Sharks Gameday: Struggling defense gets tested further with Murray out
by Matthew_Taylor on Dec 6, 2011 3:02 AM PST
in Sharks Game Previews
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Hockey WildernessRusso's Rants |
Although I would have loved to title this pregame with a pun or witty quip, I couldn't decide between "In the Nick of Time", "Nick could stick" and "Nick-Nack-Petreckiwack give a dog a bone. This young defenseman came rolling home"
Probably the third one. Not only could I not decide, but none of them would make any sense; none have anything to do with who the Sharks actually called up from Worcester.
As was reported yesterday, the Sharks called up Justin Braun with Douglas Murray a game-time decision resulting from a hand injury sustained in the loss to Florida on Saturday night. As a whole, the defense has been struggling mightily, and Murray has been one of the main culprits. Murray's CORSI number (shots directed at net for-shots directed at nets against) is second worst on the team (-25.3), while his partner Dan Boyle isn't faring too well either (-11.8). Even still, a team never wants to lose one of their top-four on the blueline, and that's what the Sharks may be facing right now.
Justin Braun could help, his 8.1 CORSI with San Jose is third on the club behind the solid Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who are having a breakout year as one of the league's best young defensive pairings (Burns has a 36.2 CORSI, which practically makes him a deity on ice skates, while Vlasic is at 19.4, a demigod-esque total ). But while Braun could help, it's possible that another Worcester prospect could contribute in a more glaring area of need.
With Murray out, you run into the problem of losing the physical edge that he brings to the table. Braun, while known to apply the body from time to time, is far from a physical threat. In addition, Jason Demers is likely to stick in the lineup (for better or worse), leaving some strange pairings. Do you sit Demers, and start White AND Vandermeer (who haven't been solid either) with Braun, or do you bench one of those players and play Braun and Demers together? It's a tough call, and no option is ideal. As it stands, Burns and Vlasic will already be split, a peek at how dysfunctional the defense is at this moment.
That's where Nick Petrecki comes in. Petrecki is sort of a forgotten prospect; after stumbling in his first AHL season, the former first round pick fell off the radar of many, replaced by Demers, Braun, Irwin and others on the Sharks defensive depth chart. Petrecki, though, has been working his way back into the eyes of his coaches, a journey that he talked about last year in an interview with Jason Plank and me.
"You know what, I don't want to play in the American Hockey League," said a confident Petrecki two summers ago. "I want to move up. Obviously, there may be some room [in San Jose]. I've been motivated all summer to get bigger, stronger, to be more consistent. It's really up to me. It's not up to other people to motivate me or tell me that I have to do this or that. I've been given the tools and I've been given the direction of where to go. It's up to me but like I said there's an opportunity there to jump in and compete for it."
Petrecki has succeed a bit in his endeavor to reach the NHL level, as Todd McLellan mentioned him in an interview with Kevin Kurz yesterday as a call-up possibility. While Petrecki may not have cracked the lineup this time, it's looking like he could sometime in the future.
The Sharks still have time to work with Petrecki, who despite being in the system for seemingly an eternity, is still just 22 years old. Defensemen usually have a longer development path than forwards do, and Petrecki has plenty of time to continue to develop. There shouldn't be any rush to force him into NHL time, that is.
Unless the team needs him. And I would propose that at this moment, they do. The defense has had little chemistry outside of Burns and Vlasic, and while Braun has been decent, he hasn't been lighting the world on fire. Petrecki would bring a strong, physical, defensively minded player into the fold... something the team will miss with Murray out. Even when Murray returns, there's no reason that Petrecki could not motivate the other so-called "shut-down" defensemen, White and Vandermeer, into more consistent play.
Just a thought.
And oh yeah, the Sharks are playing Minnesota tonight, who leads the NHL in points with 37. Chew on that one for a minute.
Prediction: Sharks win 4-0. Justin Braun scores 4 goals and makes 4 diving saves and is never sent down to the AHL ever again.
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Cant wait to see us play Seto and Heater again.
