Turnovers prove costly as Sharks lose 5-3
by mymclife on Dec 3, 2011 10:57 PM PST
in Sharks Game Recaps
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If I was a writer who liked to use clichés, I would say that the San Jose Sharks tonight had more turnovers than your local bakery. However, I am not. So I will merely say that the Sharks turned the puck over to the Florida Panthers 32 times tonight, either through their own giveaways (of which there were 17) or the Panthers’ takeaways (15). The Sharks, on the other hand, were the beneficiaries of only 13 giveaways and 3 takeaways.
Tonight saw a very unusual game played by the Sharks, but it was also a familiar one. For the first time this season, the Sharks lost a game in which they scored first. It was also the first time they lost a game in which they had a lead after the first period. It marked the first time Brent Burns took a penalty as a Shark. It was the first time the Sharks have lost a game in which Jamie McGinn scored. It was also a rare game where their worst period was the second period, as they were outscored 3-0 during that frame.
But, as has become familiar among Sharks fans, there was a lack of urgency on the ice. Passes were not being completed, and some that were attempted were ill-advised (such as Joe Thornton gaining the zone, stopping a foot from the blue line, and attempting to pass to Pavelski up the middle – only dumb luck prevent that from being an odd man rush the other way). The penalty kill was less than stellar, allowing two of the five goals and going 1-for-3.
Dan Boyle had another forgetful game, taking the first penalty that led to a Florida goal. Boyle is now second on the Sharks in penalty minutes behind Ryane Clowe with 34 PIMs, and if you exclude fighting majors, Boyle leads the team. A lazy turnover by Boyle also led to Florida’s fourth goal, a shorthanded one by Jack Skille that bounced off of Boyle’s stick and Demers’s skate past Thomas Greiss.
Outside of the final goal, all the goals the Panthers scored came off of bad mistakes by the defensemen. Douglas Murray interfered with Greiss’s glove, Colin White had a horrible giveaway deep in his own zone to Marco Sturm, Brent Burns turns it over on the blue line, and the aforementioned Boyle gaffe. All six defensemen were on the ice for at least one goal against tonight, and all six also played a hand in that goal against. It was an all-around horrible effort by them.
Thomas Greiss began the game decently, but his game decayed as the play went on. He attempted a poke check on Marco Sturm that missed and led to the second tying goal. And to erase any benefit of the doubt, he allowed an unscreened shot from the point by Kulikov to squeeze through his arm for the final score of the game.
There was a scary moment early in the second. Martin Havlat was checked to the ice. While attempting to get up, Sean Bergenheim was about to collide with Havlat and jumped to avoid running into him. However, Bergenheim's knee collided with the back of Havlat's head, driving it into the ice. Havlat was down for a few seconds, but went back to the bench and appeared to be just fine, even contributing to a great scoring chance his next shift.
There were a few bright spots. The reunited second line of Clowe-Couture-Havlat continues to produce, with Couture potting two of the three goals scored by the Sharks tonight, as well as generating plenty of other great chances throughout the game. Joe Pavelski somehow failed to score on what seemed like a dozen great chances. Jamie McGinn proved again why he’s such a cult favorite. The forwards, as a whole, did not play all that badly.
The Sharks have not won against the Florida Panthers since October 31, 2006 (h/t to idunno723). They did not even come close to breaking that streak tonight.
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The Sharks have not won against the Florida Panthers since October 31, 2006 (h/t to idunno723).
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by PNK on Dec 4, 2011 1:01 PM PST up reply actions
I love the smell of bag skating in the morning
It smells like victory…
for the visiting team.
Coach McLellan is going to make them sweat tomorrow morning. Guaranteed.
honestly?
Never seen him do 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.
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by Noctro on Dec 4, 2011 7:14 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
^ The problem.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 7:28 AM PST up reply actions
Is that true?
Now, thinking back about this, I don’t know for sure. Has Todd McLellan never resorted to bag-skating these sleepy Sharks over the last 3 years?
Yes, it has happened a couple of times. Definitely rare though.
"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
OK, thanks.
So does that make Tmac a player’s coach… or a lazy player’s coach?
Nah… I’m not serious. I think there are often issues beyond the so-called ‘lazy’ tag that we often attach to players. I just hope that Boyler doesn’t have some kind of injury that’s keeping him from playing better.
Now Colin White…. Perhaps NJ was wise to buy him out of his contract. I have not been impressed with his so-called veteran leadership on the ice thus far. I’m hoping that he proves me wrong.
