Sharks start to rise from the dead

Wow, what a crazy end to the old year and a great way to start the new year. First, the Sharks lose 2 to Phoenix, the second time in an 8-0 drubbing in front of many of the players' fathers. That resulted in several meetings the following day, a change of lines, and ultimately the send-down of Carle and the Bear to the AHL. The Sharks came out the following day and in an inspired 1st period of hockey, threw their weight around and shot the puck at Turco, chasing him out of the goal. The result, a 4-0 period and Turco having been replaced by Smith in goal. The next two periods were OK, but the Sharks let Dallas score 2, but held on to win the game.

The Sharks returned to San Jose where many, but not all (see Carle & Bear), celebrated the New Year. I was afraid the Sharks would have forgotten the results of all those team meetings last week by the time they played the Red Wings. And, when they started play last night, it appeared I was right. The first shift was great and then it went downhill from there. The Wings quickly took a 3-0 lead and I thought all the shifting around and shake-ups had gone for naught. Nabby was chased from the game again, for team psychological reasons more than his play according to Ron Wilson, and Toskala came in to finish the game.

Boy, was I wrong about the way the game was headed. Josh Georges, whom I've read many malign on several boards, finally scored his first goal in the NHL. The Sharks went into the first intermission down 3-1 instead of shutout. They came out for the second period and Cheechoo and Pavelski showed some good work together, getting Cheech a score to close it within one. Soon after, Ryan Clowe, back after what, 12 games on IR, scored to tie it up and we had a whole new game. In the end, the Sharks scored 9 unanswered goals, chasing the "Dominator" (Hasek) from the game after 8. The Wings scored one with a few minutes left in the 3rd, but this game, after the middle of the second period was a route.

Thanks for making me wrong guys. Great game and great way to show some heart and grit. Now KEEP IT UP!!