Sharks survive a scare or three, prevail over Blackhawks 5-3

by Mr. Plank on Feb 10, 2012 11:20 PM PST in Sharks Game Recaps

After sleepwalking through a second period that saw them get outshot by the tune of 17-3, San Jose limped into the second intermission barely hanging on to a 3-2 lead. It didn't get any better 2:15 into the third when Dave Bolland found Bryan Bickell in the crease for the tying score-- all of a sudden San Jose, who looked dominant in the first period, was firmly rocking on their heels as the Blackhawks took it to them in all three zones on the ice.

With HP Pavilion restless, something had to happen. There's more than one way to skin a cat of course, but sometimes the claws have to come out.

You can count on McGnyan cat for that.

Following a hit from Bryan Bickell that leveled Marc-Edouard Vlasic along the bench boards, McGinn stepped up to the plate to take out the kitty litter. That fight sparked the Sharks and led to a Benn Ferriero goal twenty seconds later, effectively turning the tides of a game that looked like it was going the other way.

"I just heard a loud noise, didn't even really see the hit. Some guys started to freak out a bit and I knew the crowd didn't like it too much so I kind of went over to see what was going on," McGinn said. "It was kind of weird fighting Bickell because we were teammates when we played for the Ottawa 67's."

Despite the fact that he was trading blows with a friend, McGinn said that he recognized the situation of the game-- one where the Sharks needed a spark to get things going in the right direction.

"Yeah it's in the back of my mind, we didn't have a lot of jump there and I know we needed something to spark us. We responded really well there with Ferriero's goal."

McGinn would add a goal of his own later in the game, taking a feed from Ryane Clowe on the power play. After spinning to his off shoulder in tight amongst traffic, a move that frankly defies every instinct in a human body outside of players like Pavel Datsyuk, McGinn would roof his shot in a split second and beat Crawford to effectively put the game on ice.

It was pawsitivly gorgeous, and a goal that capped off a night when the San Jose Sharks scored three power play goals that proved to be the difference.

"When we discussed the power play when it wasn't going well we were banging our heads against the wall trying to figure it all out. One of the things we did was put the five together that were comfortable and that seemed to click," McLellan said. "The second is that the second unit is pushing the first unit right now, they're able to score goals and look really comfortable."

Raving about McGinn aside, tonight's game from the Sharks was truly a tail (okay, I'm done) of two teams. The power play was purring along (seriously, finished) all night, and finished 3 for 6 with 12 shots. As McLellan stated, that kind of production is exactly what San Jose needed as of late. It's what many expected to see heading into the year and an excellent trend to see them begin to come alive in the second half.

Credit should also go to Brent Burns (3 A) and Justin Braun (1 G, 1 A) for their performance throughout the night. Braun especially has begun to look much better in recent games, giving San Jose a good look on the backend heading into the upcoming nine game road trip.

With all of the positives however, there are still some concerning trends which need to be ironed out in the limited practice time they will have during the rest of February.

Their even strength performance tonight (outshot a massive 30-14) was very lacking, and the second period as a whole was one in which the team was lucky to escape with the lead. It's hard to expect a team to deliver a "60 minute effort" that both fans and the media tend to bandy about, but periods like that are ones that usually end up killing you in these closely contested games. With a flat first period against Calgary still fresh in the mind, improving that overall performance and not counting on a massive swing in momentum to win games will be crucial heading forward.

San Jose's win tonight against a desperate Blackhawks team was a reminder of how good things can be when this team pours it on-- the special teams as a whole continue to trend in the right direction, and big moments from role players are excellent signs to see.

It's just a matter of ironing out the moments of ineptitude (moments that are experienced by every team in the NHL as Chicago's seven game losing streak will attest to) and sticking to the core basics of Sharks hockey on this road trip.

It starts on Sunday against St. Louis.

Let the ride begin.

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…meow.