I doubt the team would be playing Boyle if he had an injury that would get worse if he played with it. He’s too important as a minutes eater to risk aggravation around the 20 game mark. Considering the playoffs are where this team will ultimately be judged, you have to think they’d be extremely careful with handling a 35 year old defenseman.
Now Colin White…. Perhaps NJ was wise to buy him out of his contract. I have not been impressed with his so-called veteran leadership on the ice thus far. I’m hoping that he proves me wrong.
I had HUGE expectations for Colin White heading into this season playing alongside Demers, and they’ve both really struggled. I’m hoping they can turn it around, but I agree, they’ve played extremely poorly.
"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
I’m guessing a lot of it has to do with getting used to a new partner, a new team, and a new system. But Colin White has definitely been underwhelming. On the flip side, Vandermeer has been a pleasant surprise. I still feel like this team hasn’t found its groove yet… And they’re still right in the thick of things.
by Rhapsody in Teal on Dec 4, 2011 12:15 PM PST up reply actions
I hear that excuse all the time
and I’m done buying it.
Usually when it’s made, that player never “gets used to” the new system/team/partner/whatever.
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
by PNK on Dec 4, 2011 1:03 PM PST up reply actions
agree with both points.
"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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by Noctro on Dec 4, 2011 12:38 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think Demers has done well enough offensively.
But his play in our own zone has been less than desirable.
And after last year, I had higher expectations for Jason Demers too.
I had HUGE expectations for Colin White heading into this season playing alongside Demers, and they’ve both really struggled.
Yeah… and you know, I have wondered how much of Demer’s struggles are due to taking reads off of a bad defensive partner. Now I know that it’s unfair to place all of the blame on just one guy.
Having said that, I would guess that Demer’s game would improve if he played opposite from, say, Mark-Eduoard Vlasic.
It was as brutal in person as it was on tv.
Sloppy, slow, too many turnovers, not enough work.
Ouch.
Awful awful defense
I came into this season thinking our blue line was fixed but oh boy. Boyle and Burns’ turnovers can be attributed to trying to dangle the puck in their own zone near the blue line which is dangerous because one good poke check and it’s a 2-1 or a breakaway for the other team.
I give Griess a little more credit today than others. Yes the Kulikov shot was unscreen and Griess got a piece of it but it wasn’t really from the point it was from the slot. At that range with as much time as he had that was a tough one
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Dec 3, 2011 11:46 PM PST reply actions
You should rewatch the highlight reel then, it should illustrate the extremely poor decision making Griess displayed tonight.
Griess wasn't good tonight
I was just saying I don’t think he was as bad tonight as others say
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Dec 4, 2011 8:58 AM PST up reply actions
Serious question
At what point does Dan Boyle’s play go from being judged as just “in a funk”, to believing that his ability has permanently declined?
At what point does the club need to start considering other options, including moving him while he still demands a high return?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we should get rid of him. But how long CAN the Sharks keep a diminishing (and highly paid) Boyle before he becomes an organizational problem? He still has 2 years on his deal at a 6.67M cap hit.
The season is only ~25% done.
We only have a small sample size to work with at the moment. I agree that Boyle has really struggled this season and I am as frustrated as anyone with his play but I feel that we should wait before making such bold proclomations.
Fair enough
But his dimished play goes all the way back to the latter half of last season as well.
Again, I’m not saying he HAS permanently declined. I truly hope he hasn’t. But how long do we give him to prove he still has “it”? A full season? The remainder of his contract? Just curious to hear people’s thoughts.
Trade him for Doughty.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 7:29 AM PST up reply actions
Even though Doughty hasn't been
living up to expectations, it’s still a stretch.
Dany Heatley=All-star.
Randy Hahn: "He's got moves like Jagr."
by dfh15 on Dec 4, 2011 12:08 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
He also has
one of those limited trade clauses (like Heater’s) that takes effect at the end of this season. He can pick 8 teams he won’t accept a trade to (mouse-over the little lock by his name).
If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
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Off Topic
Have I told you all lately how awesome this blog is? It’s so nice to be able to actually disagree with people. I subscribe to the UCLA SB Nation blog…and it’s AWFUL. It’s like a freakin’ totalitarian state over there. The moderators are extremely snarky, rude, opinionated, and ban anyone who disagrees with them openly (even if they do so in a civil manner). You’re either with them, or against them. And if you’re against them, goodbye.
