San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks Leaned Heaviest on Their Top Six Forwards Compared to Western Conference Playoff Teams
by Mr. Plank on Jul 20, 2011 12:08 PM PDT
in Statistical Analysis
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PrintIt's been an assertion for awhile that the San Jose Sharks lean on their top six forwards to play heavy minutes in all situations of the game. From even strength to the penalty kill to the power play, players such as Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski consistently see a high amount of ice time across the board, leading the team in PK minutes last season while finishing 2-3 on the PP respectively.
This type of minutes allocation became prominent in the Sharks 2011 postseason. Consider this-- of the top six penalty kill leaders on the team, five (Pavelski, Marleau, Thornton, Couture, Heatley) saw top six minutes at even strength and over 2:30 per game on the power play. In essence, San Jose's top six forwards rarely leave the ice no matter the situation at hand.
In order to understand how this plays out I decided to analyze where minutes were being allocated in relation to the rest of the Western Conference playoff teams. To do this, I took the six leading ES forwards that played over 25 games with the club, broke down their average ice time per game in all three situations, and added those numbers to come up with a total figure.
San Jose's top six forwards last season were as follows-- Clowe, Marleau, Heatley, Thornton, Couture, and Pavelski.
The results are right in line with what you would expect, with the San Jose Sharks finishing at the top of the group in every category:
The Anaheim Ducks top line of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan were hands down the most relied upon top line in this group, averaging around 17 minutes at even strength per game. Those are phenomenally large numbers, pushing the Ducks into the top spot of total TOI. As the chart shows, San Jose finished second across the board by all situations.
Chicago and Nashville used their top six forwards in roughly the same way San Jose did last year-- spreading out the PK minutes amongst four or more top six forwards, with no player seeing a large portion of their minutes account for the grand total. Vancouver's Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows accounted for the most of their SH TOI (logging 2:33 and 2:15 respectively). Detroit was on the opposite side of the spectrum, putting nearly all of their PK duties on the shoulders of their bottom six forward group.
Out of this sample, San Jose was the only team to have more than five players log over a minute on the PK. The power play numbers were similar in that respect-- four of these Sharks saw over 3:00 of PP TOI per game, the most out of any team.
So what are the implications of this policy? Quantitatively, it's hard to judge-- there have been no studies that I am aware of which looks at high minutes decreasing production, either from a correlative and causal sense. Qualitatively however, I feel that there is some face validity to the assertion that more shorthanded minutes (and minutes in general) can take a toll on a player's production. It's a fine line to walk of course, but team depth and balancing minutes should seem to make player's better in the long run.
What are the implications of this type of allocation? With the Sharks out one potential top six forward for next season (Heatley and Setoguchi out, Havlat in) there is a good chance that even more minutes will be given to San Jose's top six next year. As we looked at yesterday, the Sharks have broken even in terms of SH TOI this offseason by acquiring Andrew Murray and Michal Handzus. In order to reduce PK minutes, players outside of the top six like Andrew Desjardins will hopefully see more shorthanded ice time as the season progresses.
Finding the right balance of players to complement the current cast is of the utmost importance next season. Going along with that, I am of the opinion that another third line forward would be a great addition for the Sharks, especially if said forward can play on the penalty kill. There's a lot of great things to be said for the amount of two-way skill the Sharks have at the top of the lineup, but finding a better balance on the hard PK minutes could prove to be instrumental.
The biggest lesson in all of this might be the benefits Sharks strength and conditioning coach Mike Potenza brings to the table. With all of the minutes the top six sees throughout the year, his job is extremely important.
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Looking at the comparisons:
Chicago – a team gutted of its depth in a Salary Cap purge and forced to ice inferior lower line talent, thus forcing them to rely on their top players, and also hampered by several key injuries throughout the season.
Nashville – an internally capped team that relies on a strong defensive system to overcome a lack of true offensive talent and forces major contributions out of top 6 players.
Anaheim – an internally capped team with a very potent top line and very little other depth, forced to rely on that top line to make major contributions, and also hampered by the loss of their top center for a significant portion of the season.
The Sharks have next to nothing in terms of roster depth in common with these teams. The Sharks were deep, spent to the cap, and were healthy for most of the regular season. This makes the minute allocation from last season make NO sense.
While the D is certainly deeper this season, at the moment, the forward corp is MUCH thinner (barring further moves).
The biggest lesson in all of this might be the benefits Sharks strength and conditioning coach Mike Potenza brings to the table. With all of the minutes the top six sees throughout the year, his job is extremely important.
