Sharks host surprising Senators
by Matthew_Taylor on Jan 19, 2012 3:00 AM PST
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26-16-6, 58 points
26-12-5, 57 points
5th in Eastern Conference
3rd in Western Conference
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Wooooo doggy, this is going to be a big one. Canadian media in town, Senators fans up in arms, Dany Heatl...oh. Right.
Well, the crazy betrayal angle isn't working anymore, now that Dany Heatley has been shipped out to Minnesota (where he's slowly becoming terrible, according to Michael Russo of the Minnesota Star Tribune). Instead, the better storyline tonight is a surprising Ottawa Senators team who finds themselves at fifth in the Eastern Conference.
It's a great turnaround story; the Ottawa Senators had just 74 points all of last season, and are just seven wins away from meeting that number this year. A big reason for the reversal of fortunes? Milan Michalek, the former Shark who was traded for Heatley, has to be mentioned.
In just 43 games, Michalek is just three goals from his career high of 26 that he set with the Sharks in 2006-2007. He's had a little bit of trouble staying healthy (his MO), but he's been a huge boon for Ottawa and a true reason that they find themselves in the thick of a playoff hunt.
Recent addition Kyle Turris has also been good for the Sens, with 11 points in 15 games since he whined his way out of Phoenix. Turris and Michalek, along with familiar Senators Jason Spezza (48 points) and Daniel Alfredsson (35 points) are leading the way offensively.
It's not all about the forwards though. Perhaps most surprising of all individual performances this year NHL wide is that of Erik Karlsson. At just 21 years old, he's making an impressive run at the Norris Trophy with 44 points in 47 games. As a 21 year old. Incredible.
Ottawa does have their fair share of problems, though. Despite scoring 149 goals on the year (3rd in the East), they've allowed 150 (13th in the East, 27th in the NHL). Their penalty kill, while admittedly better than San Jose's by percentage, is in the bottom third of the league as well. Defensively, they need a bit of work, and Craig Anderson isn't helping with his pedestrian .910 save percentage.
They'll catch a break against San Jose, though, who will still be without former Senator Martin Havlat as well as top-six winger Ryane Clowe. Clowe spoke about his injury to David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury, and it looks like he'll be out until after the All-Star break to ensure that he heals properly. Good news, Andrew Desjardins is back and that likely means that Frazier McLaren is out.
It should be an entertaining game, and if San Jose gets into penalty trouble, it may be a long night. Still, the Sharks have been known to shoot themselves back into a game as well.
Prediction: Sharks win 5-4, goals by McGinn, Wingels, Demers, Couture x 2.
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Shutdown
Michalek, and remind us all that they can beat Anderson, and the Sharks should win easily. Keep giving away the puck, and it’ll be a tough game.
I see Braun getting a goal or two, which he deserves after getting robbed of the game winner.
If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
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Not sure about that
Our offence isn’t hinged all that much on Michalek, although he’s been terrific this season. More pressing would be shutting down Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson, but that’s easier said than done. And thanks to Kyle Turris’ chemistry with Daniel Alfredsson, the Sens have two competent scoring lines for the first time in a looooong time.
The Sharks might still get the win (actually, I predicted a 4-2 Sharks win), but it will take more than shutting down Michalek to do so.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Jan 19, 2012 7:51 AM PST up reply actions
I fully agree with you. Not about stopping one player with the Sens, it’s about playing the strong defensive game Sharks are capable of and victimising Anderson and pourous D.
Sens can score goals, no doubt about it.
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 Jan 19, 2012 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
Sharks will win if they put the Sens away early
The Sens have been absolutely deadly in the later parts of their games and miraculous in the third. In 3 of the last 4 games, their opponents started well but could not put it away early. However I still believe the Sharks will win
Sharks are an awesome 2nd period team
I’d say the first is going to be a more “feeling-out” type period with the second opening up with plays. The third is where the game will be won, just my opinion.
Michalek
Of all of the players the Sharks have traded over the years, he’s still the one I miss the most! I was so excited when they drafted him and so sad when he got hurt (again and again)…I"m really glad that he’s finally showing everyone why he was taken #6 overall.
The Senators can score goals – the Sharks need to play defense first hockey and stay out of the penalty box.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see McLaren play tonight considering the Sens ice guys like Chris Neil and Konopka, especially w/ Clowe out of the line up.
Go Sharks!
Milan Michalek is the type of player the Sharks need right now, really. A fast skating, goal scoring forward who is creative and shifty and also is a wiz on the penalty kill.