Banned.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 7:30 AM PST up reply actions
It's funny how ridonkulous it is over there.
Just imagine if, say, the majority of people on FTF and all of the moderators posted “Fire McLellan” rants 24/7 and suggested Doug Wilson was the worst GM in hockey. And on top of that, posters who defended either, called for civility, or at least asked people to suggest a replacement coach instead of just blindly saying “FIRE TMAC!!” were banned and their posts deleted. That’s what its like.
It’s a sad, sad blog.
Silver and Black Nation
Worst SB Nation Blog ever. Mods are rude and illiterate and the posts are garbage. It’s not even analysis over there.
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Dec 4, 2011 9:00 AM PST up reply actions
*Silver and Black Pride
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Dec 4, 2011 9:00 AM PST up reply actions
I’m guessing you’re a Niners fan. Have you read every blog out there?
by Rhapsody in Teal on Dec 4, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions
I'm a lifelong Raider fan actually
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Dec 4, 2011 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
Totally agree.
I can’t even go over there to read anything, it just aggravates me. They post more about their politics than the damn team.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
battleofcali.com
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 4, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions
Are you mad about something?
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 !!
I was at this game
You could sense how frustrated the entire arena was at watching the frequent turnovers all throughout the game.. the team just didn’t look sharp all night. I’m glad McLellan put the 2nd line back together though, they’ve been on a roll the last few games.
After tonight’s video is reviewed, I think it’ll be a good 6+ games before we see Griess in again. I know I kinda sound like a broken record here, but no one else seems to be commenting on just how badly Griess played tonight, and how most of the goals he let in were easy potential saves.
3 of the goals were full extension poke check fails, 1 was trying to be cute and glove cover a sliding puck, and the last one was just a failed easy save that squeaked through his arm hole on an unscreened shot.
I went back to the highlight video just to make sure that I wasn’t ragging on him unnecessarily. Before I start, i’m not trying to downplay the sheer terribleness of the turnovers and the defensive play that led to these chances. However with the exception of the Marco Sturm goal and possibly the last weak PP goal, they were all easy saves if played properly (the Sturm goal was an easy save, but he was alone so he could have scored on a 2nd try or doing a diff move so can’t be sure).
First goal, let in because instead of sliding over again and kick pad saving it right to the defenseman in his crease to then clean up, he didn’t move and tried a diving glove cover. Yes, Murray’s stick blocked his glove, but with the speed of the puck it could have been missed as well, yet more importantly is that it would have been easier and safer to slide back over for the positioning kick block. On a kill you want those easy rebounds so your Dman can dump from the zone, not freeze.
2nd goal, another easy save if he had positioned himself properly, but he went for a full upper body extension poke check which specifically opened his legs, to which Sturm saw and tucked it right through. If he had played normally and stone walled him it would have been much harder for Sturm to do aything because he had no side angle and no vertical lift options that far out. He could have swung around but THEN a poke check could have hindered him crossing the mouth. But because he did it so early hen Sturm was so far away he opened his own gaps.
3rd goal, again, full upper body extention with his full arm and body. This time he kept his pads on the ground, but because he went for the poke check so far away, when it missed there was zero chance for him to move at all to keep up with the still moving player, easy tuck in.
4th goal, again, another poke check, this one literally a full dive, as you can see his chest make ice contact in the move. What happens is he actually hits the puck this time, but because he dived and is on his chest for it, he has absolutely zero chance of doing anything to prevent the following rebounds from off skates, shins and then Boyle’s glove and in. Boyle was on his man, with constant pressure, so there was no chance of him having time or space for any nifty lifting fancy shit, so if Griess had stayed with the shooter, and then poke checked when he passed the center of the crease instead of well outside the first 15%, then he could have defused it without threat. Instead he scores on himself.
5th, was just a bad soft goal, but those happen, since it is simply a misjudge of speed and timing. He got a piece of it.
So yea, sry for the wall of text, and i’m not trying to excuse the grievous turnovers that led to all the chances, but 60% of the blame lies directly on Griess’ head.
I completely agree with this. If Niemi had a game like that people would be calling for his head on a plate.
"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 Dec 4, 2011 10:14 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Greiss was hung out to dry, and he didn't save anyone's asses.