This is an excellent point, and honestly, the very deep Sharks team was also VERY flat for much of last season. The season opening international road trip certainly had some effect, but the malaise remained with the team until well into the New Year.
Something in the team’s preparation was amiss, and needs to be addressed.
I have a feeling this season is going to put a new scrutiny on team tactics and fitness with so much top end roster change.
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.
Hard to really say what effect strength and conditioning had
When the head coach consistently rides the top guys as Swiss Army knives in all situations, those blades are gonna get dull, no matter how well you oil and sharpen them. For all we know, Potenza’s training may have been the factor that kept them as maintained as they were as opposed to them being ill equipped to play… =/
Let’s just hope Handzus & whoever plays with him (Mitchell?) shows results on the PK so TMac is less inclined to default back on the Patty/Pavs show. Gotta go with the “Qualitatively” theory.
BEAT DAT BEAT
I would write "conditioning" off as a fluke
But it was such a CONSISTENT theme throughout the season. The most glaring example, to my mind, was the game when the Islanders came to town. The Islanders had been on a plane the night before, and WE were the ones who looked slow, tired and fatigued. Puck retrieval was non-existent and we lost every 50/50 battle. It took a shootout for us to come out ahead, and this was in the middle of that huge winless streak for the Isles too. I think we were literally the only points the got.
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.
Kindly disagree with one aspect...
Elvis, regarding the changes the Sharks have undergone thus far, you stated that, “‘While the D is certainly deeper this season, at the moment, the forward corp is MUCH thinner’”. I happen to think that the offensive capability of San Jose has not thinned out, but only tweaked to work as a different weapon. Heatley, Seto are gone yes, but the dimension of the defensive-offensive talent found in Burns coupled with the speed and skill of Havlat has introduced a new and potentially more productive option.
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?
Apologies...
If I misunderstood the scope of the conversation, since it is arguable we are thinner on forward depth if we take into consideration not just the Havlats and Heatleys, and focus on the erstwhile grinders and role players such as Scott Nichol, Eager, etc.
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 see your point
We will get more offense from the back-end, so offensively, it’s probably a wash.
As far as actual ROSTER forwards, at the moment, I think we’re thinner. At the top end, our top 7 forwards from last season have become a top 6, with Heatley and Setoguchi gone, and Havlat in. And yes, with the likes of Mayers and Nichol gone, and the need to rely on 4, or possibly 5 Worcester forwards being required on the 3rd and 4th lines, I think we are thinner at the moment, in addition to having a new focus (i.e. more two-way and defensive play from Havlat and Handzus respectively).
But we are younger and not as purely offensively deep at forward.
One of my great frustrations last season was the Forwards and Defense never seemed to operate together as a 5 man unit in any zone. Forwards were suspect on the back check, and the Defense wasn’t engaged in the offense. If Burns and company can work with the forwards, some of the depth issues may be addressed.
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.
Can we consider Pavelski a top 6 forward last year? He played on the 3rd line. At the beginning of the season when he was a top 6 forward, Couture played on the 3rd line. Then injuries happened, lines got shuffled around and Pavelski was on the 3rd line.
I also think part of the reason why the Sharks haven’t gotten PK ability out of their lower lines is because they don’t spend on it. Malhotra fell into their lap a couple years ago but was gone after 1 season. Other than that, they haven’t gone out and spent on a good PKer besides Grier like 5 years ago. I never understood why they were never really willing to spend $1.5 to $2 million on one of these players before really. I think this partly attributed to their PK sucking last year.
Pavelski was on the 3rd line at ES…but he was on the 1st PP unit, and the 1st PK unit. So, yeah, he’s much more of a top 6 than Seto was, who saw no PK time, and limited PP time…
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
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by ZeroIndulgence on Jul 20, 2011 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Can we consider Pavelski a top 6 forward last year? He played on the 3rd line. At the beginning of the season when he was a top 6 forward, Couture played on the 3rd line. Then injuries happened, lines got shuffled around and Pavelski was on the 3rd line.
To that, Setoguchi played on the third and fourth line last season as well, particularly at the beginning of the season. There was a lot of bouncing around throughout the lineup during 10-11.
My methodology, as I explained in the piece, was that the top six forwards by virtue of even strength ice time were counted as “top six” forwards. If you’re not comfortable with that type of look at teams, think of it in a slightly different way— the top six even strength ice time players, instead of top six forwards.