It was the contract and the injuries that sent him out of town, sadly. And while he’s healthy (ish) now, I think it was the right move at the time.
But I miss him.
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 Jan 19, 2012 7:51 AM PST up reply actions
Unfortunately, it does not seem TMac's system encourages the type of play that makes Michalek successful
As Peter suggests, Havlat and Michalek are similar type players. Havlat did not really start to gel until he changed his game to the “shoot now, ask questions later” approach that is demanded by the staff. Any type of stickhandling through people or passing up shots to try to set up one-timers in the slot seems to be discouraged here. It is too bad, as players like Havlat and Michalek clearly have the skills to flourish in the NHL but could/have not in San Jose. As Nikita Filatov would say, rebound goals are not exactly in the repertoire of those kinds of players. I believe that is why Wellwood was let go, he was successful but not successful in a way that the coaches liked.
IMO, coaches need to be a little more like John Fox with the Denver Broncos. Instead of forcing Tim Tebow to adjust to his offense, he changed his offense to put Tebow in the best position to succeed. If you are going to trade for a guy like Havlat, don’t try to make him into Ryan Clowe.
Hockey is still a team game
Havlat’s overall skillset still fits the team. His stick handling makes the low cycle more effective. But he needed to understand that shooting more gave his line mates more chances to get involved.
The biggest takeaway we should have from the Wellwood/Tebow analogy is that if you’re relying on those players to carry you, you have bigger problems.
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 Jan 19, 2012 12:48 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
So... Tim Tebow ISN'T a demi-god?
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:17 PM PST up reply actions
That's funny
You’ll hear a lot of Senators fans say the same thing about Martin Havlat. Speedy, dynamic, likeable, and seemingly always dealing with some injury.
Hopefully Michalek can beat that problem this season, and Havlat can beat it when he’s back from his current injury.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Jan 19, 2012 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
Oh, I miss you Milan Macawlek
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 Jan 19, 2012 7:59 AM PST up reply actions 4 recs
oh my god
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by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 19, 2012 12:31 PM PST up reply actions
That was an awesome thread.
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
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by PNK on Jan 19, 2012 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't forget mine!
Leslie Knope: "...but it has a lot of heart."
April Ludgate: "That's what people always say when something sucks."
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My favorite was Mi-LAWN Michalek
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Havlat should be healthy post All Star Break too
Or at least on the low end of his recovery table of 6-8 weeks.
Suddenly we’re going to have far too many players and not enough spots…
I have to imagine White and Vandermeer are probably nearing healthy as well, not that Brauny is likely to lose his spot anytime soon.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
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Havlat
He was still on crutches 2 days ago so I’d imagine his recovery is going to be a lot closer to the 8 weeks and I’m not sure if White is even skating at practice yet – I didn’t see him out there last time I was there.
Vandermeer should be pretty close to returning though, but both Braun and Demers have earned their ice time so yeah, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.
Havent been too impressed with Demers
He’s had a shaky start to the season and inconsistent playing time with our 8 D in the rotation. I feel he’s a little bit off this season for whatever reason. I watched him closely when I was at the last game against Calgary and he seemed disengaged and not so comfortable with his skating strides. I see a lack of creativity and confidence in him this season and really expected better progress from him this year. Braun has been has been what we all expected, would just like to see him throw the body a little more in our zone (man, I miss Blake and how he would hit guys coming into the zone and box guys out so well). Demers needs to be that offensive-minded d-man we all saw in him in seasons past so we can have better breakouts and potent scoring on the 2nd PP unit.
Demers
You have to keep in mind that Demers, while he started off slowly, has been moved to the left side – that’s a huge adjustment for a d-man and I think he’s been handling it very well.
It’s also very likely he’s been told to take care of defense first, even if it stifles his offensive game.
I don’t have any problems with his game right now.
by milanahalek on Jan 19, 2012 11:32 AM PST up reply actions
He's been better recently
But he and Braun are both most certainly works in progress. But given their ages, I’m good with that.
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 Jan 19, 2012 1:45 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
With the cluster of injuries,
hopefully when/if the team is finally fully healthy again, the Sharks will have most of the bad luck of major boo-boo’s out of the way, and may have a relatively healthy post season run…
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?
by Deep Waters on Jan 19, 2012 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah there’s no way Havlat will be ready by the end of All-Star break. I’d imagine he won’t be ready until close to March… IF that.
Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...
GO SHARKS!
Find me on Twitter @njahoda
by winthecupsj on Jan 19, 2012 10:38 AM PST up reply actions
Well, now Havlat has got to be
one of the most disappointing big trade results in Sharks history so far. Seriously, he did mostly nothing the entire year, then self-inflicts an injury of terribly comical proportions (when you have a body of fine glass and play the game of hockey, it happens) that will keep him out for almost all of the entire playoff push – and when he finally returns, what? He’ll just use the playoffs to get into regular season game shape? God help us if we are really counting on him to come up with a stellar playoff performance.
My mostly humorous post about trading Havlat for Wellwood straight up is really suddenly looking all the less humorous.
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?
Havlat
He’s nowhere near the most disappointing trade considering he’s played all of 26 games in a Sharks uniform.
He’s had a rough season, no doubt about that but I’m more than willing to give him an opportunity to show what’s he got down the stretch and into the playoffs, which is where he’s at his best.
by milanahalek on Jan 19, 2012 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Looking forward to another Canadian opponent.
I do believe the Sharks stack up well against the Senators. Going to be nice seeing Milan back in town but he needs to keep his head up! I think Thornton and Couture will get up for this game too. I think containing Karlsson and Spezza will be important and have a feeling special teams will win this one tonight!
Its going to be tough tonight
If the Sharks the same way they did againt the Flames, then this could be a ugly game.
Go Big or Go Home
No sense cryin' over trades
What’s done is done and at the time everyone (pretty much) thought it was a steal getting rid of Cheech and Milan for Heater. Milan was injury prone and Cheech was just plain done. What I don’t like is that we went from Michalek to Heatley to Havlat. To me, that is a steady decline. The pervasive attitude in Canada is that Heatley can be a cancer in the locker room ( ala Craig Janney) but I never heard or saw that here in San Jose. Giving up on young talent can come back to bite you, but I understand why DW did it. This organization is built to win now. The problem is that so are Chicago, Detroit, Vancouver and LA. Not to mention Boston, NYR and Philly. I wish Milan the best as I always do with Shark players who have built up a repore with the fans. But tonight I hope he doesn’t do much. Go Sharks!
Lots of fierce competition this year
Last year’s finalists certainly look like they still belong at the top of the list of contenders, but boy, the Rangers are a serious threat as things look now. I’d put them 2nd or 3rd right now—the goaltending, stern defense (with Staal just getting back into the groove now), and enough scoring punch (three really nice lines)—they definitely remind me of Boston in a lot of ways critical to winning in the postseason.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
by Timorous Me on Jan 19, 2012 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Remember when the Sharks had 3 scoring lines?
Now the Sharks have one line and half a line for scoring punch. Injuries have hurt the Sharks right now, but you have to think this can’t last long.
Go Big or Go Home
Burrns & Havlat
I think we all expected more from these guys. Burns is finally starting to produce offensively. I think (ironically) he’s been pretty good on D, especially in the not taking penalties dept. Havlat is a mystery to me. I’m guessing DW and the Sharks brain trust all felt that he’d fit in really well. For whatever reason(s) that just hasn’t happened, at least not offensively. I still hold out hope that he will be a factor upon his return and into the playoffs because this team will need him to produce.
Havlat is a bust
I’m not really sure Havlat, will even be 50% once he can come back. I don’t have much faith in Havlat.
Go Big or Go Home
Well
Unless DW can work his magic, we’re stuck with him for 3 more seasons @ $5 million per. Glad it’s not my money. But before I close the door on him, I’d like to see him perform for an entire season.
Heatley was out of shape in 2010-2011
You can’t really judge a hockey player by the number of points he puts up- you have to look at the battles he won or lost. Last year, he was losing battle after battle against Detroit players in the playoffs. In 2009-2010, he didnt score very many goals in the playoffs thanks to a groin injury but he was winning some crucial battles, especially in Game 5 2010 where both goals were the result of a battle that Heatley won. However, throughout all of 2010-2011, it looked like he never had his legs
Drew Remenda
Also questioned his conditioning and attributed his injuries in part to a lack of core strength and off-season training. I’m sure his playoff failures (lack of goal scoring) was a large factor in why DW wanted to move him and his big contract while he still could. Perhaps Havlat was the best we could get in return?
I hope Havlat's a Bust
as much as Couture was. Can’t believe how many people are ready to call a consistent 50-60 point guy a bust coming into a new system and off of injuries. People be overreacting much.
