Sharks fight off the yips, flush Stars 5-2
by Matthew_Taylor on Dec 8, 2011 10:06 PM PST
in Sharks Game Recaps
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Poetic justice, or celestial cruelty?
Any way you slice it, the first period and 1/2 seemed to feel like a greater power rubbing salt in the wound.
The Sharks, as they did just two days ago, would score just about a minute after the first drop of the puck. Logan Couture, all alone gliding in the slot, roofed a puck past Andrew Raycroft only 1:07 in for his fourth goal in four games. Still, even though it was the early lead that every team craves, the fan base must have been a bit on edge after the Sharks were held scoreless for the remaining 59 minutes of the Minnesota game. Despite the early goal, Sharks fans craved more.
That craving was satiated only fifteen seconds later, as Jamie McGinn and Michal Handzus beat up Raycroft in the crease; strong puck pursuit would find Handzus bear tackle the Stars netminder, and McGinn scored from an event horizon like angle to put San Jose ahead by two.
Two goals, less than two minutes in. Enough to win the game?
Nope. The Sharks would have trouble holding a lead again, just as they did when they played the Wild, as Dallas clawed their way back into the game. Mike Ribero, a player only a notch above Steve Ott on the Sharks' hate scale, drove to the net and got the benefit of a pin-balling puck that bounced off Niemi, then Ribero, and into the net.
The first period would end with the Sharks maintaining their 2-1 lead, and they would get a huge opportunity to expand on that as Nicklas Grossman and Sheldon Souray would take stick penalties within ten seconds of each other. However, the Sharks' struggles on the power play continued, as they were unable to get a single shot on net during the almost two minute span of five on three time.
A few minutes later, Brendan Morrow would score on a Dallas power play, and the quick lead that the Sharks worked for crumbled before their eyes. After seeing the same thing happen against Minnesota, it wouldn't have been a surprise if the Sharks lost confidence and withered away.
Not the case. Ryane Clowe, Brad Winchester and Torrey Mitchell would answer in successive fashion, all scoring even strength to catapult the Sharks back into the commanding lead. Clowe's goal would come from a wrister, and was the most orthodox of the three. Brad Winchester's goal was the result of a multiple tip after a strong shot from Brent Burns. Mitchell's goal may have well been credited to Marleau, who entered the zone one on three and muscled a puck into the slot for Mitchell to tee up. He didn't miss.
The Stars would give up on Raycroft at intermission, and Richard Bachman would start the third period in nets for Dallas. He would hold the fort and keep San Jose off the scoreboard in the third, but the game was decided long before Bachman came in.
At the end, the Sharks got a huge 5-2 win against arguably their most heated rival. It wasn't a perfect game, but the Sharks converted when they had to and that's all that matters when the lights of HP turn off.
Side notes - Jamie McGinn continues to tear up the season, as he scored his third goal in the last four games. He also added an assist enroute to becoming the game's second star. Logan Couture scored a goal as well, and for a second, you might have thought you were watching an Ottawa 67's game.
Dan Boyle also improved, as did the defense as a whole. If the Sharks want to continue their winning ways going forward, that will have to continue as well. A back to back on Saturday and Sunday gives the Sharks a chance to do just that.
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Never forget...
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 8, 2011 10:08 PM PST reply actions 9 recs
Much better night from the boys.
I still felt more than a little disappointed in Patty, but I’m glad Coach stuck with keeping him on the 3rd line.
It’s amazing how much a difference 1 inch less of stick length seemed to make for Boyle. I don’t know or care if it was mental or physical, but that change was just what he needed.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
missed the game, how'd patty do?
from matt’s write up, seems like he shoulda gotten an assist on mitchell’s goal, looks like it from the highlights too, but they gave it only to mcginn?
That was definitely Patty's best play of the game, in my mind, and should have been his assist with McGinn.
Early on, though, he looked lost at moments, with the puck floating past him and him throwing pucks into empty space. He had a pretty lousy faceoff night. But his flashes at least give me hope that maybe he’ll pick it up.
And like I said before, props to McLellan for sticking with it. Marleau trailed behind the Joes at evens and power play time. And he was a bit behind the second line guys, too. Not sure if it’ll carry forward, but it was a good message-sender in my mind.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
As if he didn’t have any motivation for the 10 previous goals scored in the season. That is just Patty, bursts of brain function, and the rest he’s a coasting comatose zombie, offensively at least.