I’m the biggest Squirrel supporter here, but truth be told. A great goalie will save your team’s ass, even when they fuck up. Squirrel had his chance to prove doubters wrong last night, and he blew it. I don’t think Niemi would have faired any better, as the Sharks looked like a Squirt C team. Still, had Greiss stepped up and bailed the Sharks out of numerous blown turnovers, the argument today would be if Greiss can outplay Niemi for the starting spot.
He buried himself. It wasn’t his fault totally, but he didn’t step up when he needed to most. Have fun in Ottawa, Tommy.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 4, 2011 1:41 PM PST up reply actions
Pretty much sums it up
He’ll look amazing one night and let in a million softies the next.
Dany Heatley=All-star.
Randy Hahn: "He's got moves like Jagr."
by dfh15 on Dec 4, 2011 11:55 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I fully expected this outcome
Especially the reduced effectiveness of our PK. The Panthers play TB 6+ times per season, and in that, found a way to beat 1-3-1 regularly. Zero surprise that our slower 1-3 PK suffered dearly against them. I’m actually surprised TMac didn’t go 2-2 to even out coverage, as the Panthers speed went over us like a deer on a freeway.
"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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by Noctro on Dec 4, 2011 7:20 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Demers and Greiss not improving
Greiss continues to be too agressive and leaves gaping nets for second chances. After his first poke check whiffed and gave up a goal he did the same ill advised play and it again ended up behind him. Demers had another forgettable night and was poor in all areas. Couldnt hold the zone on the PP, bad penalty late in the game, terrible defensive positioning like covering a non existent pass instead of taking the sole attacker driving the net… Todd keeps giving him chances to turn it around, but a change in scenery/system for Jason might be the only option
Greiss continues to be too agressive and leaves gaping nets for second chances
Reminds me of another goalie we had recently… Started with an N, ending in okov?
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 7:35 AM PST up reply actions
meh
Nabby was fine. Defense in front of him lacked urgency.
"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
by Noctro on Dec 4, 2011 8:07 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
aaaaaand...
….everyone starts bailing from the Greisswagon.
Seriously, Greiss is fine. One off game does not a bad goalie make.
The entire league still underestimates Florida this 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
by Noctro on Dec 4, 2011 8:10 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions 2 recs
^ Agreed, on all points.
Florida is, at very least, making it to the second round of the playoffs. And Greiss wasn’t really all THAT bad. Made some mistakes, but no more than Niemi would make… Problem was, his defence just wasn’t there to bail him out.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 8:13 AM PST up reply actions
And Greiss wasn’t really all THAT bad. Made some mistakes, but no more than Niemi would make…
That’s complete BS!! It’s the same as saying Greiss would have won games where Niemi didn’t…they’re completely different goaltenders and they both have their positives & negatives. I get it – you don’t like Niemi but to say that he would’ve let in 5 goals last night is just you giving Greiss an out.
And I would say the same thing if it was Niemi playing & you said Greiss would’ve made just as many mistakes.
by milanahalek on Dec 4, 2011 9:00 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Niemi sucks.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 4, 2011 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Greiss went for a poke check 3 times.
Puck ended up in the net on all 3 attempts (though the 4th goal was just a fluky little bugger). He needs to stay square to the shooter and not allow himself to open up like that. He’ll be fine, it’s just frustrating to see him go for poke checks when they weren’t workin’ for him last night.
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
by Pavsisaninja on Dec 4, 2011 12:33 PM PST up reply actions
It wasn’t even really the concept of the poke check that he was getting wrong. Its that he was doing them when the puck was like 6 feet away from him, so he had to stretch his whole body in the attempt. In each case if he waited 3 seconds for the puck to close distance, then poke checking would have helped on all 3 of them, because he would have been in proper position covering the net, instead of sprawled on his side like a hooker in a cheap motel room.
Precisely!
He was getting a little too squirrely on those pokes, needed to be patient with them.
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
I'm still on the Griess wagon
The .918 SV% he has brought this season at just 500k is fantastic value. His emergence as a reliable backup is one of the best things that has happened to the Sharks this season because it allows for us next season to spend the little money we have on a forward instead of another goalie.
I think Demers was screwed from the moment they put him back with White.
I’m not saying Demers doesn’t have to own his play. But that pairing has been atrocious and should be avoided at all costs. Yet, there it was. And worse, when the team was being bag skated, it was back together AGAIN.
For whatever reason, those two don’t click. And it seems like Demers knows that and lets it affect his game. As a result, whatever strides Demers had made in the previous games were pretty much washed away by putting them back together.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Gotta admit...
