Sharks Update

So, the Sharks finally lost one at home. Of course it came in OT, after 57 shots on goal, but Dan Ellis just raised his game up rather high the other night. The Sharks should get used to this type of games from goalies though; the "better" you are perceived to be, the bigger the game for the other team. It will be harder for the Sharks to keep their focus sharp than the underdog that comes to play them. That, I feel, will be their biggest challenge throughout the season.

Nabokov is still out, though Cheechoo should be returning tonight. While I hate to see Nabby injured, and wish him a speedy recovery, if there was ever a time for him to be injured, this would be it: After the Sharks gained a pretty good lead in the Pacific Division, after they played Detroit & Pittsburgh, and before a lot of other big-games come around. It makes the team overcome some adversity and to rally around Boucher (and therefore concentrate on D a bit more). This type of work is what will be needed in the long run if the Sharks hope to a) make the playoffs and b) make it past the 2nd round.

First Game a Hit

What a night. Totally worth the drive up from So Cal to attend the Sharks home opener. The opening was cool, except for the lack of the Sharks head (I guess there was some sort of problem, so it wasn't used). The player introductions got even better when Nabby was introduced and the place got loud. Soon after, the Sharks regular season began.

The first period was so-so, about what I expected to see from a Ducks-Sharks game. What I hadn't expected to see were the great hits tossed out there by Roenick and Thornton. I did expect to see a fight, especially with Parros and May in the Anaheim lineup and Shelley and Murray in for the Sharks. But didn't happen, shocking.

Now the second period, from a Sharks fan's point of view, was great. Nice to see Cheechoo being a pest in front of the crease ala Holmstrom, and then manage to put two in the net. Thanks to the Ducks for not figuring out how not to play. The third period was almost as good as the second, I mean, who could have expected to see Erhoff put one in the back of the twine. And even though Blake didn't get a goal, it wasn't for a lack of trying. I was disappointed that Nabokov did not get the shut-out he deserved. And I would have liked to have seen a Cheechoo hat-trick, but a 4-1 win was still way better than I expected.

So, in the end, 1 down & 81 more to go. Just keep getting better boys.

Note: Who would have thought Toronto would pull off a road win against Detroit? I sure didn't. I'm happy for Toskala and Ron Wilson. I didn't hate Ron, but can see why a change of coaching perspectives can help a team. I wish him well in Toronto.

Bernier also showed some nice grit and scoring touch in Vancouver's game: fighting Phanuef and scoring a goal. Way to go Bernie, my fantasy team appreciates it.