"The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel." - Horace Walpole
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Feb 10, 2012 11:22 PM PST reply actions 5 recs

i thought the Bickell/McGinn fight energized both teams. It had little impact on the final result

I’m not sure why McGinn did not get an instigator penalty – but that’s water over the bridge as they say.

Other than are abysmal goaltending, it was a highly entertaining game to watch. most Hawk/Shark games are. I don’t like Thorton, but he was conspicuously noticed on the ice last night. I thought are rookie, Dylan Olsen played a fine game – I loved it when he flattened one of your forecheckers who took a run at him – the kid is big and strong. I know he knocked in Thorton’s pass, but if it got through your foward would have banged one in.

Stalberg made a terrible play that led to that goal and sat the rest of the game. Brilliant Q, brilliant.

As I noted here yesterday, Crawford needs to stay glued to his cage. Honestly, I’m so tired of seeing opposing players have wide open nets to shoot at. i’ve been a staunch Crow supporter all year, but last night may have been the final straw.

by wardrums on Feb 11, 2012 6:09 AM PST up reply actions

Because instigator penalties happen when one guy charges in and drops the gloves and starts going just before the other guy agrees and then drops his own. A mutual “lets do this” fight typically doesn’t get anything other than the fighting majors because that just happens in hockey and it wasn’t some guy taking on someone that didn’t want to fight in the first place.

Don’t forget that the refs are on the ice too and so they can hear what the players are saying to each other, and so intent can be judged to a degree there.

by VVhirlwind on Feb 11, 2012 7:41 AM PST up reply actions

That may have been the first fight I've evr seen Bickell in...

I hear what your saying but ion my mind it’s afine line

by wardrums on Feb 11, 2012 8:39 AM PST up reply actions

Fifth career fight for Bickell

Sixth for McGinn, though three of those were in the preseason. And just judging from Bickell’s face and smile, I’d never call this fight anything close to inappropriate.

Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood

by Timorous Me on Feb 11, 2012 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

Niemi also

scares me when he goes behind the net to play the puck.

If you mention ending your life, or show signs of self-harm, I will take you seriously!
"Take a deep breath sometimes, a break, and play some hockey. Hockey is a great way to take a pause from day-to-day hard work." -- Lt Gen. D.H. Huntoon Jr. (paraphrased)
"He doesn't miss many of those!" --Randy Hahn
"Something's gotta give." --Drew Remenda (mumbled under breath on the air)
How's Your NHL Team Really Doing?

by Soloact on Feb 12, 2012 1:06 AM PST up reply actions

Now what’s so funny right meow?

"In football, I root for the Oakland Raiders because they hire castoffs, outlaws, malcontents, and f*ck -ups, they have lots of penalties, fights, and paybacks, and because Al Davis told the rest of the pig NFL owners to go get f*cked... Someday, the Raiders will be strong again, and they will dip the ball in **** and shove it down the throats of the wholesome, white, heartland teams that pray together and don't deliver late hits"
– George Carlin

"I'll do anything to score a touchdown. And I'm not afraid like some people, their afraid to call those plays. I'm not. That's the way I like to live my life, I like to live on the edge. And that's the way it is, and that's the way it's gon' be."
-Hue Jackson

by AlDavis4Prez on Feb 11, 2012 12:11 PM PST up reply actions

Really solid game

Aside from parts of the 2nd period. The atmosphere was pretty good (probably cause it’s the Blackhawks). PP was clicking, and the big boys chipped in with support from the secondary. The fights energized the crowd. Fun game to be at. Oh BTW, you owe us 12 articles on McGnyan, Plank.

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 Feb 10, 2012 11:24 PM PST reply actions

power play was the game plan

looked like the sharks were determined to get the hawks into the penalty box, good idea given their even strength stats.

man that second period was a bad 20-minute flashback to 2010.

by phastphill on Feb 10, 2012 11:25 PM PST reply actions

I think pickles had one of his better games tonight. He was matched up against the top line all night and did a great job with the task. He was one of the few bright spots in the second period.