I spent quite a bit of time laughing last night – I really just couldn’t quite believe what I was watching. The defense was an absolute disaster, though Vlasic still had a good game.
Greiss was horrible, there’s really no sugar coating it. I’m really not one to ever blame a loss on goaltending and I know turnovers led to 3 of the goals but he has to be better, and I’d imagine the next time he gets to play he will be.
Colin White…not sure why they decided to sit Vandermeer after how well he and Demers were playing together. And I’m not sure when it’s time to really start worrying about Dan Boyle.
Even though the PK ‘gave up’ two goals, I actually thought it still looked pretty good…those were two goals that the goalie needs to not let in.
It’s nice to see McLellan take a page from Barry Trotz’ notebook "Unfortunately, if we didn’t want to work today, we’ll find some time tomorrow to do it,"
It was nice to see Marco score a goal, I miss his smile!
Yea, its not even that Griess has to be better, its that you just dont poke check when you have to #1 extend your upper body at all, #2 when they’re covered defensively from making deke moves, #3 when you are already 40 feet outside your crease, and most certainly you don’t do ALL THREE ON THREE CONSECTUTIVE turnover chances.
His normal aggressive style would have been just fine there, challenge the shooter, poke check when it is a 1 foot jab disruption, cover and close down teh angles positionally. Instead he used his stick like a lance, and then used his body to add extra length. Fail.
Demers
Is becoming a serious problem IMO. He just hasn’t impressed me all season. I think he takes too many penalties at inopportune moments esp too many given his ice time and his decision making is awful.
"Everybody had a part in this. As you can see, our fans love this. And we love them. And bring on the next team." -Joe Thornton
"I'm not saying I invented the turtleneck. But I was the first person to realize its potential as a tactical garment. The tactical turtleneck! The... tactleneck!"-Sterling Archer
by waive kent huskins on Dec 4, 2011 9:02 AM PST reply actions
He has been improving
But he regressed a little yesterday. He’ll be fine though.
Dany Heatley=All-star.
Randy Hahn: "He's got moves like Jagr."
by dfh15 on Dec 4, 2011 11:59 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Lost 3 of last 4 games
Seems like this team is going backwards (except for a few guys). The D is getting worse, the PK is still God awful and now that the first line isn’t scoring, it’s getting worrisome.
I see a trade in the near future. Perhaps more speed in the line-up? I’m guessing we could move a big piece if necessary.
I’m surprised that Burns and Havlat have been this bad. I expected more, but then I always do.
Its a lot worse than losing 3 of the last 4
Anyone Sharks fan who is honest has to admit the Sharks were lucky to beat both Chicago and Montreal. Chicago totally outplayed them and Montreal seized defeat from the jaws of victory. It could just as easily be 0-5 not 1-3.
The Sharks don’t have much bite to them and they hardly look like a team destined to destroy opponents on the way to a Cup. Maybe its an in-season temporary letdown, maybe its not. 20+ games in, however, I for one am not super confident this roster can raise its intensity level to keep up with the top teams in the league.
OT
But I am so jealous of the New York Rangers and how much talent they have ages 24 and under (Sauer, Hagelin, Ansiminov, McDonagh, Del Zotto, Stepan). We really need to stop trading draft picks.
They’re going for it all while the current core is in place, and why wouldn’t they? Soon, there will probably be, to some degree, a rebuilding process.
by Rhapsody in Teal on Dec 4, 2011 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
Boyle has looked a little slower
And has made poor decisions. So would it make sense for these pairings?:
Boyle-Vlasic
Burns-Murray
Demers-Vandermeer
Or does it sound stupid?
Dany Heatley=All-star.
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by dfh15 on Dec 4, 2011 12:01 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Doesn’t sound stupid at all. The first and third pairings have been a mess, and even though it hurts to break up Vlasic-Burns, a dose of Pickles would really help Boyle out right now.
Vandermeer is definitely a better option than White at this point. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Braun get called up again if Demers continues to struggle (even if he had a pretty good three game run prior to last night).
"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
I’m sure every team that’s ever won a cup, with the exception of, perhaps, the Gretzky-era Oilers, had glaring weaknesses that their fanbase hated and that they either fixed or overcame. So, I’m trying not to dwell on our awful PK, our terrible top D-pairing, and our tendency to have trouble with faster teams.