Rated M for McGinn.
the locker room cancer stuff
Is pure tabloid sensation in my eyes. If he was an issue, we wouldn’t have gone to back to back WCFs. I understand the deserved hostility from Ottawa, but seriously, Heatley was a good teammate in Teal.
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 Jan 19, 2012 1:43 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
I guess it's just a Canadian thing
Because that is how most of Canada feels about the guy (my unscientific poll). Moving him was not the worst idea, but I’m hugely dissapointed in Havlat (before the injury) especially at $5 mil per year for 3 more seasons. Hopefully he will prove me and others wrong and really be good come playoff time
*envisions an amorphous, cancerous blob watching players from the showers*
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:22 PM PST up reply actions
Read the Russo blog...
And it didn’t say anything about Heatley becoming terrible, unless that was sarcasm I didn’t pick up on. Just said he’s not getting chances or shots (at least not in the last game) and he’s without Koivu- there’s no one else who is good enough to take Koivu’s place as #1 center in Minnesota and no one who can dish the puck to a goal scorer. Heatley is subpar without a #1 center a la Spezza, Thornton, and Koivu.
I have no regrets about the Milan trade. He’s still injury prone and while I like Milan, we already have that now anyway in Havlat.
Sharks win 4-2. Game winning goal from Braun since he was robbed last game. GO SHARKS!!!!
Waiting for the Cup to come to SJ since 1991...
GO SHARKS!
Find me on Twitter @njahoda
I believe Russo said Heatley didn’t even have a shot last game, that his scoring chances have been dwindling lately. But clearly it’s a whole-team problem there right now.
If nothing else, I hope Braun’s non-goal gives Jumbo the confidence to feed him more; I’ve noticed times on the PP when Thornton thinks about passing to Braun (when it seems like a shot from the point could work) but decides to circle around a couple times and figure out something else instead.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
by Timorous Me on Jan 19, 2012 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
Seating Question
After years of watching on TV, I’m finally going to pony up the money and actually head down to the shark tank to take in a game.
Can someone please let me know which side of the ice (e.g. Sec. 208 or Sec. 222) the sharks will be shooting at in the 1st and 3rd? I can’t tell by looking at the seating chart on Stubhub.
I’d really appreciate your help and any suggestions about the best way to go about getting tickets, whether it be stubhub, ticketmaster (doubtful) or craigslist. Go Sharks!
They shoot twice towards the 208 sections
Walk Hard
by mikericcinotme on Jan 19, 2012 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
I have tickets
I have my 3 season tickets available for tonight if you’re interested…let me know.
by milanahalek on Jan 19, 2012 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
I go stubhub, but usually pay about $60 for tickets with face value in the $40's
It’s worth it tho. I pass on Sacramento Kings tickets for $10 each just to have extra beer money at the Sharks games.
by SharkKings49 on Jan 19, 2012 3:31 PM PST up reply actions
Break for Sharks
Looks like Sens starting their backup
Backups
have given the Sharks a run for their money this year… =(
Hockey is like a box of choclates. But not really, hockey is way better.
"Who throws an umbrella!?" - Randy Hahn.
by Pavsisaninja on Jan 19, 2012 11:56 AM PST up reply actions
Obviously going to be
a pretty tough game tonight, not only with the Sens so much improved of late, but with Clowe out, well he’s one player that always seems to show up even if the rest of the Sharks are snoozing on the ice.
With Clowe, (Desjardins still missing), and yes, even that thus-far disappointing Havlat, the remaining top lines are really going to have to pick it up.
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?
Oh, Desjardins is back, my bad.
But yeah, I guess my post was kind of redundant anyway, Mr. Taylor kind of covered my points completely.
So I’ll just say I hope the Sharks have ‘one more’ goal at the outcome of this game tonight. One goal games seem pretty common with the Sharks team of late, yes?
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?
by Deep Waters on Jan 19, 2012 12:39 PM PST up reply actions
I know we all love us some Clowe
But he is streaky as hell, and he’s not been anything close to good for the past few games. Injury probably has a lot to do with it, but when things aren’t going well, Clowe can become undisciplined, and his back check is atrocious. He’s hardly the poster boy for consistency.