"You know what they say about people with big skates......big feet" - Randy Hahn
by DrewRemendaRogaine on Dec 6, 2011 3:13 AM PST reply actions
Will it be
Burns & Boyle
Braun & Vlasic
pairings?
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’m assuming it’s going to be:
Burns – Braun
Boyle – Vlasic
Demers – White/Vandermeer
Fear the Fin: "I've always said that if you don't have the motivation within you... It's not Doug Wilson's job to motivate me. I've got motivation within myself, especially going through some of the experiences that I had last year." - Nick Petrecki
by Matthew_Taylor on Dec 6, 2011 7:21 AM PST up reply actions
Interesting. I would defintiely expect Boyle – Vlasic to be the top pairing facing the other teams top line though.
I want it to be
Burns-Braun
Boyle-Vlasic
Demers-Vandermeer
Dany Heatley=All-star.
Randy Hahn: "He's got moves like Jagr."
by dfh15 on Dec 6, 2011 2:28 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I want it to be
Weber-Keith
Suter-Seabrook
Lidstrom-Pronger
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.
Gotta hate the guy.. But even so, how sick would our defense be to have him on our side, maybe replacing Murray?
"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 6, 2011 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
Prongers contract sucks and he's starting to break down
But he makes any team a cup contender period! I’ve hated the man for years and I fondly remember him having total meltdowns when he was playing in St. Louis, but there is no denying what a dominant and intimidating presence he is on the ice!
He's the exact type of player who would thrive with Boyle.
Shut-down physical presence defensively etc. but can still move the puck.
"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 6, 2011 5:22 PM PST up reply actions
It's mere coincidence they were partners on Team Canada on the 3rd pairing
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.
Didn't know that lol
"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 6, 2011 5:24 PM PST up reply actions
Also he won't score on our own net like Murray.
"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 6, 2011 5:25 PM PST up reply actions
Or Boyle?
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.
Yeah true, I guess I'm just frustrated that Murray isn't the kind of player I wish he would be.
"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 6, 2011 5:32 PM PST up reply actions
As frustrated by Murray as I am
I’m not sure what any of us wish he would be. His career potential is basically that of a #4 D-man, physical shutdown potential with no offensive upside. And that’s exactly the stop he occupies on the roster. I was more worried last year when he was masquerading as a #2 defenseman. That was amusing.
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.
I wish he would be
Douglass Murray, goal scorer. I want a Douglas Murray hat trick during the regular season or play-offs, so it actually counts.
Seto and Heater return...
Lets see how this turns out. Minnesota’s been playing like a beast lately. I’m hoping for a high scoring game – which would benefit us. 5-4. Goals from Burns, Thornton, Pavs, Clowe, Couture.
Drew: 'Oh no.. That is certainly the meaty part alright, but it's not the thigh..."
Randy: "No... that bone is NOT connected to the thigh bone..."
www.fearthefin.com - Where masochism is defined.
I rushed the Furd's farm in 2009
www.californiagoldenblogs.com - Where Cal grads prove they learned something.
The Wild just keep winning...
I’ve been watching them a lot, can’t quite figure out how it is they keep winning – espcially since they seem to enjoy going down a couple of goals early in games.
Yeo has that team playing a good system and they believe in each other…something the Sharks haven’t quite perfected yet. They’ve also been getting unbelievable goaltending!
As for Petrecki, I totally disagree that he’s a forgotten prospect. He’s been really, really good this year in Worcester but whether anyones likes it or not, White / Vandermeer are both replacements for him. With 4 games in 6 nights, they don’t want to chance another d-man getting hurt and Braun is a capable fill in for anyone really. It wouldn’t surprise me to see one of Braun or Demers in the press box.
The Sharks need to put a string of wins together at home, tonight would be a good time to start another streak.
Never mind D pairings...
Just win damn it! And win by playing the ENTIRE game. The game against Florida was pretty pathetic in my eyes. Minnesota is going to be an even tougher match up as they are just rolling through teams. As much as I love Heater and Seto, I still want them on the losing side of the scoreboard.