Another concern of mine is stockpiling points before the second-half schedule begins. Our breaks of more than two days are already used up (not including the All-Star break), and between January and February, we’re on the road for 19 out of 28 games. In February alone, we have only four home games, and a nine-game road trip. Ouch.
by Rhapsody in Teal on Dec 4, 2011 12:11 PM PST reply actions
We still rank number four in the NHL in 5v5 +-per60
I’m sort of glad that we haven’t had to rely on special teams to win games, it bodes well for the future and in the playoffs as long as we play disciplined and don’t take dumb penalties.
Yes, this is a good bit of perspective. Even in overall goals against, the Sharks are 10th in the league, and 5th in 5v5 Goals For/Against ratio. And these numbers are with the recent 5 game skid in team performance and execution.
Definitely
I mean, I’m frustrated with some of the Sharks too, but every team no matter how good they are go through stretches like the one the Sharks are in now. I’m not going to lie, I think the 08-09 and 09-10 seasons kind of spoiled the fanbase a little bit expecting 120 point seasons every year.
Need PK & Passing HELP!!!!
Like “A S A P!!!!!!”
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by ChangoT on Dec 4, 2011 12:39 PM PST via mobile reply actions
nothing wrong with our PK
Just with our PK vs steam that plays against 1-3-1 6x per season. (see previous comment by me above).
Our current PK is a monster, just NOT against Florida.
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by Noctro on Dec 4, 2011 1:32 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
elephant in the room:
The Sharks D fucking sucks. Put your homerisms aside and realize that these guys we love and adore cannot get the job done, defensively. So much emphasis is put on their offensive capabilities that no one’s realized that San Jose does not have a single ’ Shut down’ D-man. Murray’s great, and a joy to watch. But if he’s as defensive as we get, with nothing to follow…
You can see the argument, no?
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 4, 2011 1:48 PM PST reply actions
San Jose does not have a single ’ Shut down’ D-man.
I forgot you deny the existence of Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
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April Ludgate: "That's what people always say when something sucks."
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Murray on the other hand gets exposed by faster teams
I love the physical presence Murray brings along the boards and in the crease but I don’t even think he is as good a defender as Vlasic.
Not even close.
And I disagree that he is good in the crease. He has scored two goals on our own net in the past week.
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by SanFranciscoKnights on Dec 5, 2011 4:15 PM PST up reply actions
I think Vlasic's improved, vastly.
He’s not much of an intimidating physical presence, however. He can skate with someone like Scott Stevens, but can he ever hit like him?
Probably not. le sigh.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Dec 6, 2011 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
Murray is a 2nd pairing shutdown D-man
He’s not a premier defender, like Vlasic, but he’s pretty darn good and leads the Sharks by a country mile in Hits and Blocks.
Just another reason I consider Vlasic-Burns to be our REAL #1 d-pairing, so Murray can play where he belongs.
Vlasic can shut down the opponent's top lines.
Murray, at this point in the season, can’t and shouldn’t see top minutes. Burns doesn’t have a ton of points, but he’s played well this year. Boyle, White, and Demers have all struggled with Braun and Vandermeer playing well for the most part. I wouldn’t say they suck, but they’re certainly struggling right now.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 4, 2011 7:16 PM PST up reply actions
BE REAL
lets get real: niemi won the cup his rookie year, following year leads sharks to most sucessful playoff run in franchise history, this year has surgery and has been semi shaky early but honestly if you watch him in game he has shades of an elite goaltender.. i feel mcclenan shouldnt have put in griess against a team that has clearly shown a high level of skill…
He's right!
FIRE MCLELLAN.
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by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 5:37 PM PST up reply actions
TECHNICALLY
the Sharks most successful playoff run in franchise history was in 2004 (we won TWO games).
Also, despite getting that far last year, Nemo was spectacularly sub-par.
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by PNK on Dec 4, 2011 5:51 PM PST up reply actions
Woo, Vinny Damphousse.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Dec 4, 2011 7:16 PM PST up reply actions
Strange about time off.
Sharks are doing decent except when they only have one day between games, where they’re 2-5-1 in 8 games (of 48 this season).
Sharks are 12-3-0 when having either 2 or more days between games or zero days off, so far this season.
The 1-day-off-games have been the Sharks strong point in the past seasons (25-12-7 and 35-8-8), but started to weaken last season where they slipped a little to 26-16-4 in the 1-day-offers.
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