Either way I’m not sure it changes all that much— the Sharks used six players for heavy minutes more than any other team but Anaheim, leaning on them to fulfill all duties of the game (ES, SH, PP). That is the crux of the piece and doesn’t change the discussion in my opinion.
"Now get on board going down the river float, we gonna raise a ruckus tonight" - OCMS
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Handzus
He averaged over 17 minutes a game w/ LA which was 5th most on the team (and more than Seto), played in all situations as well. I think he’ll likely play somewhere around that for SJ so I think if you’re going to look at it as losing Seto & Heatley (ice time) you have to include the addition of Handzus along with Havlat.
I don’t really think Zeus will be playing in the top 6 w/ the Sharks, but he’s capable of playing a lot of minutes. Just my opinion, or maybe I’m just not understanding what you meant.
by milanahalek on Jul 21, 2011 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
A shot in the dark Plank...
Wouldn’t it seem more than plausible that if the Top 6 group plays less minutes on the PK then they’d be more able to productive? I know there aren’t stats backing up this claim but it seems like common sense that this would be the case.
IMO due to the ability of the Top 6 group to just focus their efforts on less areas of the game, allowing themselves the ability to possibly pick up some thing more subtle in their primary areas of focus 5-v-5 and PP, seems almost to be a matter of fact. With SJ’s PK in the bottom 1/3 of the league, 24th last year, I’d rather those minutes coming from 3rd and 4th line types so the big boys can focus on other areas of the game.
It was in an interview with Jamie Baker and KNBR that I first heard of the importance of not rolling out so many of your Top 6 guys on a PK. His conclusion was roll the best PK’ers you can but ideally they would not be your Top 6 group because you loose all the ability to create or control momentum. These two scenarios were his examples … if in fact you’re PK gives up a goal, you’re top 6 players were involved in the negative aspect and now they’re stressed physically. The only way to create a solid surge of energy (important after giving up the goal) is to mix your lines with players not used on the PK, inevitably that involves 3rd and 4th line guys who aren’t known for scoring. How successful will that be at taking back control of the game or the momentum in it? The other scenario is that if you kill the penalty successfully you are in the same position of rolling mixed lines with lower skilled players and thusly aren’t likely to keep any of the momentum created by the successfully PK. After a successful PK, Jamie stressed the importance of going at the opposing team with your top units fully rested. IIRC, he called it “going for the throat”.
Slightly related
But zone starts, as a stat, tend to track similar issues. The principle being if you start more often in the offensive zone, you’re more likely to score. And it places value on players who start often in the D-zone and manage not to give up goals.
Similarly, if your PK does its job, and it doesn’t require your top players, you’re “driving” the play the right way and putting your top guys in a position to succeed.
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.
beyond zone stats
Elvis – I actually think your post is proving my point.
Yes, zone stats are what they are but we’re both saying that you’d want your best scoring players getting the best chances to score (ie. the opposite of grinding out PK minutes).
And in fact, if the zone starts for our top 6 improved (meaning more offensive time), you’d likely see their Corsi stat improve due improved effectiveness of our Top 6 (with less PK time).
And lets face it, the PK is the hardest on the body and energy level of the player involved. Why put your offensive players in a role that has little chance of using their offensive skills (their most valuable asset) and is the most physically demanding?
Going back to Bakes’ interview, he’s talking more of a subtle point with winning back / controlling momentum. Why try doing that with your lower skilled players or jumbled lines? Bring out your top dogs and big guns.
Wouldn’t it seem more than plausible that if the Top 6 group plays less minutes on the PK then they’d be more able to productive? I know there aren’t stats backing up this claim but it seems like common sense that this would be the case.
Exactly my thoughts. It seems to have a lot of face validity in my opinion.
"Now get on board going down the river float, we gonna raise a ruckus tonight" - OCMS
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Off topic except for Sharks and Ducks connection
The Anaheim Ducks are giving Mark Bell a chance to redeem himself.
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
I just came here to post that—obviously the Ducks have a plan for shoring up their offensive depth problems.
Note that I didn’t say it was a good plan.
The principal supporting business now is rage. -- Richard Hugo
And substance abuse
(sounds like the duck’s)
by will_hunter23 on Jul 20, 2011 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Who will get the call
Doug has given a try out everyyear, so who do u think might get the call from Doug?
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 20, 2011 1:49 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Owen Nolan
Is ready and waiting. It could be the comeback story of the year. He can be used on the PK, and for leadership. He adds some offensive punch and toughness. Oh yeah, he also plays RW and could be used on the third line. Now that Cheech is gone, he may be our last and best hope. I say give him a tryout, and let the former Captain finish up his career in San Jose with a Stanley Cup!!!