I’m going to wear the same exact clothes I wore in the November Wild game for good mojo and Sharks will win 3-1 again. Goals by Boyle (one day this will prove true haha), Pavelski, and Havlat. Wild goal by Heatley with the lone assist to Seto.
Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...
GO SHARKS!
Find me on Twitter @njahoda
FREE JUSTIN BRAUN!
He’s back! Our third best D man this year is back and not relegated to the minors…you know, despite being our third best D man this year. Sadly, it probably won’t last. Performance on the ice doesn’t mean much when you aren’t one of the McL favorites.
In all seriousness, though…the call up shouldn’t be anyone BUT Braun. He’s been one of our best defensemen game in and game out. There’s no possible way he should be on the bench or in the minors…at least until his play dictates that he should. Not sure why the coaching staff refuses to ice the best possible Sharks team they can…but either way, Braun needs to be playing. He’s done with the AHL, and has clearly shown himself to be more than a capable NHLer. I’ll be looking forward to seeing him tonight.
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Member of FearTheFin's Mod Squad and The Knights Who Say NI-emi...
Tweet Tweet.
I was at the game in LA...
right before he got sent down and he was brutal (didn’t take good care of the puck in his own end, got walked multiple times).That said, Boyle was absolute crap that game too. Come to think of it, that was just a bad game for the vast majority of the team.
I do agree with you, though. Generally, Brauner has been one of the best on the back end this year.
A couple bad plays (and a generally bad night)...
don’t negate all the good things he did with the team, especially considering the time off before that game (the one reason it’s good to send Braun back to Worcester if he’ll only rarely crack the NHL lineup; sitting in the press box will help him less than playing in the AHL at this point).
I really do wonder if we’ll see McLellan try out a pairing featuring two right-handed-shots at any time this year. Maybe tonight? I doubt it. Expect Braun in the press box again.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
Colin White was the last d-man on the ice during a very optional skate so they might finally try Braun (or Demers) on the left side.
Just got home to see that news
Very exciting. If it works, maybe Brauny has a chance at sticking with the big club through the season, after all.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
Prediction
Sharks win 10-3
Hat tricks from Clowe, McGinn, and Braun all assisted by Joe Thornton, with one goal coming from Greiss as the puck bounces off his stats sheet and into the goal (assuming he’s not playing?). Minnesota hat trick by Dany Heatley (you had to see this coming from me), all assisted by Seto and Cal Clutterback’s moustache. You heard it here first, folks.
by HeatersLeadingLady on Dec 6, 2011 8:56 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
This would be, literally, the greatest night in the history of my Sharks fandom…
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Member of FearTheFin's Mod Squad and The Knights Who Say NI-emi...
Tweet Tweet.
by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 6, 2011 3:21 PM PST up reply actions
Missed opportunity! You could have called the Wild the best worst team just for fun.
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 actually like the Wild and the fans that visit seem really cool, but these made me laugh
Stats are for losers. You keep talking about stats, the Wild will keep winning games.
The only math that matters Is the number of points. That’s it, that’s all. Besides, the game is played on the ice, not on the advanced stats sheets.
The Wild have earned the #1 spot (which is now #2 because of the Penguins) thanks to sheer hard work, determination, never-give-up attitude and team play. You know, things you can ACTUALLY see.
I’m trying to make a point that advanced stats mean absolutely nothing to the game of hockey.
That was cruel..
I actually thought that Petrecki had been called up.. I’ve liked the guy ever since he was drafted. He seems to be the Sharks long term replacement for Murray and has played much better this year it seems (tell me if I’m wrong).
I'm not enjoying hockey right now
This needs to change. Joe Pavelski, you’re my only hope!
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.
I don't understand this season so far. I really don't.
The Sharks CONTINUE to have played substantially less games than practically EVERY team in the league.
Right now the Sharks sit at 23 games played before going into tonight’s tilt with the Minnesota Wild, who will be playing their, wait for it, 28th game of the season.
Here is the goal differential for the two teams for the season so far.