Every day is just a little worse than the previous, that means every day is the worst day of my life.

by shooting4life on Feb 10, 2012 11:32 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Braun

Braun seems to make really timely pinches and has been reading the play well lately. i loved his game tonight and think he’s come along nicely. Pavelski and Vlasic also come to mind when I think of players who had a good game.

"You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain Kent Huskins!" - Randy Hahn 2/13/11
I'm on the tweets

by pooponastick on Feb 10, 2012 11:43 PM PST reply actions

Good timing for Braun on his birthday

As well as Benn Ferriero… he can score on other people’s birthdays as well.

Joe Pavelski: When it absolutely, positively has to be won in Overtime.

by Sharks91 on Feb 10, 2012 11:57 PM PST up reply actions

Score on all the birthdays!

by bezzerkker on Feb 11, 2012 12:33 AM PST up reply actions

When the Sharks

push the hawks off the puck and mess up their rhythm they can beat them without needing Niemi to win the game. But they get burned easily every time when they sit back and try to get pucks back by using their sticks in the defensive zone like in the 2nd. I’m not that worried about Chi anymore since they don’t embellish like Van when they’re losing or start to get pushed around. STL on the other hand… I’m hoping to see the Sharks finally put together an energized north south game against the Blues.

"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn

by raphelo on Feb 11, 2012 12:01 AM PST via mobile reply actions

Very good win

Yeah there were some scary moments, especially in that 2nd period, but I felt the Sharks put in a good effort to maintain the pace of this game. Didn’t let those two quick goals against deter their game too much either. PP was smooth and the PK has maintained it’s consistency as of late. Always nice to get the win heading into a very long road trip.

Go Sharks!

WAR Chris Lytle!

by AwkwardBoner on Feb 11, 2012 12:21 AM PST reply actions

The Sharks are 3-0 and score five times when I go to a game.

Somebody should hook me up with season tickets.

I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
Good job Giants, now win 3 more world series titles and then you just might be worthy of being mentioned in the same league as the A's.
THAT IS NABOKOV IN NET NOT NITTYMAKISHUTUP!!!!!!!!!!
San Jose: Being Kept save from ferocious enemies by the Sharks and Earthquakes since 91 and 96.

by Diamondback15 on Feb 11, 2012 12:35 AM PST reply actions

Well I only went to 1 game last season and 1 game this season

But they are 0-2 :(

Went to the lame 4-1 loss to the Sens this year.

WAR Chris Lytle!

by AwkwardBoner on Feb 11, 2012 12:40 AM PST up reply actions

Not Pretty

I agree on the 5 on 5 part. We’re lucky Chicago is horrible on penalty killing. We definitely took advantage of their penalties. It’s still scary to know this game could have been closer had they not taken penalties.

by rollercoasterfreek on Feb 11, 2012 12:48 AM PST reply actions

Not pretty?

When facing a nine game road trip in fifteen days, and potentially leaving on a three game losing note – man, just take the points and be happy!

You can look at it like, yeah, the game would have been different if Chicago did not take so many penalties – but hey, they did, and they paid, and that’s hockey, and the Sharks won.

Besides I prefer to look at it like this – the Hawks ARE LUCKY that the Sharks took their foot off the gas and slept through the second period, content on a two goal lead… then maybe the Sharks could have pulled of an Edmonton and scored seven or eight goals!

The game could have been different for any number of reasons… should have could have would have… nah, I am going to celebrate for once – the Sharks won before their big road trip, and I’m happy for it.

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 Feb 11, 2012 1:01 AM PST up reply actions

100 percent penalty kill,

50 percent power play (3 goals out of six attempts) – that combination usually means success.

A scary second period, and Chicago’s tying goal in the third put my nerves on screaming-fire mode, but you know what… I remember how the Hawks so thoroughly beaten the Sharks the last time these two teams played, so the eventual victory of this game was extra sweet.
Heading off for a nine game road trip with a three game losing streak would have been fairly daunting, so I can only assume this game was important to win (and in regulation!) for some confidence building.