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 Jan 19, 2012 1:48 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Nothing like a game against the Sharks
To boost a goalie’s confidence. Looks like Auld needs a confidence boost…
Hey, maybe if the Sharks make Auld look really bad, Ottawa will take Nitty in a trade for a conditional 7th round pick a box of hockey tape :-)
I hear ya
But it’s the last year of his 2 year deal at $2 mill per. Plus they got him before they knew Niemi would be available. It’s not the teams fault he got hurt. There are plenty of goaltenders who make more than Niemi and Nitty combined. So it’s not that bad and his $$$ comes off the books next year. I see Greiss being a very competent back up.
For example...
Ryan Miller = $6.25 million per year
Kipper = $ 5.833
H. Lundqvist = $6.875
N. Backstrom = $6
C. Ward = $6.3
P. Rinne = $7 starting next year until 2019
And my personal favorite: R. DiPietro $4.5 million per year until 2021 OUCH!
Niemi & Nitty make $5.8 combined.
Would I rather have Quick, Howard or even Crawford? Yeah, because they’re all as good or better than Niemi and all are cheaper (for now).
I think the jury’s still out on Crawford.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Crawford
18-10-4, .904sv%, 2.81 GGA, 0 SO
Niemi = 20-8-5, 920sv%, 2.27 GGA, 2 SO.
I think you’re right!
There's a very vocal minority
Who would say the jury is still out on Howard. But they’re stupid. Niemi once was cheap, but he’s now an established net minder so of course he’ll cost more than the hot young things. But he’s most decidedly not what ails the team.
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 Jan 19, 2012 1:40 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Agreed
He’s one of the strong points for this team and I have confidence in his ability come playoff time. I don’t think he can do it alone however, where as Quick may be able to. I don’t question Jimmy Howards talent, but some will until he wins a Cup.
Greiss and Stalock combined...
Would make, what, 1.5 million?
Just saying…
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Member of FearTheFin's Mod Squad and The Knights Who Say NI-emi...
Tweet Tweet.
by ZeroIndulgence on Jan 19, 2012 2:06 PM PST up reply actions
Greiss and Stalock
Just saying what???
I know you’ve got a a thing for “young” players but that duo would have a hard time backstopping a team into the playoffs let alone winning a Stanley Cup.
If you want to see what a team looks like when they hand their goaltending over to unproven young talent, see the Columbus Blue Jackets.
psh
GREISS FOR SPETSNAZ
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jan 19, 2012 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
Niemi
Is reasonably priced for what we get on a nightly basis. Quick and Howard will get more like $5- $6 million per year when they re-sign. No matter what you think of Niemi at least we’re not stuck with DiPietro for the next 10 years at $4.5 million per year. That makes me laugh every time.
Is Cam Ward still playing atrocious hockey like he was earlier this season?
Also: As someone who likes the Islanders enough to pay attention to them, the DiPietro thing has had me laughing since Day 1. The guy was brought into the NHL way too quickly, and given a huge contract without proving himself. It was insane.
Also, Howard and Crawford are not better than Niemi. You’ve been drinking.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:25 PM PST up reply actions
wow. you mean…ottawa is…winning this year??
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
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by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 19, 2012 12:32 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Niittymaki gone! Trade happening soon.
I guess Doug wants to show case Niity in the minors. Sent down to the minors today.
Go Big or Go Home
He's not gone
He’s on an conditioning stint, he’s supposed to play Friday and Saturday and then he’ll be brought back to San Jose. Yes, he’s likely being showcased – no he’s not gone. I’m sure Wilson is working the phones though.
As long as people keep really low expectations on the return for Nitty (barring a package deal), then I’m not sure it matters, except in the sense that we know we’ve got Greiss for at least another year as our backup.
Maybe Ottawa should start Ault tonight—and the Sharks should light him up—to prove that they really need to take on Nitty’s salary for a 5th round pick.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Auld. Not Ault. Must be a flashback to the days of Alexei Yashin (+ Carol Alt) on the Sens.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
I hear the Islanders are Yashin's favourite team.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:26 PM PST up reply actions
Why on Earth would we waive him?
We’re not in any kind of cap trouble.
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 Jan 19, 2012 1:37 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Greiss has more trade value than Nitty
If we’re going to get rid of one of our three goalies, wouldn’t you think we would want something in return for the final/playoff stretch. Possibly an extra scoring piece? I think Greiss would get us something back more than Nitty but I would like to keep Greiss as our backup!
Goalies
Niether Greiss or Niitty alone will return a roster player that will help the Sharks this season.