I do like the message McLellan is sending to the top line, that someone needs to push to the net and stick there, and if someone getting paid over 3 mil isn’t going to do it, he’ll put anyone else that will there to.
Havlat’s creativity is exceptional and a breath of fresh air, however I feel that he’s trying to do way too much on his own, still not really meshing with his new teammates and thus no trust for them to help him/be in good spots to support his wizardry. There are many of his weaving plays where i’m just like “oh man that is amazing omg pass pass!” and then he holds onto the puck for another 3-5 seconds, missing his window and turning the puck over. When he truly gets comfortable with himself and his new team I think he’ll really blossom into what we think he could be, and that’ll be a good day to look forward to.
Hopefully Marleau and Pavs gets the message soon, so that they can be reunited. I understand the need to change lines and find new chemistry. If lines always stayed the same, Couture never would have gotten his chance on the 2nd and exploded into his synergy with Clowe and Pavs. However I believe McLellan uses the line juggle way too much. 2 game funk? Line switch! Oh but wait, that line switch only counts for 5on5, for PP time its back to the normal setup. That isn’t confusing and counter productive from a chemistry standpoint at all……
Sharks winning is good for our collective mental health.
Leslie Knope: "...but it has a lot of heart."
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So I've witnessed, especially against Dallas.
You know though, perhaps after the last Stars-Sharks game of the year we can convince Brandon Worley and Mr. Plank into collaborating on a “Best of the Rivalry” memory lane post to go up on both FTF and DBD…
Our GM,
who art in the front office,
on Conn Smythe be they name.
by ex_seraphim (Angelou del Angel) on Dec 8, 2011 10:27 PM PST up reply actions
totally agree
Churning and burning, they yearn for the cup.
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by sharks in oc on Dec 9, 2011 8:24 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Win is because Burns switched from crappy CCM to awesome Warrior sticks.
Chi MapleShark has conformed to nhlcheapshot's "One Team Rule"
Go Sharks!
HOLY THIS!!!
I always get shit for having Warrior shafts for some reason, but honestly?They are the best thing since sliced bread.
Eastons are pretty solid too from what I’ve used, but CCM are garbage.
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.
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by SeanCrosby87 on Dec 9, 2011 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
Thats weird people would chirp you for using Warriors.
Lots of people around here have started using them. I have an AK and I love it, but tomorrow I’m going to go pick up a Bauer. CCMs feel like a 2×4 but break like crazy, ick.
Chi MapleShark has conformed to nhlcheapshot's "One Team Rule"
Go Sharks!
Delicious.
Aside from the 5-3 being shut down and the Stars scoring twice, the Sharks played a pretty solid game. Lots of effort from each line! More of this, por favor!
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
Sharks fight off the yips, flush Stars 5-2
But Brandon Yip is not a member of the Dallas Stars organization!
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.
Ian White used to be a member of the Sharks Organization...
But then he took an arrow in the knee.
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 9, 2011 7:40 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Milan Michalek used to be a member of the Sharks Organization
But then he took an arrow (or three) to the knee….
…..too soon?
If all sports fandom is a form of emotional gambling, football is poker and hockey is Russian roulette.
by Kazoonole on Dec 9, 2011 7:51 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Even without him leading in goals right now, I loved Michalek and was sad to see him go in the trade. Heatley’s opening hat trick eased some of that loss, but I’d love to see some kind of opportunity to get him back. How beast would he be on the 2nd line with Couture and Clowe right now? Or even the net crasher the top line needs. Oh well, pipe dreams, with his current tear he’d cost too much.
Wished
my friend had purchased the group tickets to this game instead of the lackluster show we went to on Tuesday vs. the Wild. Sigh. Oh well, always good to have a Sharks victory.
Don’t ever wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get dirty, but the pig will enjoy it.
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Something else I want to add to the conversation...
I noticed while I was checking Patty’s ice time that Burns quietly passed Boyle in ice time tonight, and I believe that’s the first time. Boyle’s power play time was still prodigious, but his five on five and shorthanded time both came down. That’ll be an interesting thing to watch on the roadie.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
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Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
That's very important...
