Not Going To Write You A Love Song
by Diecast Dude
Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 11:23:46 AM EDT
Yeah, yeah, I know. Used the same title for a post on the NASCAR blog not too long ago. Well, it applies here as well. Plus it gives me an excuse to put on a Sara Bareilles video to serve as a distraction from brooding too much over what went down last night in Dallas:
For two periods, we saw what had been expected going into this series: two quality teams having at it and giving it everything they had. San Jose held a slight advantage, which was appropriate as they are at least talent-wise the better team. However, this advantage wasn’t gained by talent alone. It came about by talent working. Which of course has been the idea all along in this game. You receive only that which is earned, not implied.
And then the third period started.
Once Dallas had evened the score, and yes it should have been 2-1 at that point save for a failed Lasik operation on Don Van Massenhoven but these things happen and you have to play through them, the Stars kept working while the Sharks immediately turtled. It became the same act we’ve seen for the past three post-season, rapidly going on four: an unwillingness to work, an inability to make plays. That the game went into overtime is a testimony solely to Evgeni Nabokov saving the Sharks’ bacon time and again until finally he could no longer save his teammates from themselves.
Last night was a gut check. The Sharks didn’t have any. When your superduperstar transforms before your very eyes from hockey’s equivalent of the Holy Trinity to the trinity individually known as Larry Curly and Moe, when your forwards develop sudden amnesia on how to play in their own zone and as a bonus the other team’s, when your defensemen become convinced the NHL is a no-checking league, when you believe the puck is made out of toxic rubber and must be disposed of as quickly as possible with as little force as possible lest it corrode your stick, you lose. When you do all of the above against a team more than willing to accept your largesse in handing them every possible opportunity to beat you, you lose. Furthermore, you lose like a bunch of gutless pretty boys who dazzle when allowed to do so but collapse like a sandcastle in a hurricane when actively opposed. Which is precisely what happened last night and in every other game this series.
Displays like this game mark the fourth straight year we’ve seen this act in the postseason by this team. Every year during the offseason we’ve heard the same speech about how all is well, wait until the kids develop, we’re smarter, we’re better, we’re tougher than last year. No. You’re not. You’re not smarter and/or better and/or tougher than last year, because if you were smarter and/or better and/or tougher than last year you wouldn’t be going gently into that anything but good night. You are the same team you’ve been for the past four years. And it’s not that you’re not good enough to win. You simply can’t be bothered to do what it takes to win. When next season rolls around, if there is yet another offseason of the aforementioned speech combined with window dressing moves toward (quote) improvement (end quote) in lieu of a genuine strengthening of this team’s core, the Sharks would be well advised to eschew any kind of banner raising or unveiling ceremony for this season’s Pacific Division championship. If not, they face the prospect of more than a few fans climbing into the rafters of HP Pavilion to hang a companion banner reading "so what."
Assuming they have any fans left.
[Open Thread] Game Three, Western Conference SF: San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars
by Diecast Dude
Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 07:18:34 PM EDT
(Stars lead 2-0)
It's not do or die, but it is closely related.
Given how the Sharks have played better against Dallas in Dallas this year than at home, it's not unreasonable to expect San Jose to come out flying. Which they'd better. The only way to break the trap is by blowing past it. Or a few well-placed elbows, which given the Sharks inconsistent level of physical play thus far in the series would be a change of pace.
Dallas is too good of a team to be given anything -- like the puck, repeatedly (*coughbriancampbellcough*) -- so the mistakes that have plagued San Jose in the first two games have to be sharply curtailed. The "oh, we had a chance to score there but didn't because so-and-so didn't bother to work their way into position to grab a rebound or variations thereof" shtick has got to come to a screeching halt. The physical play has to both increase and become consistent; you can't check someone once and go off on your merry way assuming that's good enough for the entire game. Basically, the Stars aren't going to beat themselves. They can be beaten, but only by playing better. Thus far in this series, the Sharks haven't come close to this. Tonight, they'd better. It's that simple.
Okay, let's drop the puck.
P.S. A profound thanks to whoever in the NHL wrote a schedule that has a playoff game starting when most of us are still at work... noreallyImeanthat... (grumble grumble grumble)
And This Is Acceptable How?
by Diecast Dude
Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 01:26:07 AM EDT
For whatever reason, the Sharks have this penchant for not playing motivated unless absolutely pushed. Well, they now have their wish.
Tonight's 5-2 loss to the Stars in Game Two of their Western Conference Semi-Finals matchup was dreadful. Constant fumbling with the puck, especially in the defensive zone. An unwillingness to physically engage Dallas on any kind of consistent basis. A string of missed scoring opportunities because while Player A was doing their best to set things for Player B, Player B was already in full retreat mode. Shaky goaltending. At least it was a team effort.