I gotta second this
He still got the job done his last few years in the NHL. I wouldn’t say count on him for 80+ games, but like Roenick a few years ago, he still has some gas in the tank.
GO SHARKS!
I don't see it happening
but I wouldn’t mind it at all. And I hear DW’s keen on ex-Wild players.
BEAT DAT BEAT
There are not many other players I would rather see lift a cup in teal than Owen Nolan. This would honestly be a dream come true, but I just don’t think it will happen :/
"I love inside jokes. I'd love to be apart of one someday." - Michael Scott
My pathetic excuse of a Twitter account: http://twitter.com/santacruzsharks
by tealstherealdeal92 on Jul 20, 2011 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Agree
That’s what I’m hoping, but I think it won’t happen. Someone said he might have burnt his bridges in San Jose. Sure would be nice to see #11 skate in a teal jersey for one last shot @ the cup.
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 20, 2011 2:28 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Friesen
Do u see Doug offer another try out? Less than 1%, but I still wished he made the team during his 1st try out.
3rd Dream Line
Friesen LW Handzus C Nolan RW
Speed Size small amount of skill still left in the gas tank
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 20, 2011 2:34 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Friesen
Played well for Eisbaren Berlin in 09-10. In 53 gms he scored 15 goals, 30 assts. with 130 pims (bad ass!). Last season however he only played in 30 games and scored just 5 goals, 9 assts. I sure hope he’s not still smoking Lucky Strikes?
they still sell them. They were my favorites when i still smoked and could afford them
by Montyburnz!...1 on Jul 22, 2011 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions
It's all about Newports yo.
They were my favorite when I was a smoker. Glad I’m not anymore though.
by Briceratops on Jul 22, 2011 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Drury, Stillman, Hannan
Might be a gamble, but have experience @ the right price
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 20, 2011 2:40 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I like Friesen as much as the next guy
Actually he was the first Shark I really liked, but I think Nolan fills enough of the former Sharks quota. db ^ already showed that his NHL career is done.
BEAT DAT BEAT
Friesen actually already got a tryout from DW a few years ago.
The same year the new jerseys appeared, I believe. I doubt he’ll get another chance on that.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Really
What’s the harm? He’ll play for near the minimum and it’s not like there are a bunch of better options at this point. Hell, we brought Claude F’n Lemieux over if you can remember that. So if it doesn’t work out, at least we gave it a try. I could be wrong, but I’ve heard he wants to finish out his career here and that is why he hasn’t retired yet.
Plank, you start out by listing the top six as Clowe, Marleau, Heatley, Thornton, Couture, and Pavelski. Then you later mention that we are “out one potential top six forward for next season (Heatley and Setoguchi out, Havlat in)”
Does Setoguchi qualify as a top 6 forward or not?
Bleed Teal... Right Now I am puking it - Shadrack (1/14/11)
He’s a potential top 6 guy.
Shameless radio show plug. Also, here's my twitter.
"The last time I made a video in a hotel room…..very different than this." – Drew Remenda
2010-2011 FTF 2 Fantasy Hockey CHAMPION
that’s kind of my point. Seto was expected to play top 6 minutes and didn’t. Now we’re saying that we lost a potential top 6 minutes forward? The only time he has been in the top 6 in TOI/G was in 2008-09 when he was just ahead of Jonathan Cheechoo and Mike Grier. In 2009-10 he was behind Manny Malholtra. His highest average TOI was 08-09 with 16:12 minutes a game, all our other top 6 guys average 17+ every year.
He may have the potential, but he wasn’t going to get top 6 minutes here. Which is not to say he is not a top 6 forward. I think he is.
I think its a straight minute swap Havlat/Heatley and Seto’s minutes get divided among the 3rd line, especially if they show some scoring pop.
Bleed Teal... Right Now I am puking it - Shadrack (1/14/11)
Here’s the thought process— Setoguchi was a guy who was familiar with top six minutes and played on the top line with Jumbo and Patty towards the end of 10-11. The Sharks lose some forward depth in that situation, and therefore, may rely even more upon their top six forwards than they did last year to make up those minutes.
It’s not really meant to be a criticism of the trades or anything, more of a reflection upon the heavy minutes the Sharks top six forwards got last season and, if the roster doesn’t add another penalty killer, the amount of minutes they will probably see next season.
"Now get on board going down the river float, we gonna raise a ruckus tonight" - OCMS
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Well I sure hope the bottom 6 can put up some kind of points.