It’s how Boyle’s role should be changed. He should be more of a PP specialist, and then a 3rd pairing guy elsewhere. He’s getting older, it happens…hopefully this TOI change is a trend that continues.
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
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by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 8, 2011 11:56 PM PST up reply actions
As professional as he is
It has to sting for him, because this is what his role was in Tampa Bay, which led to his exodus. I think part of the reason he took so much pride in his ice time and his play was proving to his old team that they were using him wrong.
Doug Wilson always describes him as a hockey rat and a guy who plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulder because he was undrafted. This move, while I think is for the best, is probably REALLY going to test Danny’s resolve. Hopefully he comes out on the other end a better player, because we need him.
GO SHARKS!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Changing signatures is for suckers.
What Jay Leach is to the San Jose Shark's Defense, I am to Fear The Fin's Mod Squad.
by ElvisVF101 on Dec 9, 2011 12:00 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Question...
How do you figure Boyle’s ‘role’ in Tampa was what led to him being traded?
The rest I agree with, they need to keep his ice time around/under 23 min a night, I’m fine with him getting lots of PP time. However, I have my doubts that it’s going to happen. Saying the Sharks need him, especially down the stretch and in the playoffs is an understatement.
If your last statement was said last year, you’d have been flamed alive. I don’t understand why everyone is so fast to jump ship, but I guess thats just how people are behind the mask of the internet. Fickle.
Personally, I remember at least a few people (Elvis and Zero, for example) who advocated for Boyle having fewer minutes to keep him fresh for late season and playoffs last year.
And, to speak for myself this year, I’ve gotten more vocal about it because Boyle’s stats have been decidedly un-Boyle-like.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Part of the reason we have been talking about getting a solid #2 D man for so long is Boyle's minutes...
He plays a ridiculous amount of TOI, and it’s a common consensus here that that really should change for him to be able to remain healthy come playoff time. He wasnt healthy during all of last years’ playoffs and had a knee injury… if he goes into the playoffs healthy as he is today, then it will be far more beneficial, as he’s a star D-man, especially running the PP, and moving the puck.
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.
by SeanCrosby87 on Dec 9, 2011 10:09 AM PST up reply actions
I've only ever spoken up about this once or twice before
but I’ve never been one of Boyle’s “superfans.” Since he came here there’s been this habit of putting him on a pedestal and worshiping him (maybe not recently though).
I mean, I’ve always recognized his talent and I’ll admit I’ve chimed in here and there and been really happy to have him, but I’ve always felt he’s a bit overrated.
I don’t really get the insane amount of love he’s gotten here. Not that he hasn’t been deserving of some, but it just seem an inordinate amount.
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
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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
I don’t really get the insane amount of love he’s gotten here. Not that he hasn’t been deserving of some, but it just seem an inordinate amount.
*Helped ease the Brian Campbell situation.
*3 consecutive 50 point seasons for the Sharks (of which 25+ each season QBing the PP).
*Not afraid to point the finger at himself or speak his mind.
*His ability to take over the play and become Dan Fucking Boyle.
That being said, I do think dialing his minutes down can only be seen as a positive thing. It’s the middle of the season and maintenance is more of an issue, especially considering his age.
Rated M for McGinn.
by DownRUpLYB on Dec 9, 2011 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
My understanding
Was that Koules didn’t like Boyle for some reason in their past and just wanted to get rid of him… and did. Boyle didn’t want to leave Tampa and when he was going to use his NTC to keep himself there management threatened to waive him where he would have probably been picked up by the likes of the Thrashers.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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That is pretty much how it went down
I have some memory of Boyle’s use as a power play specialist was also meant to try and encourage him to accept a trade.
It might not be quite as clear as that, but either way, Boyle was really unjustly run out of town.
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.
3rd pairing? Uhhhh no? I don’t get it, he was fantastic last year, and has come off to a stumbling start this year with mistakes that were mostly about mental decision errors. This suddenly degrades his All-Star caliber skills to the 3rd pair? Hardly. I agree that his minutes should come down, regardless of his love for a lot of minutes. But that is simply because there is no need for the extra grinding time when there are other capable players to share the load.
Part of it might be that Burns hates to come off the ice. Just watch him when the Sharks are changing up—I swear he’s always the last guy to come off, sometimes going an extra 30-40 seconds.