If Spezza sits on Niemi
like he did on Reimer the other night, the zebras better call a goaltender interference penalty, considering WingelsBraunKippergate. Just saying.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
Apparently any player standing within a foot of the goalie is interference now, a la Wingels.
FYI.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:27 PM PST up reply actions
If you haven’t seen the clip, watch Spezza’s goal vs. Toronto the other night. He spends a good 10 seconds just reclined on the goalie, no call, before dangling his stick over Reimer and ever so slightly redirecting a kicked puck for the goal. It’s basically as clear of a case of goalie interference as could possibly exist: Spezza makes no attempt to avoid falling onto Reimer, doesn’t try to get off of him once he’s there, and scores the goal only because he’s been interfering with the goalie long enough to keep Reimer from getting back into the play.
The video review was only about whether the puck was kicked in, though.
Picklesnakebit since 2011.
@shampeon
Scoring challenged
Heck, half the goals in the NHL would be disallowed if you went by Tuesday night’s WingelsBraunKippergate call.
holy crap i just spent 2 hours on tvtropes
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
Like manga, sci fi, webcomics, and Metaphorical Bazookas? Check out http://firework.the-comic.org!
by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 19, 2012 2:46 PM PST reply actions
TV Tropes reads Fear the Fin!
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RealPersonFic
Fear the Fin - NEEDS MORE DOVES
by mymclife on Jan 19, 2012 3:42 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
From article:
It’s especially popular to make the very Bishōnen Orlando Bloom a Woobie and Uke. One fic made him a Hermaphrodite… and had him impregnate himself.
WHAT THE FUCK?!!!
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:51 PM PST up reply actions
I wrote an erotic Naruto fanfiction as part of a message board contest once.
I won one of the smaller prizes (any new release game of my choice), but… I’m still not sure it was worth it. :/
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:54 PM PST up reply actions
Well it was Okami, which is pretty damned close.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:57 PM PST up reply actions
heck yes that was worth it. Congratulations.
You won a fucking writing contest (pun unintended) and got payoff for it. I have never won a fucking writing contest and I’m a writer, stanch. As an occupation. The topic doesn’t mean shit. I don’t know how you sasunaru’d that shit into your hands but that is one pretty game. I never got to play the cool ps2 games in many cases, in the future I want to track them down as well as a marked down ps2 and tv to play sly cooper, okami, musashi samurai legend, etc.
Also, I want to let everyone know that there is never but ONE creepy guy in the comic book shop. Usually it’s a herd of them. I love making comics and reading the good ones, but the scene is not for me. The same with the anime scene—that’s why I hang out with people who play sports/read sports blogs
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
Like manga, sci fi, webcomics, and Metaphorical Bazookas? Check out http://firework.the-comic.org!
by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 19, 2012 5:21 PM PST up reply actions
I've won other writing contests.
I’m a talented writer,but I never do it as anything more than hobby, most of the time… I’ve won a few cash prizes by submitted old works of mine I’ve had saved on my computer. :P A scholarship grant, too. The Naruto thing is about the only non-school writing thing I’ve made up on the spot, with the purpose of winning something.
But I did sit under the shower for 10 hours without blinking, while zombily washing myself off with bleach.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 5:34 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe I didn't count right
but Ottowa seems to have the most Allstars this year, thus making them the best team this year I guess. So if we beat them with our 1 allstar, then we are the best in the NHL (maybe ever) right?
I'm jealous of Nashville.
Got Brendan Yip for free off waivers. ;-; Could that guy have added anything to the Shorks?
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
Doesn’t PK. So probably not the forward they were looking for.
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 Jan 19, 2012 3:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Also just read Buffalo has been talking to San Jose.
And that they’re shopping Roy and Boyes around to different teams. Thoughts? We either of these two improve our team?
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:33 PM PST up reply actions
Seen Roy often in Ottawa
Would be a great No.2 center in SJ
Don't we already have like 6 guys that could play #2 centre?
Marleau, Pavs, Cooch, James Sheppard…
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:37 PM PST up reply actions
No thanks really to either
I’d look elsewhere. Roy hasn’t been himself this year coming off injury (he has been good on the PP in the past and is a good player in general), and Boyes is just so damn inconsistent.
There are others on Buffalo I wouldn’t mind in SJ, who might help with some scoring depth/PK ability.
Gaustad? Hecht?
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
NEED MORE DEPTH AT CENTER!!!!
Acquire all the centers!
Actually, if we picked up Roy as a 2nd line center, Cooch could play wing.
