Defenseman13

why on Earth Little Joe hasn't been in more is beyond me. He played in the Nashville series and did great. Guerin has had no goals, and Little Joe is, well.... he's a lucky rabbit's foot. A very underrated player. AMazing things happen when he's out there/ Hopefully he's in, no disrespect to Guerin's injury.

Because we have this uncanny ability to just not show up to games. I've watched EVERY game this season, some twice or more. I freelance graphic design BTW, so the TV(s) are right above my head set up with Center Ice. Try being in a relationship with hockey on from 4-10 every night...good times. Anyways, the youth of the Sharks was easy to rattle. All any team had to do was come in hitting hard, and we would fold. The big reasons Guerin and Rivet are in is to add a veteran presence and leadership. From experience, having someone on the bench and in the locker room to talk you through tough periods can make the difference. Midway through the season, the Coyotes beat us something like 8-0. All the players fathers were there, and after the game the GM got on the bus and had a good chewing. After that, we started kicking ass. BUT... the Sharks A.D.D. kicked in. After trouncing the Coyotes with physical play and a great fight or two.... http://www.teamblueline.com/SJPHX.wmv (might have to download to desktop...from my FTP, safe) the very next game, we lost to the Canucks 0-1. Flat, no fighting, no physical play. WHich is horrible! So many countless examples of hits and fight turning games around, and after three periods of flat play, nobody put 1 and 1 together. Wilson NEVER calls a time out, and I feel that he doesn't do enough to rile our players up. While we played better than we did pre-PHX, we still blew games. We hadn't lost three in a row since the Big Joe, but we sure did halfway through this season. Inexuseable losses to crappy teams too. Shark fans I believe were genuinely worried about even making the playoffs at one point, and thank god Clagary and COL fought tooth and nail for that last spot which was like 10-15 points below us. It was pretty amazing that we got up to 5th in my opinion. That being said, my biggest fear about the Sharks is not showing up. Not one or two players, but for some reason the entire team does it. I love them, and every player is amazingly talented in his own way... but you've all seen us blow the lead twice. We'll see Saturday. crap, 11am here? That means I have to start drinking at 10am.....

Wilson was referring to "Riss".... he actually said the name. Rissmiller for short. While Guerin and Marleau HAVE to score and contribute, this is a deep team that should have won two of these come-from-behind games. Patty and Billy were not responsible for what happened with the goalie pulled... at least not directly. Just as a team. I only say "should" because I feel we let the foot off the pedal and failed as a team. But hey... it's so close, so many shots off the post... good lord, how close was that last game? The Wings won because they deserved to because of hard work ethic. As for being shook up, nah.... these are NHLers. Saturday is the true test of the Sharks worthiness, as well as a true test of the young player's hearts. It will be a great game regardless of the outcome. No blowouts yet, eh?

hehe sorry, when I saw the "business" part of the title I had to add this. No disrespect. It comes from the Photoshop thread.

The actual press conference was far from "blasting"...but yeah, it hurts as a player to hear the coach tlak about "you know who" that way when you know who it is. Nothing sucks more than letting your team mates down, never mind the coach. I don't think he went too far... he's a realist, and said what had to be said. It's in the player's hands at this point, and they blew it. They all know it. At this point he's not saying anything that any of the players don't already know. Ron's words

dude...we've been asking the same of you guys for YEARS. I'd rather stick a dead Shark down my pants than an octopus any day.

The thing that is so frustrating about the Sharks is their uncanny ability to not show up. Not sure if you guys heard, but there was this "turn around" game midway through the season where the Phoenix Coyotes whooped us something like 8-0. AND it was father's day, so all the dads were there. After that loss, the owner got on the bus, kicked all the dads off, and gave it to them. After that, things turned around...sort of. We certainly kicked some butt after that, but for some reason we had problems showing up now and then. One game we would fight or get physical and win, then the next we seemed to forget how to do that. Or worse, go three periods flat without anyone saying "hey, remember how that fight or hit turned the game aroud?" It reminds me of the scene from Mystery, ALaska where Bebe talks to Tree (or was it Moose) and tells him "you're the big guy! Act like it!" That is why Sharks fans are a bit bitter.... it is absolutely mind numbing why after sitting on a two goal lead and losing, that history repeats itself. And why we don't kick it up a notch on the physical side. oh well, lots of hockey left. All is not lost!