Of course the series isn't over yet. That said, if they lose Tuesday night in Dallas it will be. The Sharks have to look within themselves and answer the question why both individually and collectively they tanked at the Tank tonight. They know exactly how Dallas is going to play, and they should know by now that the referees are going to allow the Stars to continue clutching and grabbing and holding the Sharks to their heart's content every time they're in the Dallas zone. Nothing a few good elbows wouldn't cure, even if it means taking the penalty. The point is that along with the need to start making basic plays, such as not handing the puck to your opponent time and again, they have to start playing angry. They should be very angry right now. At themselves. If not, then there is something seriously wrong with this hockey club requiring major off-season work to eradicate. But until that is proven to be a necessity, San Jose needs to find the answer within as to why they are handing a team with which they are at least an equal if not superior this playoff series without so much as a whimper.
[Open Thread] Game Two, Western Conference SF: Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks
by Diecast Dude
Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 04:15:37 PM EDT
(Stars lead 1-0)
Once again... let's try this again.
One strongly suspects how, given Ron Wilson's strong words after Game One, the Sharks will be far more aggressive in their shotblocking efforts. I don't remember Patrick Marleau doing the bunnyhop on Dallas' game winner, but obviously there it was. One also suspects the effort to check Mike Modano hard along with generate traffic in front of Marty Turco will also see a substantial increase. Or at least it better.
Okay, let's drop the puck.
There Is Too Sleeping In The Playoffs
by Diecast Dude
Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 03:53:44 PM EDT
Maybe I'm missing something, but wasn't there a huge push in the NHL not that long ago to cut down on the clutching / grabbing / holding school of playing the trap defense in order to bring some life back into the game? Guess not, based on how the Stars played Game One en route to a 3-2 overtime win.
That said, let's give credit where credit is due. Dallas took what they were given by the officiating and working it to their advantage. Their basic game plan is to think defense first, clog the lanes, wait for the other team to make a mistake, and then pounce. When the game is tied or they're behind they are more aggressive in their effort to establish an attack, but even then the basic philosophy remains the same. The other night, it worked.
The game was for the most part a dull, plodding affair. San Jose had clear physical dominance, but that wasn't on Dallas' list of things to worry about. They laid back, frustrated the Sharks, as mentioned took full advantage of the refs having left their whistles in their other uniforms, and eventually ground out the win.
It didn't help in the least that the Sharks took far too long to adjust. Grinding against a grinding team isn't playing "their" game; it's accepting what's being allowed and using it to your advantage, not allowing the other team sole possession of the scenario. It also didn't help that while Milan Michalek played easily his best game of the playoffs, Brian Campbell... ugh. His asking price is dropping precipitously with every mishandled puck. When the player you're counting on to initiate plays via precision passing is instead fumbling and bumbling time and again, you're not going to generate a whole lot of offense.
Most disappointing was how the Sharks played in overtime; i.e. on their heels. They didn't stand up to Dallas' pressure. They didn't stand up to Dallas period. Why?
Hopefully all parties involved learned their lesson and will be far better prepared for Game Two tonight.
[Open Thread] Game One, Western Conference SF: Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks
by Diecast Dude
Fri Apr 25, 2008 at 07:04:56 PM EDT
(Series tied 0-0)
Pretty much said it all in the series preview. Time to git'r done.
Okay, let's drop the puck.
Western Conference Semi-Finals Preview: San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars
by Diecast Dude
Fri Apr 25, 2008 at 07:01:59 PM EDT
Expect much hugging but no loving in this series. The teams hate each other, the fans hate each each other, and in all likelihood the popcorn vendors hate each other. This is a feud masquerading as a playoff series.
While much has been made of how the teams split their regular season matchups, it should be noted both made noticeable personnel moves after the majority of those games had been played. The Sharks added Brian Campbell, who seemed to be getting the hang of this Western Conference playoff thing as the Calgary series was drawing to a close, while the Stars added Brad Richards, who didn't add much during the regular season but had five points in the six games against Anaheim. It would help tremendously if Campbell would similarly step it up in this round.
The major offensive threats from the Stars are Mike Ribiero, the apparently immune to aging Mike Modano, and Brendan Morrow. Sergei Zubov, Dallas' best defenseman who also excels at making things happen offensively, may be back in the lineup for this series after having been out since mid-January with assorted physical issues. In net is the mercurial Marty Turco, an excellent puck stopper and handler when he isn't having a meltdown. Which lately he hasn't been having.
The Sharks will need to avoid the yo-yo they rode against Calgary, where one game they'd be world-beaters and followed by an outing featuring sixty minutes of scared scattering bunnies. The aforementioned Campbell and Milan Michalek need to get into the swing of things and start contributing in the manner which they are capable. Basically, the Sharks' stars need to outshine the Stars'... um, stars. This is an extremely even matchup. I'm already steeling myself for Gam Seven.