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 20, 2011 2:24 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Chris Campoli UFA
Hawks walk away, should the Sharks have any intrest?
I say yes, @ the right price
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 20, 2011 2:42 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
At this point
I think DW will focus on bolstering up the offense. I think we’re pretty well set on the blue line. As Mr. P mentioned, it would be nice to beef up the 3rd line and PK. Does Fernando Pisani have anything left?
Based on the fact that he was a healthy scratch towards the end of the season in Chicago
’puter says No
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.
He had his best season
last year since 07-08. 16 pts in 60 games and a +/- of 0. 69 hits, 21 blocks and 1 PP goal. He’s one of the last guys out there dangling in the wind. A veteran guy like that could be useful (if he can still skate) and he’d probably come cheap?
That's pretty much exactly what they were saying about him LAST season
And the consensus in Chicago was that he was done. If he’s cheap, I’m not opposed to it, but I wouldn’t expect him to be a difference maker.
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 think there are any “difference makers” left out there for us to grab. It’s somewhat ironic that we have cap room and yet no one to spend it on. Perhaps DW will save it and look to package a player later before the deadline if we need more offensive punch.
No more UFA difference makers anyway, I agree
But given that Burns and Couture are due for raises, I don’t mind holding on to the Cap Space BEYOND this year (if we had expensive one season rentals, that’s a different story).
As far as Pisani:
http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2011/5/16/2173521/2010-2011-player-evaluations-fernando-pisani
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.
Pisani was decent
I mean, he is what he is, and at a 1 year deal at a low rate, he’s a decent forward to have around..
I'd prefer a guy who could play 70 games on that line I think
The seeming failure on the PK though is troubling to me, as that’s what we need.
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.
Chris Campoli is not a penalty killing forward
So no thanks. The back end is pretty set. Salary should be allocated to forwards, unless we’re able to trade away Vandermeer somehow.
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.
Has that ever happened?
Where someone signs a free agent and then trades him without even playing a game?
Devin Setoguchi?
I thought there was a rule against sign and trade, but the Seto trade has me confused.
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.
He was already with us though.
You did answer the question correctly though, I should have been more specific.
Also, typing "though" in consecutive lines in really sloppy.
Maybe I should be traded to some other blog.
If you're going anywhere
might as well go to Hockey Wilderness. Reunite with Heatoguchi.
BEAT DAT BEAT
Kyle Wellwood...
Can still be our difference maker. Especially on the 4th line. He’s small, but the kid can pass and is better than most fourth liners in my opinion.
Not our penalty killer though :/
by Dermal Denticles on Jul 20, 2011 4:23 PM PDT reply actions
Penalty Kill support remains my personal priority
So if we find that PKing winger, and still have some cap space, if Wellwood will play for $750K or less, I’m happy to have him center the 4th line.
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.
Mike Grier?
Apparently Buffalo isn’t interested in bringing him back, and I believe he can help out on the PK.
"I didn't know it was in until everyone was punching me in the face." - Devin Setoguchi
and he fulfills the quota of a former Shark, though Nolan would be better.
"I didn't know it was in until everyone was punching me in the face." - Devin Setoguchi
by Captain Velvet on Jul 20, 2011 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Looks like we got an Urkle instead.
@Logan Couture: Heard Charlie Sheen had an interview I missed tonight, damn! He might be the only person in the world thats #winning more than us right now.
by Brittjames11 on Jul 22, 2011 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
DW!
The Buffalo Sabres need cap relief. Get us Jochen Hecht on the cheap. He’s only got a year left on his contract and he’d be perfect on our 3rd line.
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
I couldn't agree more.
I’m really hoping that we can get a chance to snag either Jochen Hecht or Paul Gaustad from Buffalo
"-Patrick Marleau has never not touched the plate at a Mexican restaurant immediately after it’s served to him."
Gaustad
Would be my preference. He’s younger, plays tougher and would be a great addition to the Sharks. You’re right, it appears that Buffalo has gotten themselves into a cap perdicament. Could it be that DW will go after Hecht for 1 year, as a rental? It might be worth it considering what he brings and would add to the Sharks. Their #‘s are similair except that Gaustad is much bigger and isn’t affraid to mix it up. I’d be happy with either one for next season and think Buffalo is more likely to let Hecht go rather than Gaustad.
