:30 PM PST up reply actions  

Going to the game tonight...

I’m always hungover the next day at work… but it is much more bearable after a win. Also losing to teams like Anaheim and Vancouver really make me ornery.

Also I want winchester to hit someone with so many lefts they’ll be begging for a right ;D

by orneryeric on Dec 28, 2011 9:17 AM PST reply actions  

Hangovers after a win are always much better

I felt good Saturday morning after the LA Kings game. I think I had a few beers at the room, a few shots, a pitcher before the game, 2 Coronas (24 oz each) at the game, then a few victory beers at pattys inn after the win.

If Clowe missed the shoot out winner, I would have probably woke up pretty upset and sick.

by SharkKings49 on Dec 28, 2011 10:32 AM PST up reply actions  

Lol

Yeah my favorites are after a win I forgot who and how the goals were scored and I have to go look them up… a loss and i dont wanna know

by orneryeric on Dec 28, 2011 11:01 AM PST up reply actions  

WIN THE GAME!!

Thank you!

Go Big or Go Home

by ChangoT on Dec 28, 2011 10:18 AM PST via mobile reply actions  

Fact Checking:

It was 2009 the Ducks knocked us out in the first round.

I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
Good job Giants, now win 3 more world series titles and then you just might be worthy of being mentioned in the same league as the A's.
THAT IS NABOKOV IN NET NOT NITTYMAKISHUTUP!!!!!!!!!!
San Jose: Being Kept save from ferocious enemies by the Sharks and Earthquakes since 91 and 96.

by Diamondback15 on Dec 28, 2011 10:25 AM PST reply actions  

Doug Murray probably back in the lineup tonight

I’ll be at the Tank for this one. Hope the Sharks can come up with a regulation win, but games against Vancouver are a lot of fun regardless of the winner. Unless it goes to the shootout. I hate the shootout.

Twitter: H_2SO_4

by JamesGotALeg on Dec 28, 2011 11:35 AM PST reply actions  

I can haz Canucks loss?

"Believe in the system. For it shall bring light when there is dark, food when there is hunger, and shots when there are passes. This is the divine process." Yeo 4:18

by NorthernStar on Dec 28, 2011 12:08 PM PST reply actions  

Tonights drinking game

drink every time a Vanc player dives.
You’ll be wasted by the end of the 1st period.

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 Soloact on Dec 28, 2011 12:21 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

Meh.......I say we change that....

Vape hits imo.

This is Team Teal. Sharks and Phins.
Cut me open and I bleed Teal...

Just a reminder, fans, comin’ up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Dolphins won a Super Bowl. -Mosul_DolFan, Phinsider.com

Marc Emery ... the Big Bad Bogeyman ... who offered natural seeds that could potentially become a non-toxic, non-addictive, highly beneficial 12,000-year-old plant. Where are the victims? Where are the bodies? "Justice Minister" Rob Nicholson and his ilk should be the criminals imprisoned.

by Sharkz_N_Phinz on Dec 28, 2011 1:32 PM PST up reply actions  

Neither of you know how to party.

I’m going to take fat meth rips. WHO’S WITH ME!?!?

by Briceratops on Dec 28, 2011 1:43 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

I'll play the first 2 games at the same time

I think I’ll pass on the meth rips this time around

by SharkKings49 on Dec 28, 2011 1:48 PM PST up reply actions  

You sure?

Well if you change your mind you can always come over. I got a shard of ice the size of a winshield.

by Briceratops on Dec 28, 2011 1:58 PM PST up reply actions  

Just say no to drugs...

This is Team Teal. Sharks and Phins.
Cut me open and I bleed Teal...

Just a reminder, fans, comin’ up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Dolphins won a Super Bowl. -Mosul_DolFan, Phinsider.com

Marc Emery ... the Big Bad Bogeyman ... who offered natural seeds that could potentially become a non-toxic, non-addictive, highly beneficial 12,000-year-old plant. Where are the victims? Where are the bodies? "Justice Minister" Rob Nicholson and his ilk should be the criminals imprisoned.

by Sharkz_N_Phinz on Dec 28, 2011 2:05 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Don't you ever

question Breaking Bad again. Say you’re sorry.

by aMinorThreat on Dec 28, 2011 2:59 PM PST up reply actions  

Your right

According to Breaking Bad he just got some bad meth. Its all about the high quality blue meth these days.

by SharkKings49 on Dec 28, 2011 3:23 PM PST up reply actions  

Rec'd

too much of that crap up here in this area.

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 Soloact on Dec 28, 2011 3:26 PM PST up reply actions  

my mom and sisters are going to the game

sigh well, let’s beat vancouver and have a great final game of 2011!!! SHARKTANK REDEMPTION!!!!!

2011-2012 season= Sharktank Redemptiom

by kaotix on Dec 28, 2011 3:12 PM PST via mobile reply actions  

These games are always exciting

It’s going to be a riot!

"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank

Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.

by Bockerz on Dec 28, 2011 3:14 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

Uh dude

Seriously, a little in bad taste for me.