Looking At The Other Semi-Final Matchups
by Diecast Dude
Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 06:14:40 PM EDT
I was .500 in my first round predictions, which is actually better than I usually do at such things. Ah well.
So without further filler, my take (for what it's worth) at the other semi-final matchups. Sharks-Stars preview tomorrow.
Montreal vs. Philadelphia -- Their what-was-that three game fade against Boston after having treated the Bruins like washrags in the first three games notwithstanding, the Canadiens have so much more than the Flyers this one is the biggest mismatch in this round.
Predicted winner: Montreal
Pittsburgh vs. New York Rangers -- Any attempt by Sean Avery to pull a stunt on Sidney Crosby will be immediately slapped down by the officials, guaranteed. The Penguins have way too much firepower for the Rangers to keep up.
Predicted winner: Pittsburgh
Detroit vs. Colorado -- Ah, the hottest rivalry in recent NHL history now enters its second generation. The Avalanche have the kind of speed that can penetrate the Red Wings defense, and if Jose Theodore stays strong this becomes officially v-e-r-y interesting. I'm going with the upset.
Predicted winner: Colorado
Saluting An Awesome Foe
by Diecast Dude
Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 05:56:29 PM EDT
Tuesday night was the first time I had experienced a Game Seven in person. While I'm more than grateful for the experience, I wouldn't mind not going through it again.
The intense beauty of the second period was something to savor. Before the Flames pulled ahead 2-1 the game had been relatively even, an ebb and flow as both San Jose and Calgary had stretches of time where they had the advantage. But when they were behind, no one on Los Tiburones turtled or panicked. Instead, in the twilight of his career Jeremy Roenick stood up and said through deed not word he was not yet ready to contemplate leaving this game without continuing his pursuit of at least once hoisting the Cup. You know the rest. The Sharks turned into their namesake, attacking without restraint or pity. There was a brief lull at the beginning of the third period when the Flames were able to make it a two goal deficit on their part, but then San Jose got back into an aggressive mode, and Calgary could only watch as their season came to a conclusion.
I wonder if this was Owen Nolan's last game. After making the Sharks more than once deeply regret his deciding to sign with the Flames instead of them, his teary departure from the ice after the team handshake during which he spent several moments with old teammates such as Evgeni Nabokov gives reason to believe this was the final night for #11. If so, he will be a welcome presence at the Tank, be it as a spectator or if Doug Wilson can find a spot for him in the front office.
It was easy to understand why the few Flames fans who came down for the game were both shaking hands and having their hands shaken by Sharks fans after the game. Calgary played the series with guts and passion from the first shift to the last. Some more secondary scoring, and they will be a genuine threat in this league. But this year, they simply didn't have enough to beat the Sharks. A tip of the cap to them.
Bring on Dallas.
[Open Thread] Game Seven, Western Conference QF: Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks
by Diecast Dude
Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 06:42:16 PM EDT
(Series tied 3-3)
It ends tonight. How it ends remains to be seen. Really not much more to say, is there.
The Sharks best players have to play like the best players. 'Nuff said.
Okay, let's drop the puck.
Exactly What Was That?
by Diecast Dude
Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 06:37:12 PM EDT
I'm sure there's an explanation as to how the Sharks individually and collectively played the last game like the all-too often referenced in this blog since this series against the Flames started scared little rabbits. I'm not sure I want to hear it, though.
Joe Thornton was horrible, constantly giving the puck directly to the Flames. Milan Michalek, who's been a cipher the entire series, reached new depths of utter ineptitude; his indecisive bumbling away of the puck when the Sharks had a three-on-one breakaway will, should the Sharks lose this series, rank right alongside if not higher than Johan Garpenlov hitting the post and Sandis Ozolinsh not taking the shot at an open net during overtime of Game Six against Toronto back in that magic '93-'94 season as playoff nightmares never to be forgotten.
Hopefully the Sharks of Games Four and Five will make their presence known tonight. Hopefully. If not... well, there's always the Earthquakes and Sabercats for the next few months.
[Open Thread] Game Six, Western Conference QF: San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames
by Diecast Dude
Sun Apr 20, 2008 at 07:12:35 PM EDT
(Sharks lead 3-2)
While game six is only a must-win for the team down a game, it would behoove the Sharks to avoid a Game Seven because of the dreaded "anything can happen" scenario. Maintaining the level of play exhibited in the past game and two-thirds would go a long way toward guaranteeing this Tuesday is a day of rest.
Depending on how assorted players are feeling, there is some talk that Ron Wilson will employ a traditional 12-6 personnel deployment rather than the 11-7 used the past couple of games. Personally, I hope not; the constantly changing lines have given Calgary quite the headache.
Okay, let's drop the puck.
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