Looking at Brad Boyes stats, what the heck happened to him that he went from 43 goals in 07-08, and 72 pts in 08-09 to not topping twenty goals a year since then?
If that happened, we would probably trade Clo-
Oh, I see where this is heading.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:49 PM PST up reply actions
Who the fuck is James Sheppard??
Lol jk
"We saw those trophies and we knew what we wanted to accomplish." - Joe Pavelski
That'd be quite amazing
If either came over.
Dany Heatley=All-star.
"How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?" -Jacques Plante
Randy Hahn: "He's got moves like Jagr."
by dfh15 on Jan 19, 2012 3:45 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Where did you read that. If it’s not a big source it’s not a real deal.
I’ve learned (the hard way) that if it’s not a big source, it’s BS when it pertains to San Jose. DW, I think, makes a stipulation that all his deals have to be done in clandestine fashion or they die. No one breaks a SJ trade before SJ.
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 Jan 19, 2012 3:49 PM PST up reply actions
Was on some hockey trade rumor site.
They cite ESPN as their source, but of course, I don’t pay to be an “insider” and hence can’t see the shit they made up.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:52 PM PST up reply actions
It was not on ESPN Insider.
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 Jan 19, 2012 3:59 PM PST up reply actions
Confirmed BS then.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 4:51 PM PST up reply actions
Seems like easy speculation to me
Buffalo’s really sputtering…trade deadline closing in…struggling players…scouts in the building.
Of course there might be potential for a deal. But as I said above, more likely someone like Gaustad, if anyone, would be headed west.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
There’s Sharks scouts at the Rangers / Penguins game tonight…lets start some rumors between those teams!
Havlat, Niitty and a 1st for Malkin
Mitchell for Richards and del Zotto.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
Surprisingly, no scouts for the Calgary/SJ game Tuesday. I haven’t seen a BUFF scout in SJ all year.
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 Jan 19, 2012 4:00 PM PST up reply actions
Buffalo
They probably can’t afford to fly them to the West coast considering what they’re paying Leino, CE, Boyes…their season went sideways quickly!
I would love to add Gaustad. That would be huge. But I don’t think it would be for Niittymaki.
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 Jan 19, 2012 3:59 PM PST up reply actions
Nah. I wonder what Gaustad would fetch? Making $2.3 MM, UFA after this season…2nd or 3rd round pick? One of our (not top end) defensive prospects?
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Based on past dealine pick ups
A player like Gaustad would probably require a 2nd from the Sharks (the #55 pick).
He wouldn’t be my first choice though.
My first choice is Frans Nielsen. But Gaustad would be a fine acquisition as well.
You could bring them both on… but that’s probably wishful thinking!
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 Jan 19, 2012 4:19 PM PST up reply actions
Crap, Nielsen is cheap. And god how I would love to get BOTH of those guys for the stretch run.
I hate the idea of giving up much for “rental” players, unless we can re-sign them, but the more I’ve looked at the Sharks’ place in the NHL this season, the more I’ve decided they have to make some move if they want to have a legit shot at winning the Cup. And bolstering their depth (particularly to develop a killer PK) and team speed is going to be critical. At least they can leave the defense alone.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
He’s cheap and he’s a great PK/PP guy.
More I think about it, adding Gaustad and Nielsen for picks/prospects would be a huge boon, and I’d think they’d like to stay in SJ and have a chance to win if paid fairly as UFA’s.
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 Jan 19, 2012 4:32 PM PST up reply actions
Looking at Gaustad more, think he would be a huge add. He’s Buffalo’s leading PK guy in TOI and he’s got a positive GA ON / GA OFF spread shorthanded.
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 Jan 19, 2012 4:29 PM PST up reply actions
Love Gaustad’s size and toughness, too, plus he’s fantastic in the faceoff circle (more important when considering the PK). According to THN from November:
Gaustad’s win percentage (58.2) is better than Roy’s (55.4). And Gaustad’s win percentages last season (59.8) and in 2009-10 (57.4) indicate he’ll remain one of the league’s more successful players at the dots.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
He fits SJ’s need to a T. Perfect player for this system.
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 Jan 19, 2012 4:41 PM PST up reply actions
He’d be ok, I just think there’s players (if they’re avail) that would fit better and I’m assuming the Sharks are only going to pick up 1 top 9 forward (preferably one that can play in the top 6).
Ruutu, Nielsen, Purcell, Ryan Jones all have way more scoring pop which I think it more important to this team than a penalty killer.