He doesn’t slow down, though, and with all the skating he does for a d-man, it definitely shows his stamina.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
Only negative I can take away from that game
the PP needs work. That was the worst 5-on-3 I’ve seen in a long time.
Other than that, awesome game. Great to get a solid win to close out the home stand, hope they can take the momentum with them on the road.
Twitter: H_2SO_4
PK needs work too
It’s easy to be on cloud 9 after a night like tonight, but if the PK does not improve, I think we SHOULD legitimately worry about even making the playoffs.
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.
You aren't going to win much with a 75% PK
That’s basically a guaranteed goal against per game.
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.
5 on 5>>>special teams
You can count on one hand how many teams have been better in 5 on 5 play this season so far (using 5 v 5 +- per 60). And let’s look at the goal differential in the Pacific after tonight’s games:
Phoenix +4
San Jose +13
Dallas -6
Los Angeles +1
Anaheim -27(lol)
In baseball, accoring to the Pythagorean theorem, a true team’s talent level is reflected in their run differential. I like to think the same idea applies to hockey as well. In the Pacific division the Sharks are the best team in outscoring their opponents. If you look at the teams with the best goal differentials so far this season, I think you would agree that they were among the elite in the league
Boston 33
Vancouver +23
Detroit +21
Philadelphia +17
Pittsburgh +16
New York Rangers +15
San Jose +13
Florida +11
Minnesota10
5 on 5
5 on 5 GF/A and goal differential are two of the better indicators of how good a team is and in the past, scoring at even strength was an issue for the Sharks. When the playoffs come around and the refs are calling less penalties, even strength goals is what will win games.
I’m not worried about the power play, they’ll get it figured out.
The PK obviously needs work, it seems that they are trying to find what’s going to work as I noticed the forwards were more agressive on the Stars d-men last night.
The PK, if it stays at the current rate
Would only get worse against a playoff opponent. Spotting your opponent a goal a game is an issue, because 5 on 5 scoring probably will take a dip too.
And, hey, Game 4 against Vancouver. It happened. Penalties ARE called in the post-season.
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 9, 2011 8:11 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
You were talking about missing the playoffs, even if the PK stays as bad as it is, I don’t see the Sharks missing the playoffs.
I said the PK needs work, it absolutely has to get better, I don’t think anyone anywhere is saying otherwise. I also didn’t say penalties aren’t called in the post season.
I'm going to keep worrying until February
The road trip is usually when the season is settled.
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 9, 2011 9:54 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Man
That Anaheim stat just fills me with joy.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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by Evilducks on Dec 9, 2011 8:04 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Beware!
That’s the kind of stat Randy prattles on about at the 5:00 minute mark of the first period before the opponent nails 6 5v5 goals in a row.
I would rather be happy than right any day.
by SouthBayernMunchen on Dec 9, 2011 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
I completely agree.
Unless the special teams show up, most importantly the penalty kill, I don’t have much hope for playoff success this year. It’s hard for me to remember the last time the Sharks didn’t give up 2 or more goals in a game. Some of this is 5 on 5 action too, but for a team supposedly defensively sound letting in 2 or more goals every game is bad news. As much as I want to write it off on the defense being bad and the offense not completing passes on the defensive zone breakouts, Niemi has to should some of the blame as well. He’s looked incredibly shakey of the last 4 or 5 games. I think Niemi’s lost some of is mojo juice recently. When pucks go to him I cringe rather than feel like he’s going to come up big.
by Dermal Denticles on Dec 9, 2011 1:25 PM PST up reply actions
As coaches mention before almost every game – it’s a race to 3.
If the Sharks can keep the other team to 2 goals per game, they should win a lot of games. They are 8th in the NHL in GA/G and save percentage…their team defense and goaltending are not an issue.
Their PK is, as is finishing on their scoring chances.
I don't understand
How Niemi can have a good / decent save percentage and still have a subpar / terrible GAA. I agree the PK is the number one issue, but I honestly think Niemi is a issue whether people want to admit it or not. I never remember Nabokov being this inconsistent, except in the postseason at times. Niemi is as inconsistent with his play as the Sharks are streaky.
by Dermal Denticles on Dec 9, 2011 1:36 PM PST up reply actions
His GAA
Is 2.34, not sure on what planet that’s terrible…
His style of play is completely unorthodox and he’s not so pretty to watch, but he keeps the Sharks in games way more often than not and continues to put up wins. He’s really not an issue.