I mentioned Gaustad in another blog/article – would LOVE for DW to go after him, a lot more than Hecht. As you said he’s big and isn’t afraid to mix it up – plus he’s a pretty good PKer. Not sure Buffalo would be willing to move him though. I think they’ll find a way to lose two of Morrison, Kotalik & Boyes, with their new billionaire owner, I don’t think they’ll mind having that kind of salary sitting in the minors if no one wants them.
by milanahalek on Jul 21, 2011 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
Getting Gaustad is a bit of a pipe dream. He was outstanding during the playoffs last year. Great energy, extremely physical (hitting anything and everything he could). Extremely doubtful that he’ll fall in our lap, as he’s only 29 and making $2.5 this year.
Kotalik seems overpaid @ $4 million and Boyes isn’t going anywhere. Buffalo looks pretty good next season.
Gaustad would be nice, I think.
I’d also kind of like to take a look at Derek Roy. He’s a decent point-earner and can play some hard-nosed defense. He’s undersized a bit, but he’s like Nichol and plays hard through it, from what I’ve seen. I’m a little worried about his leg injury last season, but if it was healed, he might be a good fit.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
I mentioned Hecht over Gaustad because Hecht’s advanced stats are downright awesome, and Buffalo might be more willing to trade an older guy with a bigger contract and some injury concerns like Jochen Hecht, than a guy still in his prime on a cheaper contract like Gaustad.
I’d be happy with either one, but I think Hecht is much better now when healthy, and since they both have 1 year left on their contracts i don’t think we’ll be keeping either one since we’ll need the cap space to resign Couture and Burns.
Hecht has the 3rd highest qual comp on the team, 1st highest corsi relative on the team, 2nd highest corsi relative to qual comp, and 2nd highest +/-ON/60.
Sign me the hech up!
Meanwhile Guastad has the 8th highest qual comp, 10th highest corsi relative qual comp, and 8th highest corsi relative.
I’m perfectly capable of reading advanced stats and for what the Sharks need, I’d still take Gaustad.
The Sharks don’t really need a guy to take on top QoC at 5×5 as McLellan seems to love to go power vs. power. Gaustad is a good PKer and can throw his weight around which the Sharks do need. I also don’t know how well Hecht would do in a much more physical conference playing on a 3rd line. Gaustad is also $1mm+ less which would leave more than enough cap space should injuries and / or a trade happen.
However, neither are likely to be traded (though if one is moved it’s probably Hecht) so it doesn’t really matter.
However, neither are likely to be traded (though if one is moved it’s probably Hecht) so it doesn’t really matter.
Which again is why i’m advocating Hecht over Gaustad. He’s more likely to be traded, would come cheaper, and he’s probably just the better overall player. The only concern is injuries, but he’d probably play 5 less minutes a night on our squad than he did in Buffalo so maybe it wouldn’t be that big a concern.
I think by scoring chances the Sharks’ bottom-6 were getting beat up, right? Hecht will help there.
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by red army line on Jul 29, 2011 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Off Topic
But does this seem like the longest off-season in Sharks History?
Oct seems very far away from now
Go Big or Go Home
The Prospect Tournament
and preseason games are in September.
If that helps any.
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Even worse for me, in general the only sports news I can get on TV is ESPN NZ/Australia
Most of the hour coverage is soccer and/or rugby. I would make a bet during hockey season they wont even cover hockey.
Remember the lockout?
Then this doesn’t feel so bad. You can point and laugh at the NBA though – the NFL’s gonna get it done, it’s just a matter of time.
BEAT DAT BEAT
No post for Andrew Murray?
For God’s sake, he’s going to be the savior of the organization. He’s so awesome, hipsters have never even heard of him. I bet he scores at least 2 goals !
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jul 21, 2011 8:40 AM PDT reply actions
Come on now...
Don’t sell him short…He’s good for at least 3-4!
by will_hunter23 on Jul 21, 2011 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
He might not even make the team, he might get a lower body injury tying his laces on his skates
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 21, 2011 12:39 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I noticed some chatter
And as your favorite resident Hawks fan, I think Campoli might be a decent addition, he priced himself out of tlaks in Chicago, I think he’ll have to come down from his 2.5 cap #. I mean I look at the Sharks roster and to just me, it looks like you have a bigger need for a forward or two than a Dman… But I only kinda tangentially follow the Sharks, I root for them when they play the Nucks and anyone but the Hawks.
We walked away from Ian White after the trade for Brent Burns
And Jim Vandermeer is our current #6.
Campoli is a good option, but as you said, our blue-line is pretty well set.
Forward is definitely where we are lacking. Hence the Pisani chatter as well. Honestly, what we need is a Dave Bolland type player, but then again, who doesn’t.