2011-2012 season= Sharktank Redemptiom

by kaotix on Dec 28, 2011 3:19 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

*Northern California

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 28, 2011 3:36 PM PST up reply actions  

Sharks fans must remember the FAMO rule tonight:

“Flag And Move On”

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 Soloact on Dec 28, 2011 3:30 PM PST reply actions  

I am unaware

Do Canucks fans raid FTF during gameday?

by SharkKings49 on Dec 28, 2011 3:48 PM PST up reply actions  

probably

2011-2012 season= Sharktank Redemptiom

by kaotix on Dec 28, 2011 3:50 PM PST up reply actions  

No

The few visitors we get are usually nice and insightful.

by Briceratops on Dec 28, 2011 5:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Per Wyshitsky's chat today:

He says he ‘forsees’ the 2013 Winter Classic being in Detroit, vs a ’California team".

ROAD TRIP. WHOS COMIN WITH MEEE

I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.

by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 28, 2011 4:01 PM PST reply actions  

Me

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 Soloact on Dec 28, 2011 4:02 PM PST up reply actions  

Tiger Stadium,

“Comerica Park” would be a good place, but they’d have to put the rink from home plate to centerfield, due to the seating arrangement of the place.
See satellite view of Tiger Stadium.

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 Soloact on Dec 28, 2011 4:10 PM PST up reply actions  

I dunno

just guessing, too

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 Soloact on Dec 28, 2011 5:28 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm beyond down for this.

I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.

by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 28, 2011 4:04 PM PST reply actions  

He also says that if the Sharks don't go for a D, then top 6 winger it is.

Pretty obvious, but it needed to be said here. We got Torrey Mitchell, a goalie or two to blow, an injured top 6, Torrey Mitchell, Colin White, Torrey Mitchell, and Brad Winchester.
Am I forgetting anyone? Torrey Mitchell?

I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.

by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 28, 2011 4:07 PM PST reply actions  

Gotta say...

If Wysh thinks the Sharks are going to go for another d-man, he may not be the best source of “information”.

But, the Sharks in ANY Winter Classic would be awesome, I just don’t see it happening anytime soon.

by milanahalek on Dec 28, 2011 4:10 PM PST up reply actions  

sharks D = swiss cheese

I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.

by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 28, 2011 5:23 PM PST up reply actions  

The goalie sucks and the D is swiss cheese. Kinda makes one wonder how this team manages to ever win a game!

by milanahalek on Dec 28, 2011 5:44 PM PST up reply actions  

Silly GhostofLinkGaetz

Douglas Murray is Swedish, not Swiss.

by bezzerkker on Dec 28, 2011 5:49 PM PST up reply actions  

sans murray

hes a cutie patootie.

Niemi will let the first goal go in under two minutes. mark it.

I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.

by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 28, 2011 6:45 PM PST up reply actions  

Coline White

has some kind of No Trade Clause according to CapGeek. It’s a modified one, and I’m not sure on the details.

And I’d rather give up Frazer McLaren than Brad Winchester. The Mystery House has more valuable skill-set. Then again, that makes him more valuable in a trade.

by bezzerkker on Dec 28, 2011 4:11 PM PST up reply actions  

Realistically, what would Mitchell + Niitty fetch?

I feel like the return would be a second round draft pick and another Mitchell-like player…

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 28, 2011 4:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Realistically, both of them would get maybe a 3rd + some salary back (maybe a 4th liner or depth d-man) and that 3rd might be aiming a bit high on my part. They’re both UFA after this season and neither really holds much value.

But, if you package Niitty and/or Mitchell with a 2nd the Sharks could get back a 3rd liner.

by milanahalek on Dec 28, 2011 4:51 PM PST up reply actions  

Hits

Will the Sharks ever out hit anyone!!??

by Tiberon07 on Dec 28, 2011 4:14 PM PST reply actions  

I’d much rather see them outscore everyone.

by jhawx on Dec 28, 2011 4:24 PM PST up reply actions  

The team with the puck doesn’t have to hit as much. A puck possession team like the Sharks and Wings will rarely outhit their opponent.

Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon

by ievans on Dec 28, 2011 5:35 PM PST up reply actions  

Even then

We’re last in the league, with an 80 hit or so gap between us and Buffalo, who was last in the league for the 09-10 and 10-11 seasons. Last season we were 17th in the league, with Detroit and Edmonton tied for the space right behind us. Even for a puck-possession team, we’re not hitting. This year, we’re a big team, and this stat tends to make a case that we’re not using our size to our advantage, which just makes us a slow team.

by bezzerkker on Dec 28, 2011 5:58 PM PST up reply actions  

I’ll worry about it when we lose games because we’re getting outmuscled. As I see it, the games we lose, we lose because of speed, defensive lapses, and a poor PK.

Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon

by ievans on Dec 28, 2011 7:02 PM PST up reply actions  

Just a heads up

Looks like tempers are running a bit high. I’m going to be home watching the game, but not on the game thread. I’m assuming some combination of Nael and idunno will be in the GDT, but if you need to reach a mod, my email is listed at the footer of the site.

Stay classy Sharks fans.

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 28, 2011 6:50 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions  

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