I think we SHOULD legitimately worry about even making the playoffs.
Uh … what?!?!? I know I complain this place is a “sky is falling” place, but really?
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
by Angy on Dec 9, 2011 6:34 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
They have allowed 20 goals on 77 shots
The next closest team with more than 20 GA on the PK in terms of shots against is Columbus, who have given up 22 goals on 89 shots.
It’s seriously not a question of IF they’ll give one up, it’s when.
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 9, 2011 8:08 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
They are making the playoffs. There is no doubt about it.
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
The PK is going to get better, it may not be the best but it will get good.
I’m all for optimism, but honestly, what indications are there that the PK will get better? There are some fundamental issues with it.
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 guess you could consider it still a small sample size
And you just have to figure things will even out to some extent. The only teams in recent years close to the Sharks’ current PK% have been atrocious defensive teams with shitty goaltending—mostly Toronto and Atlanta.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
Sample size might be an issue
But the PK% AND the SHSV% are both 75%.
That’s bad any way you cut it.
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.
Yes, terrible. But it feels unsustainable because it’s so terrible (and we know that Niemi’s been tons better 5 vs. 5, so it’s not like he’s just been sucking).
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Don't think goaltending is the issue at all
I maintain the PK suckage is because the forwards plain, flat out do not know what the hell they are doing. They play in no man’s land, too high to take away the cross ice pass, and too low to adequately pressure the point. The point of playing a box is to take away the cross ice pass and prevent the quick one timer from the back door. That’s Penalty Killing 101, and they just do not do this.
So while numerically, it seems unsustainable, it’s not bad luck that’s driven down the numbers. It’s just bad play. There’s no amount of head standing Niemi or Greiss can do to reverse this trend. The 4 guys in front of them need to get their collective heads out of their ass.
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.
Oh god, not this again, man.
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 9, 2011 7:41 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
But do you honestly see a 75% PK going 4 rounds?
The West is very tightly packed, and I don’t expect them to put together a miracle surge every season.
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 9, 2011 8:16 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Saying they won’t succeed in the playoffs is one thing… saying they won’t make the playoffs is another.
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 9, 2011 9:50 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed
I give it until February until I stop worrying
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 9, 2011 9:55 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
I said this back when we were winning...
I don’t see the Sharks beating Chicago or Vancouver in a playoff series. We may “have their number” lately, but even Detroit looks like a better team. I think that we will lose in the second round, but anything can happen in the playoffs if a team gets hot enough I suppose.
Throw out the PP and PK stats
once the playoffs start. They never seem to carry over. Bostons PP was AWFUL during the reg season last year, but ignited in the playoffs. Likewise the Sharks PP was awesome during the season, but tanked in the postseason. Success on the PK is all about effort, which you would expect to increase in the playoffs.
Penalties are few and far between in the playoffs anyway, so ES Scoring is a much better predictor of playoff success.
Umm
I’m pretty sure Boston’s PP was terrible in the postseason too.
by Dermal Denticles on Dec 9, 2011 1:31 PM PST up reply actions
It had negative effectiveness at one point. As in, they gave up more shorthanded goals than they scored on the PP in something like 30 chances.
Fear the Fin - NEEDS MORE DOVES
I fell asleep before the game ended last night so I didn’t get to dance
And just to stoke the fire—SHARKS ARE MAKING (AND WINNING) THE PLAYOFFS ELVIS
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by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Dec 9, 2011 9:04 AM PST reply actions
I think it's justice...
Because honestly, that Minnesota game could (and maybe should have been) a slaughtering. To see THAT many chances- it could have easily been a huge Sharks victory. But I guess the hockey gods paid us back last night, that McGinn goal was unreviewable but shouldn’t have been a goal due to Handzus giving Raycroft a body massage. But hey, I’ll take it.
Special teams looked off again, no big surprise. But luckily the guys fought past that and won the game. A W is a W.
Back on the road where we actually have success so I’m looking forward to the next 3 games. St. Louis, Chicago, and Colorado. Bring em on.
Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...
GO SHARKS!
Find me on Twitter @njahoda
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yips
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 9, 2011 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
The Stars last night were like the stars above in the night sky.
Dead by the time they showed up in San Jose.