I noticed the chatter around the internet stating how the Sharks are only third seed because they are in the weakest division, and do not deserve a third-seed placing, etc. However, could it just be that the Pacific division is more, how should I put it, well-balanced in strength? Therefore teams from top to bottom in the Pacific just alternately steal points from each other?
We certainly do not have a Columbus ‘whipping-post’ of the Central division, or the notorious inconsistence from Edmonton to Minnesota in the Northwest?
Even look at the Pacific’s last place team, Anaheim – 6 – 2 – 2 in its last 10 games, and has broke the 50 point mark. Also, Phoenix has 60 points, and is 6 – 3 – 1 in their last ten games. The Coyotes are catching up to Los Angeles, and closing the gap with the Sharks at an increasingly uncomfortable pace of late.

Ultimately, if the San Jose Sharks do manage to win their games on hand they would be much closer to some teams that are currently ahead of them in point totals.

At any rate, I think the Pacific division, overall, has been one of the most competitive and skilled divisions over the last few years – and this season is not over yet, I do not think it is fair to say the Sharks are leading the ‘southeast division’ of the Western Conference. The season is not over yet, and many things can change during the course of a very short time period.
Just ask Chicago Blackhawks’ fans; how many people would have ever imagined the Sharks overtaking the Hawks at any point this year, back when Chicago was white-hot and leading the league not so long ago this year.

Once again, things may change for Chicago at any time – but regardless and most importantly, San Jose just needs to keep concentrating on their own game, getting it done and garnering as many points as possible on this upcoming road trip.

by Deep Waters on Feb 11, 2012 12:52 AM PST reply actions

We are on the west coast, no one gives a shit.

by Diamondback15 on Feb 11, 2012 1:05 AM PST up reply actions

There was some chatter of that sort earlier in the season

Which was ridiculous then, given that anyone could have predicted it’d all turn around in the end. But I don’t think anyone’s been claiming that recently. Or rather, anyone who knows the first thing about hockey.

by warning on Feb 11, 2012 4:54 AM PST up reply actions

Point being

I don’t think you’re arguing with anyone.

by warning on Feb 11, 2012 4:54 AM PST up reply actions

Was not really looking for an argument...

Just, being in Toronto, and around any media coverage that even bothers to mention the Sharks at all – that notion of the Pacific division being a ‘free ticket’ to the third seed is still alive and well of late.
I was just sharing the ridiculousness of the issue, and was not aware of how extensive the topic was elaborated upon amongst my fellow Sharkinites, so I just vented about it innocently enough.
At any rate, I have posted enough over-the-top controversial topics in my time, and was looking at a more in-depth discussion as to why the obvious should be more obvious regarding the good guys.

Have a good day warning, and go Sharks go.

by Deep Waters on Feb 11, 2012 12:37 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry

I realize that and “argue” was probably not the best word. I just meant, you spent quite a time justifying yourself and you were pretty much just preaching to the choire. Nbd though.

by warning on Feb 11, 2012 3:03 PM PST up reply actions

The people that talk about the Sharks are only 3rd because of a “weak” division are all east coast people that don’t watch the Sharks at all, and only look at their history of not having been to a cup Finals game.

If those people knew what they were talking about, they’d know that in this season so far the Sharks have only played 13 of the 52 games in their division (out of a total of 24 division games). In those 13 games play, the Sharks have a total record of 7-6-0.

I also find it hilarious that anyone could accuse the Sharks of only being 2nd because of a weak division and not say the same thing about the Canucks. Additionally, just last season the Pacific division was one that was literally on the verge of having EVERY team in the division in that year’s playoffs. This year’s teams in the division have fallen on some hard luck but are still capable teams. The Ducks are really the only team that would need a massive like 15 game win streak to get back into the playoffs, but all the others are right on or in the top 8 already.

