Shark Week: Week 10 Player Rankings

“Shark Week” will be a piece that runs every weekend on Fear the Fin, where Plank and TCY will track the progress of the players over the course of each week. The players are listed alphabetically, the arrows will indicate the change on a weekly basis. We will also keep track of our top five Sharks players each week.

Big stick tap to Japer’s Rink, whose weekly feature called “Capitals Ups and Downs” helped inspire this series. In fact, we pretty much stole it entirely.

Goalies___________	Trending	Notes
Antti Niemi		Although he started the season poorly, Niemi has taken the starting job from Niittymaki. He’s 3-2 in December with a 2.53 GAA and a .909 SV%. Rebounds, like the ones we saw last night against Chicago, will always be an issue.
Antero Niittymaki		Great early in the season, not so great lately. He has a .886 SV% and a 3.69 GAA in December. Goaltending tandem has historically helped him succeed.
Defensemen_______
Dan Boyle		Isn’t scoring at a rapid pace, but he’s had to adjust his style to play heavy minutes. His 27:43 average in December is the highest for him all year. Needs help shouldering the load.
Justin Braun		Braun hasn’t been making as many defensive mistakes as he did initially, and he’s still chipping in on offense. Six points in eight games with the team. Lots of potential.
Jason Demers		Came back from injury and has looked good. Wasn’t shining offensively early, but has come around lately with a nice goal against Philadelphia and a breathtaking play against Chicago which resulted in a Clowe tally. Is getting better defensively with every game. Exciting to watch.
Kent Huskins		Hasn’t played since 11/27 in Edmonton. Going to have to fight for his spot once he gets healthy, but had a great year with Demers before injury.
Derek Joslin		Although he’s impressed us with his physicality and offensive instincts, there’s no room for him right now, especially with Braun stepping up. A Huskins return might mean a trip to Worcester based solely on roster space.
Douglas Murray		A factor in every game simply because of his physicality. Isn’t letting that take him out of plays like he has in the past. Developing some offensive skills, though still obviously not a strong suit of his game.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic		Recovered from a dismal 25 games to start the season. Has played solid defense and contributed to the offensive flow, adding 3 points (1 G, 2 A) in the last two games.
Niclas Wallin		Better than many expected this year. Physical, positionally sound. Hamburgers.
Forwards__________
Ryane Clowe		Like many of the Sharks, he’s turned it on as of late. Three goals, seven assists in six December games. Phenomenal board work.
Logan Couture		Close edge over Clowe for best Shark right now. Couture leads the team in goals and leads the Calder Trophy Race.
Benn Ferriero		Has meshed well with Couture and Clowe, should stick with the team. Scoring pop (3 G) has helped him make a case.
Dany Heatley		Hasn’t shown up on the scoreboard much, but has been more creative as of late. Engaged in game. Ol’ Pixistix hands– they’re sweet.
Patrick Marleau		Struggling mightily as of late. Looks a step behind in all situations, contributing to an atrocious -17. Needs to turn it on. Yesterday.
Jamal Mayers		Surprising speed and tenacity. A much better signing than originally thought.
John McCarthy		Hasn’t been much of a factor lately, but contributing minutes. Hard to see him sticking when Setoguchi returns.
Jamie McGinn		Needs to start scoring points. He’s been demoted to a fourth line role, but looked good against Chicago and had some scoring chances just miss.
Torrey Mitchell		Speed finally returning to his game.
Scott Nichol		Same ‘ol Scotty. Doing exactly what you’d expect of him.
Joe Pavelski		Power play tally in Philadelphia was nice, but the team needs more Big Pavelski and less Little Joe.
Joe Thornton		In a mild slump, but there doesn’t appear to be an underlying issue. Marleau’s efforts have not helped point totals.
Devin Setoguchi		Still out with an upper body injury, but hopes to return soon. Upcoming road trip is likely.

Logan Couture
Ryane Clowe
Dany Heatley
Dan Boyle
Douglas Murray