"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 9, 2011 11:05 AM PST reply actions 4 recs
Poetry
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.
Sounds like one of CloweMyWord’s Shark-u’s…
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 9, 2011 2:16 PM PST up reply actions
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Dec 9, 2011 6:09 PM PST up reply actions
This has got to be the BEST Sharks fan site, ever.
Plank and Taylor are the top two players in SBN, hands down. They’ve created a great fan site where almost everyone behaves, I think, because of their lead. Nice.
by Shrk2th on Dec 9, 2011 12:17 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Tommy Wingels always reminds us to mind our manners
Or there’s no pudding cups for snacks
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.
A win...
Great, the Sharks won a game… I mean, statistically, it was bound to happen. The bottom line is this team is average at the best of times, and terrible at all other times. When the Blues send our beloved San Jose Sharks another dose of reality, revealing the increasingly dangerous ineptitude of this, we will hopefully see someone in upper-management take this painfully dying season and at least attempt some type of life-support trades or acquisitions to keep the playoffs a possibility. Change for the sake of change is a desperate and pernicious impulsion, and Mister Wilson, look at where Heatley and co. have taken the Wild, and look at the wheels churning nowhere in the mud of this San Jose team that lacks identity and fortitude. ‘Have-not Havlat’ reminds me a bit like a microcosm of the Thornton trade from Boston… this is turning the tides of two clubs, the Wild and Sharks, in totally different directions.
We have been swimming these wintry depths for years, succeeding at survival by feeding only upon perennial minnows of sustenance... will we ever get to sink our great white teeth into this so-called Stanely's feast, so that we may finally slay our insatiable hunger in frenzied celebration?
I said earlier in the thread
That I was afraid of the team missing the playoffs, and even I think this post is over the top.
Advocating trades while saying trading for the sake of trading is foolish and comparing the Havlat trade to the Thornton trade… I know I’m not the brightest guy, but you’re going to have to explain that one to me…
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.
Is it really over the top...
First of all, no, the Havlat trade is nowhere near the magnitude of the Thornton situation – but what is similar is that Seto and Heater have, what, 8 or so goals apiece??? And what has Havlat have, ONE goal, and 11 very fortunate assists? So you tell me if a combined 16 goals or so compared to 1 goal is a very good start in seeing a move like that payoff? All I am saying, in somewhat hyperbolic comparison, and simply put – the trade has not made San Jose better, in fact has made them less capable, whereas the Wild are FIRST in the league thanks to those players we have given to them. There was no need to get rid of such talent because we happened to lose in the third round of the playoffs, and that brings me to the fact that it seems to me that falls under ‘change for the sake of change’, hoping to ‘improve’ your team with little thought to what you are really getting, and oh Brother are we getting to see what we got! As for me advocating trades/moves, no, I am not asking for ‘change for the sake of change’, I am asking for someone with some BRAINS to assess the situation and IMPROVE the San Jose Sharks! Not mutilate it and plug its deficiencies in with unproven players who have only known the mediocrity of the Wild’s uneventful seasons. Of course the players that came over here from Minnesota were the ‘best on the team’ to some degree, they weren’t much of a team to begin with! But hey, thanks to us and our panicked transactions (Thanks again Wilson), this team is weaker, less potent on offense, and the defense cannot compensate for the damage that these moves have done. I wish I was wrong, but hey, it is not looking like it to me!
We have been swimming these wintry depths for years, succeeding at survival by feeding only upon perennial minnows of sustenance... will we ever get to sink our great white teeth into this so-called Stanely's feast, so that we may finally slay our insatiable hunger in frenzied celebration?
the Wild are FIRST in the league thanks to those players we have given to them.
The Wild are first in the league because of goaltending. We did not give that to them.
Seto and Heater have, what, 8 or so goals apiece??? And what has Havlat have, ONE goal, and 11 very fortunate assists?
Well, if you’re going to do the math, Burns has 4 goals as well. And 11 very fortunate assists? Yes, Havlat is fortunate that he has skill as a hockey player, so I guess those assists are fortunate.
the trade has not made San Jose better, in fact has made them less capable
Brent Burns is, de facto, the team’s best two way defenseman. Burns, this season, is probably as good as, if not better, than Dan Boyle last season (last season, Dan Boyle was our unquestioned #1). Burns being the #1 makes Vlasic the #2, and he’s a clear upgrade on Murray. The fact that Murray and Boyle are both MIA this season has nothing to do with the trade.