Gaustad’s pretty consistent as a scorer, and the PK is a huge concern for me, and I think it is for the team too. I like him better than Ruutu and Jones.
He’s also massive, and brings a Ryane Clowe type game. Would be nice to have some size to go with Zeus.
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 Jan 19, 2012 4:54 PM PST up reply actions
We can just agree to disagree on the PK as I don’t think 1 player is going to make a huge difference. I also don’t think size is an issue with this team.
Like I said, he’d be OK – an obvious upgrade over Mitchell which is what the team needs.
They could add both Gaustad and Nielsen without giving up a roster player if they get out from under the Niitty deal.
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 Jan 19, 2012 5:02 PM PST up reply actions
I’ve been pining for Nielsen for the past 2 1/2 years!!! If there’s a good chance he’d re-sign here I’d give up Min 2nd + a good goalie or D prospect.
They actually have over $4min in cap space (at the deadline) so they can fit both of those guys in no problem. That number will go up once guys start getting healthy and they’re down to a 23 or 24 player roster…I think it’s at 27 right now (Vandy, Clowe, Sheppard, Havlat on IR)
Yip
I’ve watched that Avs quite a bit this season, he wasn’t worth a contract space / roster spot. He’s not better than Ferriero, Wingels, etc.
A year or two back he looked like he was going to turn into a pretty solid player, but has really fizzled. Maybe it’s something about playing under Sacco—he might start to reach his full potential in Nashville.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
In all fairness, Nashville could probably take Yutaka Fukufuji and turn him into Patrick Roy.
There’s something magical about that team.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:48 PM PST up reply actions
Barry Trotz does have the look of an evil genius
Especially when he shaves off his beard. Wow. What a melon.
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
Barry Trotz
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 3:53 PM PST up reply actions
Just my two cents
bad time for a ‘project’
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jan 19, 2012 6:14 PM PST up reply actions
Ideally for me
The Sharks win, and Spezza+Karlsson are in on every Senators goal.
Dany Heatley=All-star.
"How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?" -Jacques Plante
Randy Hahn: "He's got moves like Jagr."
by dfh15 on Jan 19, 2012 3:44 PM PST via mobile reply actions
No
Putting a player on IR never saves cap space. LTIR can be used to exceed the cap but that’s not what the Sharks are doing, they needed to make a roster move to stay at the 23 player limit.
Interesting about White
When does he get in? And for whom? I’m not really ready to see Braun or Demers get benched right now (though I did like the White/Braun pairing while Murray was out—quite good on the PK, too).
Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood
HEY
i know this might not exactly be the right place for this, but since it’s such last minute i wanted as many people as possible to see it.
I HAVE A SPARE TICKET FOR TONIGHT. friend can’t go anymore last minute. Sec 128, Row 12, Seat 19/20. normally priced $122 (as you all probably know) i’d love to get like 70$ for it. But above all else I just don’t want it to go to waste. So if there’s anyone that wants to go to tonight’s game let me know! email me: sra455@gmail.com
by you'vejustbeenCAINED on Jan 19, 2012 5:16 PM PST reply actions
that is very nice of you
And feel free to do that here, whenever, because dammit, we need more people doing this.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jan 19, 2012 6:15 PM PST up reply actions
We should trade havlat+prospect and a 1st rounder for this parise kid that wants to play for a contender. And it will save the devils cap space because havlat is always hurt and the ycan put him ltir until his contracts up
"We should trade havlat+prospect and a 1st rounder "
no. we should not.
Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI
STALOCK GET A ROBOT LEG OR SOMETHING AND COME BACK~WE NEED SOME LOCK STOCK STALOCK HERE!!
Like manga, sci fi, webcomics, and Metaphorical Bazookas? Check out http://firework.the-comic.org!
by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Jan 19, 2012 5:23 PM PST up reply actions
Why notour 1st round isn’t worth much more than a bag of puck’s + and injury prone winter and a mid tier prospect for a guy who’s coming into the prime of his career and wants to play for a cup contender why not?
Cuz he's gonna ask for the bank on the open market
and he’s gonna get it. Not worth it for a rental and I can see NJ getting more in return tradewise anyway.
Rated M for McGinn.
He English goodly yeah.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw
by Evil Stanchion on Jan 19, 2012 5:59 PM PST up reply actions
Couture and Clowe for Ovechkin
Somehow I think we’d be getting jipped.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Jan 19, 2012 6:15 PM PST reply actions
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