Thoughts before Game 2

I managed to talk myself out of spending the $300+ on a new sweater yesterday at the Sharks store. I mean, I do plan on getting one of them eventually (with Nabokov's name), but I really should wait for the third jersey to come out first just to make sure I don't like that one better.

I've been chilling out here in San Jose, spending the last day at my cousins' house, enjoying the noise only two young kids can make (3&6). But I'll be back at the Shark Tank tonight for game 2 against LA. My cousin is going with me which is cool. She's a good Shark fan too, though perhaps not as fanatical as I am.

I'm hoping the Shark-head works tonight, I missed seeing that the other evening. I'm also curious to see if the Sharks have any type of let-down after their big win over Anaheim on opening night. It'll be interesting to see what kind of energy they can bring to this one. I really hope to see them beat up on LA.

I was tempted to go to LA's home opener tomorrow (against SJ), but am already posed to go to Anaheim's. And if the last preseason game against Phoenix was any example, there should be some hard hitting, etc. In short, everything the Ducks forgot to bring with them to San Jose. (Except for Guigere, he brought his "A" game, but not many other Ducks did). The only reason I even considered going to LA's opener was to see their reaction to Blake in the teal. Ahhh, oh well, the DVR is set so I'll get to see what they do later. [Prediction: I hear a lot of boo's in Blake's future].

Ok, it sucks when the two teams you follow most closely are in the same Division, but don't worry, the Sharks will always be number one for me.

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.

And the season begins

So, while we wait for the roster to become finalized and the puck to be dropped, some random thoughts on the upcoming season:

I've only seen the Sharks in one pre-season game, but I liked the tempo. I'm hoping to see the improvement a few weeks together in the new system has brought about. (If none is seen, I'm going to be very depressed). Watching the puck move quickly up the ice and seeing bodies planted in front of the goalie made me very happy. I hope it sticks.

Where will Kyle end up? I like the guy and appreciate the time he spent in SJ. It's too bad his knee(s) are so wonky and limit his time. I hope he ends up with a club that will let him play.

How will the new lines work out? Will they stay? After years of the Ron Wilson revolving lines, I'm not sure what I'll do if I'm able to actually recognize lines that stay together throughout a game. (I'm not knocking Wilson's habits there, it's just his philosophy, game plan, what have you). I hope the Michalek - Pavelski - Cheechoo line really is developing some chemistry as I know that has been questioned in the past. If they do, watch out, cause that'll bring two big lines capable of throwing pucks in the net. Also, who ends up on the first line RW? Setoguchi made his case, but we'll see if he can keep up the work ethic he needs.

Wow, only 33 more hours 'til the game. (Sigh)

Start the Season Already

Ok, Soupy's gone, Blake & Boyle are in; Rivet's out (boo), but Blake bought his home and the kids are already in school. Boyle is due back soon, Vlasic's made some cash, and the boards are getting ridiculous right now.

I soooo can't wait for the season to start. I've got season tickets this year...finally broke down and did it - I'll at least give it a try, but living 400 miles away may make this seem like madness. Oh well.

RUMORS

Man, I hate rumors like these: Campbell has quit talking, DW shopping his rights all around since last week (how come we don't hear about it until today?); Marleau to Columbus for Zherdev and a 6th, no Brule and a 19th, no, Marleau + Carle for _________. Take your pick. It's getting old. How many more days until July 1st?