But hey, thanks to us and our panicked transactions (Thanks again Wilson), this team is weaker, less potent on offense, and the defense cannot compensate for the damage that these moves have done.
Fun fact, the Wild have scored 75 goals in 29 games. The Sharks have scored 73 goals in 25 games. Boy, the Wild sure are tearing it up offensively. They’ve given up 63 goals as opposed to our 60. That trade to bring in a defenseman we’ve never had the likes of and a trade to give us an additional $2.5M in cap space plus unload an otherwise unmovable contract sure were dumb.
Look, I agree that there’s some issues with the team right now, but to say that the trades are what hurt the team is silly. The trades have nothing to do with Dan Boyle and Douglas Murray being turnstiles, and Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau all being minus players for the month of December.
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....
You have provided statistical facts that I cannot argue with, and have effectively put holes in my raining parade, you’re right about those points, I concede that. I am not against you guys, I am a Sharks fan, I am a Sharks fan on the edge maybe my anger has been boiling over for the entire week… put all things aside, trades, points, statistics, etc. I one major thing that seems to bother me lately is… I used to watch Shark games ‘expecting’ them to win, confident that they would and shocked if they did not… lately, I’m watching the games with unease and dread, hoping they will at least get ‘a point’! I am just wondering when and how that has happened? Is it only me? Or is it the fact that San Jose just seems less reliable to dial in those games that allow you to sit back and say “Hell Yeah!” Thorough beating, way to go boys! I hope that I get to expect to have that type of experience again before it it really is too late, and inevitable rebuilding does come around… I’ll call a truce with my negativity and let’s just see what happens against the Blues. I’m willing to go bald one game at a time if I can get a Sharks’ Stanely Cup at the end of the year, trust me.
We have been swimming these wintry depths for years, succeeding at survival by feeding only upon perennial minnows of sustenance... will we ever get to sink our great white teeth into this so-called Stanely's feast, so that we may finally slay our insatiable hunger in frenzied celebration?
Hey, emotionally, I'm right there with you
The team has a problem between the ears that needs to be addressed. They get by a lot on talent because they have a LOT of talent. That’s fair game to criticize.
I’m only pointing out that the trades are NOT what is wrong with the team. What is wrong with the team is far more complicated.
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.
To put Minnesota's numbers into more perspective
The Sharks have scored their goals on 863 shots for an 8.1 shooting . The Wild, by contrast, are shooting at 9.4, scoring their goals in 753 shots.
In terms of shots allowed, the Wild have the 2nd worst shots against in the league at 927, with an opposition shooting percentage of 6.4% (a league low). The Sharks, by contrast (although they have fewer games played) have a league best 731 shots against, for an opposition shooting percentage of 8.2%.
So either, the Wild really are, far and away, one of the best teams of the past decade, or they’re getting REALLY REALLY good goaltending, which may or may not last.
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.
Average at best=tied for third best team in 5v5 play? There are around twenty teams that wish they were as “average” as the Sharks. This team is not in jeapordy of missing the playoffs at all. Are we as good as last year? Probably not. We ended last year number one in all of hockey in Fenwick percentage (54.44), while this year we are just slightly above average (50.81), so we aren’t as dominate in puck possession. But last year we were tied for sixth in 5 v 5 +- per 60 (0.3), while this year we are third (0.8), so we seem to have improved in actual 5 on 5 results. Our special teams at the moment is anemic, leading us to believe that we are a lot worse off than we are, but in my opinion it’s just not that big of a deal. So to suggest that we won’t be one of the top eight teams in the West just doesn’t add up.
To Briceratops/ElvisVF
First, Briceratops, the only argument I have to counter your statistical praise for some of the elements in the Sharks’ play this season is that, yes, maybe my frustration lent to some of my panic regarding to making the playoffs at all, however, given that the Sharks are only 4 points back from 13th in the conference, and given how inconsistent and outright gutless this team has been at certain points in time this year, I sure as hell would NOT give San Jose an automatic placement in the top eight at this point. We’ll see, but from the games I have watched, the games the Sharks have won this year, they have clawed and scraped their way to victories, rarely exhibiting dominance that teams like Detroit implement to brush off lesser opponents with ease. There are NO easy opponents for San Jose, and that says to me, yes, this is the unfortunate sign of a team tumbling very fast and very clearly to the realms of average. To say we are probably not as good as last year is an understatement if there ever was one. Remember that ‘window’ of a Stanely Cup opportunity for San Jose that was discussed over the last few seasons, yeah well, I don’t know if there is enough space to fit this underachieving bunch through before it is closed for a good and long while.