So whoever is talking about the Pacific being shit, they need to stop drinking and look at the conference standings sometime. Is anyone saying this about Boston? Same games played and they’re only 2 points up on the Sharks.

Ugh, the ignorance of some people is astounding.

by VVhirlwind on Feb 11, 2012 5:17 AM PST up reply actions

VVhirlwind, very well said...

That is exactly why I brought the topic up, as I have mentioned many times, being in Toronto, any success or victories earned by the San Jose Sharks, the east coast media (us along with the eastern seaboard) find excuses to lessen the accomplishments, either through outside fortune, or simple dumb luck – and never because the San Jose Sharks, although never having won the Cup, have been one of the most pleasurable and consistently impressive teams to watch for many years now.

Let me tell you, if the Toronto Maple Leafs had half the team the Sharks have had over the last decade or so, Maple Leaf fans would be calling their team the BEST team never to have won the Cup, rather than ‘chokers’ and ‘underachievers’.
San Jose achieving a spot in the final four for two years in a row is not what I call choking, but rather an incredible consistently great team that did not have things go their way near the end.

And concerning our ‘beloved’ Vancouver foes, Canuck fans define their team differently from our Sharks in some illogical, intangible way. What, because Vancouver ‘made’ the Stanley Cup finals twice to date? Well, sorry, but they are still in the same boat as the Sharks – they have not raised the cup yet!
However, for some odd reason, they are not labeled chokers because they managed invitations the Stanley Cup finals? That hypocritically goes against the argument that is used against the Sharks all too often; if winning the Cup is the ultimate and only relevant goal, then hey guess what, Vancouver has virtually nothing over San Jose.

by Deep Waters on Feb 11, 2012 1:00 PM PST up reply actions

People just like to talk smack.

If you get upset over what fans of other teams say on the internet than you are going to give yourself an ulcer.

by Briceratops on Feb 11, 2012 1:15 PM PST up reply actions

I know now how we can win the CUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clone Crawford and put him and his clones in net for every team we face!!!!

by Diamondback15 on Feb 11, 2012 1:04 AM PST reply actions

Well, technically the power play was 4-6. Not only did Crawford dive to draw the call (which made it a bad call), but the contact was outside of the crease. It was a pretty stupid play by Crawford. He gambled a penalty call for a goal… and got lucky.

"Logan Couture is a dirty, filthy man. Tell all your friends" - Mr. Plank

Welcome to the NHL, Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg.

by Bockerz on Feb 11, 2012 6:56 AM PST reply actions 2 recs

Something I particularly like about the end result of tonight’s game and the past stretch of games is it has put the team in the 4th spot for PP, though the kills still only have them at 26th.

The St Louis game is going to be a real test, they’re playing so well and are #1 in the league in Goals Against. I’m so glad we’re not getting them on a tail end of a back to back.

by VVhirlwind on Feb 11, 2012 7:47 AM PST reply actions

+'s and -'s

+’s

I was happy to attend the game last night and equally happy to sense we’re getting closer to prime time based on the energy level throughout the building. The opponent being Chicago played into that of course…

Braun continues to get better and better, McGinn had a solid game, and I have growing confidence in guys like Winchester and Desjardins.

Then there is Ryanne Clowe. What more needs to be said about a guy that is playing with at best a recently healed facial fracture (or is it still broken?) dropping the gloves the first shift after he came to the defense of his captain after Toews and he mixed it up by the benches? And the pass to Ferriero? That was a thing of beauty.
-’s

White’s play was simply unacceptable. He is labeled a physical defenseman but if his level of physicality is the standard we’re in deep trouble come the playoffs. Perhaps he is nursing an undisclosed injury and holding back… Then there is his inability to clear the puck out of the defensive zone. After a disastrous 3rd period clearing attempt that led to a turnover and the loss against Calgary Wednesday he made the identical clearing attempt last night and almost got torched again. He needs to pick his game up or watch from the press box once Demers is healthy.

by hit 'em on Feb 11, 2012 8:43 AM PST reply actions

Whitey's Play

I don’t know if I am being fair in saying this. It almost appears that Colin White is just happy to collect his $3 Million pay check, finishing his downward trending career. Disappointing. Even if it’s “only” a $1 mil hit for SJ, could Wilson have done better? Is it time to promote a physical d-man from Woosta to get some NHL minutes?

