Sharks Preseason Update
Obviously haven't watched one bit of the action thus far this postseason considering the lack of televised games, but the Sharks are currently 0-2 after losing to the Anaheim Ducks again last night.
Not that it matters.
Niemi and Niittymaki have both struggled thus far, with Niemi posting a .785 SV% (11 saves on 14 shots) and Niittymaki posting a devilish .666 SV% (8 saves on 12 shots) in their two games against Anaheim. Considering the fact that Dan Boyle, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Douglas Murray have yet to suit up for a game, it's no surprise that the defense has been to blame for the majority of the goals against-- on a micro level, it goes to show you what kind of workload these three players are going to be expected to carry this season with the Sharks blueline still lacking a top three guy who can eat some big minutes.
The plus side to non-televised games is that you don't have to see Corey Perry light the lamp four times in two days, with a hat trick last night kickstarting what is looking to be another strong year for everyone's favorite Duck.
Also, that picture of Aaron Voros above? Courtesy of The Destroyer of Worlds, Monsieur Jamie McGinn. Pretty brutal.
Some other links to tide you over today:
- Puck Daddy has their Sharks season preview up and running.
- Pollak is reporting that most training camp cuts will happen on Sunday after tonight's split squad with Phoenix.
- 144 penalty minutes in last night's game against Anaheim.
- Niemi's new mask is in. Jury is still out on this one considering it looks like a Salvador Dali painting.
- Lineups for tonight's split squad action can be found at SBN's Coyotes blog Five For Howling. Looks like the big guns at forward are getting the start in San Jose, with the majority of the team's defensive depth heading over to Jobing.com Arena./
McLellan isn't a fan of split-squad games due to the fact that he won't be able to watch all the players, and I definitely agree with that.
Go Sharks.