- SJ GF – 67 GA – 56
- Min GF – 69 GA – 60
Just looking at this alone, Minnesota has won 3 more games than the Sharks have this year by scoring a grand total of 2 more goals and allowing just 4 more over a grand total of 4 more games. The Sharks have games in hand, but our defense seems to be porous right now. Props to the Minny defense, however the hell they are getting it done, because the offense sure as shit isn’t. Minny is the new Anti-SJ team.
Again, we have played 23 games so far this season. All other divisional opponents have played 3 more games, sitting at 26. Sure, we have games in hand, but what this really means is that at some point, the Sharks are going to be playing so much Hockey that it could very well wear them out.
Did I mention Chicago has played 28 games already? Or Pittsburgh with 28? Coincidence? Don’t think so. Bias? Yeah, probably.
Only other teams close to the Sharks in games played are the Islanders and Rangers, with 24. Four other teams have played 25 games, including Detroit, Philly, New Jersey, and Boston. That’s it. The entire rest of the league has played anywhere from 3 to 5 games more than the Sharks, and with the way we have been playing games recently on the schedule, that puts us anywhere from a week to a week and a half behind. Simply put, the scheduling was poorly done and is pathetic. I’m tired of not being able to watch Sharks hockey.
That, and the Sharks need to step up their game, per usual.
/End Rant
by Dermal Denticles on Dec 6, 2011 11:14 AM PST reply actions
The Sharks have games in hand, but our defense seems to be porous right now.
Leads me to believe that our system tends to systematically give up more goals than normal. However, when looking at previous years stats, we tend to be in the middle of the pack in terms of goals against. So I’m not sure what to take from this.
The Wild are, essentially, successful because of their goaltending. Having two goalies post Stalock-like numbers is obviously a boon to a team that is, still, offensively challenged (actually, it’s a boon for any team).
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
Lets hope for a WIN
If not, then let the shit hit the fan
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Dec 6, 2011 12:00 PM PST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
when in doubt.....
Haters Gonna Hate
by Wreckonized on Dec 6, 2011 12:27 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
Neither breakfast products are good for you
I start everyday with a banana, orange juice, coffee and some brand of organic cereal from the super market that I work at.
#health elitist
That's what 7 dollars a box gets you
by Dermal Denticles on Dec 6, 2011 1:33 PM PST up reply actions
FIFY
NeitherBoth breakfast products are goodfor you
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 do.
Fear the Fin: "I've always said that if you don't have the motivation within you... It's not Doug Wilson's job to motivate me. I've got motivation within myself, especially going through some of the experiences that I had last year." - Nick Petrecki
by Matthew_Taylor on Dec 6, 2011 4:44 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
I was trying to find a short clip from Star Wars that just has one line:
When after Leia berates Han for not caring about anything, Luke is just sitting there and says “I care.”
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 6, 2011 5:51 PM PST up reply actions
Even as a Jedi Master
Luke couldn’t possibly care as much as Kent Huskins
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 6, 2011 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
yeah
but they’re more of a bitch to make.
You can eat pop tarts cold and on the go.
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 6, 2011 3:18 PM PST up reply actions
Going tonight
Matchup between a currently 1st Place team vs. one on the bubble (albeit with hella games in hand)… the Panthers are the good Florida team… 4 Conferences next year. Who woulda thunk it? I think the NHL is on crazy pills.
Rated M for McGinn.
My long shot prediction of the year...
Petrecki will get a chance to showcase he can be a replacement for Murray come next season.
He won’t actually replacement but will get a handful of games to demonstrate that Murray can be traded. Maybe not a long shot. We’ll see.
Anyhow, the Sharks have been playing boring, predictable hockey for too long. Time to show some skill and urgency. We have games in hand, yes, but let’s take advantage of it.
I'd lean more towards
Petrecki being the homegrown replacement for the role that White and Vandermeer are playing.
Is Colin White playing a role?
I can’t tell
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.
Okay, I'll fix it
I’d lean more towards Petrecki being the homegrown replacement for the expected role that White and Vandermeer are playing.
I'm going tonight!
I really hope people don’t boo Heatley, its really annoying.