Speaking of physicality, did anyone catch the abuse that Burns was dishing out to the Hawk that was on his knees in the Sharks zone? I was at the Tank last night, but want to review it up close on DVR. I just can’t remember if it was the 2nd or 3rd period when the action took place. That Hawk almost suffered a serious whiplash.

by Shrk2th on Feb 11, 2012 11:09 AM PST up reply actions

Only thing I can think of

with White is that just like Handzus hasn’t had a great offensive season he’s still been able to help Mcginn. Maybe Tmac plays Colin more since Braun and Demers maybe benefit more from Colin White’s experience over Vandermeer’s clearly better on ice play? Or maybe White just needs a lot more playing time to get the Sharks west coast style of play down, whereas Tmac doesn’t need to worry that much about Vandermeer? Either way, if White is still playing like he’s been playing almost all year, I don’t see any way Vand doesn’t start over him in the playoffs. Cause White has made it clear that he won’t fight because of his eye and is just waiting for next season to find a team back east so he can be closer to his family. Maybe dw can trade him for a defenseman that actually wants to stay and play out here in a package deal to an east coast team since he’s gonna lose him at the end of the year anyway.

"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn

by raphelo on Feb 11, 2012 12:19 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

just waiting for next season to find a team back east so he can be closer to his family.

If White wanted to be closer to his family he would’ve signed w/ an Eastern Conf. team…he said he got offers so you assuming he’s just going through the paces is pretty far off. He started out slow, played well for a while then got hurt…he had a couple of good games before these last 2 which haven’t been good. He’s been inconsistent like just about everyone else on the Sharks not named Vlasic, Pavelski or Couture.

I expected him to be better than he has been, especially on the PK, but between Vandermeer & White, i’d go w/ White.

Handzus’ offence has been fine, he’s on pace for another 30+ point season which is what is expected of a 3rd liner – if you want to complain about him, complain about his defensive game which has been sub-par.

Vandermeer is a #7 d-man and that’s really where he should stay, he’s good to step in for games that will get chippy or in case of injury…he’s not a defenseman I want in the lineup for the playoffs.

by milanahalek on Feb 11, 2012 12:33 PM PST up reply actions

White has said he's planning on going back east

Vandermeer really hasn’t played any even though I know he’s had a few bad games whenever he gets the chance. Maybe if Vandermeer played four or 5 games straight I’d change my mind but for now, I’d rather see Vandermeer in the playoffs. Better then a non confrontational, turn over machine like White. And I’m talking over the season not just recently.
I just think White is better off being the 7th d-man regardless of who he is or what people think he’s still capable of. And just because Handzus is on a 30 point pace doesn’t mean he’s gonna get 30 points. I was wrong about Clowe not earing his 3.6 mil but I still don’t think Zus has been earning his 2.5. But at the same time, I do hope he does bank 30 or turns out getting even more.
All I was saying was that he’s at least helping McGinn’s game who’s considered part of the Sharks future. If White’s doing that for Braun then it’s great for the team regardless if White isn’t having an great year. But I still say or at least want to see Vandermeer for a good 6 or 7 straight games to decide who’s a better fit for the team at the #6 spot in the playoffs.

"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn

by raphelo on Feb 11, 2012 4:05 PM PST up reply actions

It’s the coaches job to decide who’s the best fit and he’s had multiple opportunities to let Vandermeer play – White was out for a while, Demers has been out for a while, Murray was out for a while…there’s a reason he’s not put into the lineup more often and that’s becuase, while he’s capable of filling in as a bottom pairing limited minutes d-man, he’s not an every day player, he never has been.

by milanahalek on Feb 11, 2012 4:23 PM PST up reply actions

Correction - Just watched the scoring highlights

and the pass to Fereiro was by Winchester not Clowe, my bad. I still love Clowe’s game:-)

by hit 'em on Feb 11, 2012 4:26 PM PST up reply actions

5 on 5

So, for most of the season the Sharks dominated 5 on 5, the PP wasn’t great the the PK was horrible.