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.
Sign Campoli
Since Doug never does whatever we want, this won’t happen. You can have too many D-men.
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 21, 2011 12:36 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Whatever WE want or whatever YOU want?
Because honestly, I’ve seen no one else proclaiming a need for more defense.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
I rather have a deep Blue Line, if Doug can’t bring in solid 3rd or 4th line players.
Its never a bad idea to have too many d-man
Go Big or Go Home
We have a pretty deep blue line at this point
and our biggest need is now in our 3rd and 4th lines, especially PK, so no.
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by tealstherealdeal92 on Jul 21, 2011 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm happy with VanderBraun as our 6th & 7th D-man.
At least enough to give them a chance to start the year.
The only reason I’d want Campoli is if we traded Braun for a forward.
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Agreed breh.
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by tealstherealdeal92 on Jul 21, 2011 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Doug can’t bring in solid 3rd or 4th line players.
You have yet to prove that this is the case. “They are inexperienced” is not sufficient evidence, unless you’d like to also argue that Couture and Demers weren’t worth trying out in the two previous seasons. Beyond that, you’re pointedly ignoring the acquisition of Handzus, who is slated to play on the 3rd line.
Its never a bad idea to have too many d-man
Find me one team in the league that regularly carries 8 defensemen without injuries. Your dislike of Braun over his experience level is not sufficient proof that this blueline is not already deep.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
So u rather have Braun sit on his ass as a 7th d-man and not get any play time? I rather Braun get top minutes in the A, and prove he can handle it. If the Sharks had Campoli he could play as a 3rd pairing with Demers or Vandameer. Or hell maybe Todd will dress 7 dmen for all we know.
Go Big or Go Home
Or hell maybe Todd will dress 7 dmen for all we know.
In that case your argument about Braun sitting is completely invalid. TMac hasn’t dressed 7 dmen too often, so that would surprise me.
Otherwise, Braun may very well be the one taking that 6 spot over Vandermeer. In fact, I think that’s the more likely scenario unless he really fucks up.
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by tealstherealdeal92 on Jul 22, 2011 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I rather Braun get top minutes in the A, and prove he can handle it.
He did get top minutes last year in the A, and proved he could handle it. He also got good minutes at times at the NHL, and proved he could handle it. I think Braun will be given every chance to succeed…
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by ZeroIndulgence on Jul 22, 2011 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I’d rather Braun get tried out in the NHL at the beginning of THIS SEASON. Which is what you do with young players who have done well at the AHL level, which Braun has. You put them in NHL games to see how the adjust to that level. It’s how players make the transition from rookie to veteran; they play in games in the NHL.
When the Coach, GM, and all the assistants from the team say “This is a young guy we’re going to play” it’s a rather foolish assumption to believe that the opposite is actually true.
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Doug
Didn’t Doug say a few years ago that he needed the right players on this roster, so that we could roll 3 lines? Right now the Sharks have 1 true 3rd liner HANDZUS, & MITCHELL has his moments as a solid 3rd liner, but he does slip to the 4th line.
Go Big or Go Home
I'm sure he's said that
EVERY GM wants to roll 4 lines, not just 3. And we’re still waiting to see whether the kids from Worcester are ready to crack the lineup full time.
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.
Drury
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Chris Drury. He’s a proven winner, averages huge PK time, and would be a luxury 4th line center.
He is coming off a injury plagued season, but that could work in the sharks favor as he won’t command anything near the $5MM he made last year. If we can pick him up for $2-3MM, he could be a very solid replacement for Scott Nichol. Thoughts?
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by AlDavis4Prez on Jul 22, 2011 2:38 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Drury's knees are shot.
He’s probably going to have to settle for a ATO from someone this year if he wants to play.
Drury has a degenerative knee condition
It’s a major gamble, and price is always going to be an issue. Drury will accept a pay cut, but will he accept a large enough one and a short enough term contract to fit any particular teams’ needs?
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.
Doug already called
Well Doug was rumored a few years back in wanting Drury. He would have leadership and could be a Dark Horse. I think its up to Drury to either try and win a cup before he retires, or look for money.
Hell Doug has given try outs before, so u never know.
Go Big or Go Home
I'm not concerned
About going into the season with some younger guys trying to prove themselves and make this team. Guys like Desjardins, Ferriero, Mashinter, McCarthy(?), McGinn, Wingles, and even Murray (although he’s not a young guy). I’m guessing a few of these guys might surprise us and prove that they’re ready for the NHL. I think the same can be said for Braun, who like Demers, needs time at this level to season his game and get the needed experience to grow into a big time defensive player. So I’m good if DW goes into this upcoming season with the roster we have. I think we can always add another piece prior to the TD since we have the cap room and know that some teams will already be throwing in the towel by that time.