"You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain Kent Huskins!" - Randy Hahn 2/13/11
I'm on the tweets
We should counter-boo
When those fans boo Heatley, we boo them louder. Anyone see any problems with this plan? No? Good.
First of all, I would really like to thank all of you here at Fear the Fin. I know the Wild fans and contributors at Hockey Wilderness really do appreciate the level of respect that comes from your fanbase. I know I literally can’t speak for everyone, but I do know that a vast majority of us at the Wilderness respect the hell out of the team in teal. Your team does things the right way, without chippy play, and your fans also cheer the right way. I have yet to see any derrogatory remarks back towards your opponents [except maybe the Ducks, which I’m willing to let slide ;-)]
A quick question for your side:
20+ games into the season, how are you now feeling about the trades that happened? Burns seems to be eating up minutes in every facet of the game, which is definitely something we miss in Minnesota. How about Havlat? His production doesn’t seem to be anywhere near his potential, although I will admit I don’t see enough of the Sharks to make an educated guess.
I personally feel like Heatley has been playing pretty good two-way hockey. I know he wasn’t know for his defense, but Heatley seems to be backchecking and playing tough in his zone, which is always welcome.
Setoguchi still seems to be amiss. It may be that he’s still hurt from the trade, but something doesn’t look right. He’s on pace for only 40 points, so I do know Wild fans would like more out of him; however, both he and Heatley have scored timely goals, so that’s a big plus.
Anywho, best of luck to the Fin tonight, but hopefully not too much luck. The Sharks are too damn good to need more luck.
You know you're a Wild fan if Spam Whoopie Gerald-buns comes up in conversation
Regressing all the way back to high school hockey.
My opinion...
Burns has been getting better as the season goes on. I’m still expecting a bit more offense out of him but defensively, he’s been good.
Havlat started off HOT, cooled for about 8-10 games, and the last couple of games he’s been really good again. He definitely brings some much needed speed and ‘dangle’ to the team.
I’m one of very few fans that said I’d miss Heatley more than Seto, and I do…but I liked Heatley a lot! It doesn’t surprise me at all that Heatley is palying a good 2 way game, he did that playing for the Sharks as well. It also doesn’t surprise me that Seto is still inconsistent, I do think he’s going to put it together some day though.
Welcome Welcome
Answers:
how are you now feeling about the trades that happened?
Consensus around here is pretty much that Heatley and Setoguchi are both missed, but Burns and Havlat truly change the dynamic of the current team. They each provide something in their particular roster spot that was probably missing. Burns, at the moment, fills the #1 Defenseman role that Rob Blake briefly held at age 40, and Burns is in his prime. His defensive zone play is still suspect, but he has found real chemistry with Vlasic, making him very effective.
Havlat is basically filling Setoguchi’s spot (with Joe Pavelski stepping up to fill the void left by Dany Heatley). We miss Seto, but Havlat is a very dynamic player. Seto will continue to improve, but strictly comparing his career in Teal to Havlat thus far, Havlat is much more effective without the puck than Seto, and the Sharks NEED more guys who can work off the puck. He lacks some physicality, but he can skate, and he improves zone entries. I still maintain that Havlat has been one of the most consistent top 6 for us, even if he hasn’t been rewarded on the scoresheet. The team went through a funk and there was some line juggling, resulting in Havlat playing on the third line. Being reunited with Logan Couture and Ryane Clowe in what should be his regular spot in the lineup has resulted in more good play.
I personally feel like Heatley has been playing pretty good two-way hockey. I know he wasn’t know for his defense, but Heatley seems to be backchecking and playing tough in his zone, which is always welcome.
When Heatley is healthy, his defensive play is underrated. I think he got a bum rap from his days elsewhere, and then, of course, he was playing through so many injuries with us that greatly affected his ability to cover the ice. As long as he’s healthy, Heatley is the kind of guy who goes to where the puck is, or should be going. Obviously that makes him a great goal scorer, but it’s not a bad thing on defense either.
Setoguchi still seems to be amiss.