Now, the PP and PK are great and they’re struggling a little bit 5 on 5…eventually, we’re going to see what they look like when all of those are clicking at the same time.

I’ve been watching Braun play for a long time, including when he was playing at Mass. and I just last night put my finger on who he reminds me of – Dan Hamhuis. His positioning, hockey IQ, poise with the puck are all outstanding and he’s going to continue to keep getting better.

I’ve also been really impressed with McCarthy, he’s been effective where ever it is McLellan puts him.

I had a whole lot of Chicago fans sitting around me at the game last night and it was nice to finally see them unhappy after a game (it’s been a while since I’ve seen the Sharks beat the Hawks in reg as I always miss the game around Thanksgiving).

I’m really hoping the Sharks can stay healthy on this 9 game in 15 day road trip and maybe even come home with another forward. Sheppard should also be about ready to head to Worcester by the time this trip is over. If they can come back after this trip still in 1st place in their division I’ll consider it a successful trip.

by milanahalek on Feb 11, 2012 8:53 AM PST reply actions

Good call on Braun. I’ve been thinking a lot this year about similar players—the best I’d come up with so far was Anton Stralman of the Rangers (who is woefully underrated and playing really well lately). But the Hamhuis comparison makes a lot of sense, especially on the defensive side of the puck—Braun’s got a pretty long reach, and though he doesn’t play a very physical game, he uses his stick extremely well and as you said, his positioning is very good.

I also think Dan Girardi’s a solid comparable (though he’s more physical and Braun has showed more offensive prowess from a younger age). Similar size, undrafted whereas Braun went in the 7th round, and just an extremely high hockey IQ.

Winter. Time to eat fat and watch hockey. -- Margaret Atwood

by Timorous Me on Feb 11, 2012 11:34 AM PST up reply actions

I like McCarthy's game

And with Wingels out I’m glad dw found someone to play that’s more effective then McLaren. I wouldn’t mind seeing him go in a trade. Oh yeah, I also take back any Clowe trade talk I ever brought up. You guys were right, he’s too valuable and paid accordingly.

"Not to sound like a complete homer but, that was a bad call." -Drew Remenda
"You tee em up and I'll knock them out." -Randy Hahn

by raphelo on Feb 11, 2012 11:50 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

How I feel about this game

I did lose my internet connection toward the end but I trusted the power of McGinn. And I love the cat-related puns in this writeup guys.

Clowe just got back and wants people to know it. It was a 5-3 birthday for Braun!

Waffles, Digimon, SETOGUCHI

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Defense wins games, championships, and my heart, as in the case of Avery Bradley, Jr., Boston Celtics guard #0

by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Feb 11, 2012 9:22 AM PST reply actions

no idea it would come out that big. I'll really be using the height tag a lot from now on

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!

Defense wins games, championships, and my heart, as in the case of Avery Bradley, Jr., Boston Celtics guard #0

by YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere on Feb 11, 2012 9:29 AM PST up reply actions

In the future, remember to also preview your post if you’re going to include pictures. It definitely helps prevent those “oh crap large image!” moments.

Fear the Fin - NEEDS MORE DOVES

by mymclife on Feb 11, 2012 12:23 PM PST up reply actions

Colin White

This guy needs to see the end of the bench and not see the ice at all. Every time he steps in the ice, I expect a bad turnover and he usually gives one up. He is completely lost on the ice and I have no idea why he is in the defensive rotation.

Mark my words, if this guy plays in the playoffs, he will cost this team dearly.

by The Sear on Feb 11, 2012 11:04 AM PST reply actions