I’d also like to see Petrecki get a few games under his belt in the pre-season as well as Taylor Doherty, although he’s still very young. He’s got Chris Pronger size, and I hope he has half of Prongers skill set…
There's a good interview with Doherty on the Sharks site.
Rusanowsky asks him what he’s working on and he replied “Footspeed.” Seems like he’s pretty aware he’ll have to get faster to compete at the NHL level.
For that matter, there’s quite a few good interviews Rusy has been doing during developmental camp. Braun, Wingels, Acolatse, Doherty, Anderson, Hamilton and Mash (which is missing it’s video for some reason, though he has one, too). Looks like they’re putting one up every three or four days (Braun’s is the newest, from yesterday).
Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
Yeah
I’m really enjoying these articles as they pop up. Thankfully I have a facebook feed that throws them on my main page, so I don’t have to go looking for them.
I think Braun is going to give Vandermeer a run for his money.
by Dermal Denticles on Jul 22, 2011 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes he is.
Him and Demers as a third pairing will be real solid. The D corps is gonna have so much speed this year, a complete 180 from last season. And think of how dope it will be to have four legit snipers from the back end in Burns, Boyle, Demers, and Braun.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jul 24, 2011 1:16 AM PDT up reply actions
SJ & NJ talking trade
On HOCKEYBUZZ.com
Go Big or Go Home
by ChangoT on Jul 24, 2011 9:54 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
A trade's inevitable!
Kovalchuk to the Sharks for a bag of pucks (e3).
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jul 24, 2011 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
MARTY!!!!!
@Logan Couture: Heard Charlie Sheen had an interview I missed tonight, damn! He might be the only person in the world thats #winning more than us right now.
by Brittjames11 on Jul 24, 2011 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Since it's on hockeybuzz, it's probably bull.
But if this was in the 3% he’s right, I would imagine Zubrus would be the target.
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or maybe Steckel now that I think about it.
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"The last time I made a video in a hotel room…..very different than this." – Drew Remenda
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Yeah i had considered Zubrus a possible trade target earlier in the offseason. If a trade does happen with NJ i bet it’s for Zubrus, or maybe Rolston.
I really hope its not for Rolston.
From what I’ve seen, he’s lost quite a few steps. The only thing he’s good for is for a point shot on the PP.
Although, at a a glance, his corsi looks really good considering.
Still, that’s still taking on one of the worst contracts in the NHL this season.
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I say a big huge NO to Rolston also – besides, the Sharks really can’t afford to take on his rediculous contract.
Just because the Sharks have $5mil in cap space doesn’t mean they have to spend it now. They really need to keep at least a couple million under the cap in case of injuries or for trades. The WorSharks shuttle this year isn’t going to be used to save money since the guys that can go back and forth w/o waivers are all on close to league minimum contracts.
You… you are aware of the reputation HockeyBuzz has across the rest of the Internet? Right?
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Believing in the Sharks, one photoshop at a time. GO SHARKS!
by Auth0r on Jul 24, 2011 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd xD
Hockeybuzz “rumors” are sometimes so stupid, only a guy on weed could make them up…so the validity of this website is beyond questionable
Go Sharks!
I remember when I was new to the internet hockey world
Back when Nolan was going to sign with the Sharks again in 08, then he signed with the Wild and I thought… huh… could be a misstep. Then the Leafs were in on everybody, but ended up just signing Finger to a stupid contract…
Turns out Mr. 3% is only ever right on the things everybody knew was right.
My favorite bit this summer was when he tweeted that NJ was interested in Langunbrunner an hour after it had been announced that the Blues signed him. I think his “sources” just send him different levels of bad info just too see how dumb a rumor he’ll post.
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I don't know. Eklund's pretty accurate IMO
Well after TSN’s already reported on it. =P
BEAT DAT BEAT
How is it still only fucking July???
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by Evilducks on Jul 25, 2011 12:29 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Arbitration hearings begin next week...
So at least SOMETHING will happen in the hockey world. Might not do too much with the Sharks, but HEY… it’s a little bit of action. After that’s all settled and done with, though, I’m sure I’ll go insane between then and October 8th. Sick.
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by SharkMonster on Jul 25, 2011 3:11 AM PDT up reply actions
word
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by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jul 25, 2011 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
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