Seto is young, and he’s streaky. He’s such a good player that it makes you impatient with him when he doesn’t play well, but he is definitely worth it. The thing to watch with him is how engaged he is in the offensive zone. When he’s a spectator, he’ll slump. He’s most effective when he goes to the net and can score the ugly goals. He can be a sniper, but he’s also very quick on his skates and can clean up a lot of garbage.
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.
I thought something was... ammiiiish
by slotownsharksfan on Dec 6, 2011 5:27 PM PST up reply actions
No playoff beards in November
Only awkward mustaches
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.
Havlat is basically filling Setoguchi’s spot (with Joe Pavelski stepping up to fill the void left by Dany Heatley).
Isn’t it the other way around as far as what lines they are playing on?
"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 6, 2011 5:34 PM PST up reply actions
I suppose you're right
But by any conventional wisdom, Heatley belonged on HTML.
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.
Yeah, I guess their roles did kind of change.
Heatley turned into that two-way player on the second line where he didn’t score all that much, and Seto became the sharp-shooter set up by Thornton that Heatley used to be.
"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 6, 2011 5:40 PM PST up reply actions
Re: Havlat
I like what he brings to this team, and I think that while he is streaky, he’s going to get better. So often we see this happen with a player coming back from injury—strong play the first few games, and then fatigue takes over and meshing with others sets in (not to mention playing several games on the 3rd line).
I do love his defensive awareness, though, and expect him to fit in nicely going forward with Clowe and Cooch. His skill set seems to complement theirs quite nicely.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
When Heatley is healthy, his defensive play is underrated. I think he got a bum rap from his days elsewhere, and then, of course, he was playing through so many injuries with us that greatly affected his ability to cover the ice. As long as he’s healthy, Heatley is the kind of guy who goes to where the puck is, or should be going. Obviously that makes him a great goal scorer, but it’s not a bad thing on defense either.
Honestly, I thought Heatley’s defensive play was downright horrible when he first started playing with us. I kinda blame him for being swept by the Blackhawks in the WCF a couple years ago. However, last year he really started to develop a 2 way game along with Thornton and by the end of the season and in the playoffs he was a solid 2 way player who was even a good PKer imo.
Heatley seems to have some chronic/lingering injury that starts going away in the offseason and then flares up and gets worse and worse as the season progresses (Knee or groin injury i think, i forget now).
What's up!
Burns has been awesome. His point totals may not look too sexy but his CORSI numbers are off the charts; he really has been pushing play in the right direction all season. He jumps up in the play better than any of our other defensemen and most of us here are really happy with that trade. Havlat really impressed me when he came back from his shoulder injury with his puckhandling and skating ability and then went into a slump after he was moved to the third line in an attempt to spread out the scoring depth. Reunited with the second line he has again started making plays again and most of us are satisfied with that trade as well.
I’m glad that you are happy with the play of Heatley. Whenever I have had time to watch a Minnesota game I have been impressed with his two way play as well. Setoguchi may not be playing up to expectations but at this time last year he wasn’t playing well and then caught fire for a while so perhaps that will happen again. Also, Charlie Coyle has the potential to be a top six forward so I think that trade will end up being a positive for you guys in the future.
As for James Sheppard, he has apparently started practicing again but most of us have tempered expectations in regards to him.
fixed it?
As for James Sheppard, he has apparently started practicing again but most of us have tempered no expectations in regards to him.
James Sheppard
Rocket Richard or bust.
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 !!
Don't forget
The Hart and the Art Ross, and following a stint of time in goal, the Vezina. His recovery will be so awesome, he’ll be the leading candidate for the Bill Masterton. In fact, the recovery will be so thorough, he’ll be officially recognized as a new man, and by extension, a new player, and therefore will win the Calder, too.
I have yet to see any derrogatory remarks back towards your opponents [except maybe the Ducks, which I’m willing to let slide ;-)]
Also, the Canucks. And Wings. And fuck the Stars.
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
St. Louis is pretty fierce
Especially with Perron now back. They’re going to be quite a handful in the first round as long as they can stay healthy, though the young, offensive-minded D might get exposed a bit at that level.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
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