And to Elvis, let me just put this point of view to rest and say it best I can -
The Thornton trade is similar in the fact that we have given Minnesota franchise players (just as Boston did for us with Joe Thornton) to build a great team around, which is Heatley, and the much underrated Setoguchi. Those two talented players alone can create a nucleus of success that others players around will gravitate towards, and I believe that is exactly what is taking place right now in Minnesota. It is no coincidence that the Wild are one of the best teams in the entire league right now, it has much to do with the talent we shipped over to them. It is also no coincidence that San Jose is doing just about as good as they did at the start of last season – only this time, the Sharks do not have the depth nor the scoring punch to brutalize a path through the NHL in the second half to arrive at any potential promise of success. They are doing all they can simply to tread water and stay within the playoff picture at this point – and is that going to change really? Havlat is the ‘big’ offensive replacement for us? One goal, eleven assists. He is ‘replacing’ the hole left by Dany Heatley’s eight goals and eleven assists? Coupled with Devin Setoguchi’s eight goals and five assists… that is one hell of a deficiency to patch up with Havlat’s inconsistent (to put it politely) play. Brent Burns seems to be doing alright, whenever he decides to play with heart, but at any rate, he has a lot of carry on his shoulders thanks to his disappointing counterpart that accompanied him along with the transition to San Jose. Tomorrow night, St. Louis will give everything the Sharks can possibly handle, and win or lose – you will see how exhausted and spent the Sharks will be at the end of the game. Is that the team you want arriving for the intensity and competitiveness for the playoffs? Unless the Sharks start clicking right now, and somehow pull together and become great, so they can dominate in stretches and rest players in certain situations – this tired and crumbling team will fall face first into one of the lower seeds and hope to goalposts-God can carry them for one fortunate and improbable round one victory. I am not a bad guy here, I am a crazy, Shark-loving fanatic since their inauguration into the NHL – I am just really trying to see this team objectively for once, because I am tired of getting my hopes up year after year to only have my heart crushed again and again. I would be the happiest person in all of the Sharks’ community if what I just said was over-panicked drivel, trust me, I hope to look stupid for what I have typed here by the end of the year and hopefully right well into the playoffs… the Sharks just gotta give me something more than they have so far, especially Havlat.
We have been swimming these wintry depths for years, succeeding at survival by feeding only upon perennial minnows of sustenance... will we ever get to sink our great white teeth into this so-called Stanely's feast, so that we may finally slay our insatiable hunger in frenzied celebration?
only 4 points back from 13th in the conference
That’s what happens when it’s so early and the season and you have played less games than any other team.
outright gutless this team has been at certain points in time this year
How do you measure gut? How can you tell when they are displaying an adequate midsection and when they are not?
from the games I have watched, the games the Sharks have won this year, they have clawed and scraped their way to victories, rarely exhibiting dominance that teams like Detroit implement to brush off lesser opponents with ease
You mean like last night? Also, ten of our fifteen wins have been by two goals or more.
The Sharks are a top ten team in the league so far, even with porous special teams play. Sixteen teams make the playoffs. You do the math.
You mean like last night?
I’m pretty sure Angelou would remind us that beating Andrew Raycroft is like beating your sister in strip poker. It’s not that you’re glad you won, it’s thank Stalock you didn’t lose!
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 suspect weed :P
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.
If I'm not mistaken
And I don’t think that I am, this clearly means that Joe Pavelski is also Santa Claus. Or at least works for him by purchasing toys.
It means he’s bought into the notion that xmas is bout gifts and more gifts.
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Or it's someone's birthday
And hey, I’m all for xmas being about gifts and more gifts!
"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank
Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.
It's from the Adopt-A-Family even the Sharks/Sharks Foundation put on earlier in the week.
There’s a bigger version on the Sharks website in the event’s photo gallery.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
That is some mighty swag Captain America has there.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
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