My buddy in San Jose, Wingnut and former linemate, we have this war going on. The likes of which I can't reveal to this forum out of respect to women, children, and farm animals. My god we blew it tonight... but I can laught at myself as well as look forward to the next game. SO... here's what I found in my inbox tonight after the game, compliments of my Wing buddy. It cracked me up. Don't get me wrong, Shark fans... I'm still in it. But these are funny, you have to admit. Had to share it with you guys. See you Saturday...oh yes.

crikey, double post...oops. Couldn't delete!

Again, I must ask that you do not read the sjsharks.com boards to look for a representation of Sharks fans. It is pure DRAMA over there, by the same group of people. It's like a really exclusive high school clique, but there are a few good people that actually talk hockey and not just worry about who posted what where. These are just people on the internet, and the percentage of Sharks fans (butts in seats, people that realize that there was hockey before 1991) that actually log onto that site must be 1:20,000. Don't take it personally.... but we did have that game won, and HORRIBLE positioning by the Sharks lost that game. RIssmiller might be a healthy scratch on Saturday. But aside from life in the NHL, this is an amazing series, and has now become a best of three. Sure the Wings deserve credit... but you are the enemy. This is also the third game in the playoffs that we blew a lead and sat back while the other team came back. Now we go to the Joe... and no Shark fan is looking forward to that. And to the sjsharks members (which I once was).... don't take this personally either. The first DAY I posted in that forum I posted a picture of myself with Willie O'ree, and talked nothing but hockey. Immediately these people tore me up. Sure, it's an ugly forum... but compare it to this one. People actually talk about hockey, without Ad Hominem in every response. The new moderators (over there) are just old posters who volunteered, and if you read just about ANY thread it inevitably turns into a pissing match with references to sex toys and people's mothers. Nothing has changed, and the Sharks organization should be ashamed. I take that back. The people posting over there should be ashamed. The Sharks organization has better things to do than babysit people on the internet. This is why there are no avatars, sigs, or posting of pictures allowed. Unfortunately, a newspaper went to the forum last year and quoted a few people. So I would hate to think that anyone, including advertisers or other fans would read half the stuff and think that Sharks fans normally act like that. I should bring up that spammers and porn ads were posted out of control, and members had no control over it... that's when the boards got shut down. There was no moderation. Again, there are no job postings for forum moderators in Silicon Valley. Which is too bad, since I've never met nicer people than at the Tank. Obsessed Sharks Fan rules I might add, and is a true teal fan. I thank him for standing up for me, even if it is to them. Grypho is also amazing, as you have all seen. These are the Sharks fans that I know, and is typical of most fans I've met. That's the last you'll ever hear me bring that up. Sorry you won't get that time you spent over there back, either.

Back in...wow when was it.... the last year Owen Nolan was our captain.... I still have this on tape.... It was either the first or second round, against the Blues I believe...when the Blues were still a powerhouse. We were down by one, and the local San Jose broadcast cut out with the goalie pulled for the Blues to show that the Wings had won and were advancing. Handshakes, recap...the whole deal. We absolutely went NUTS over this. FSNB (Bay Area) got something like 14,000 phone calls that night about it. It cut back in to show the game over, Nolan had netted an empty-netter. How close are you to a bar? I'm in Long Beach, so I have to go somewhere with Center Ice (besides my house). They've been blacking out the Duck games...lame.

well, being European isn't a "race" persay... but yeah, he did blast the Russians. But he called them wimpy, which is just him beating his chest about loving physical hockey as opposed to the grace and stickhandling that European players brought to the game. It's not "racist"... just a proud ol' Canuck. Cherry blasting RUssia..... a little over the top, yes.

Once again Grypho, you are so amazingly articulate and outspoken that there is no possible way I can expound on this. Granted, I would love to see a sure Shark win somewhere between a hard fought victory and a blowout.... but this is just plain good hockey. Not Sharks hockey or Wings hockey, just good hockey. My god, when that shot went in at the last minute, 12 people fell onto the ground over here. Expletives flew. A beer fell over. A cat ran for cover. Hearts dropped, stomachs twisted, and this indescribable feeling fell over the Shark faithfuls here. I can't imaging the Wings side. Then the phones rang. Calls from Poland, Michigan, North Carolina and San Jose came flooding in... either our friends from the east giving us crap or sympathy. On a side note, my folks have been to every home game this year except five, and EVERY game they call so that I can hear the anthem. Something you (Grypho) said about a "snapshot in time" rang true. This is what it's all about. All the great memories that take place either on the ice or at home... or at the bar... with friends, fans and family. That's it I suppose... all has been said really. Next game is 11am here PST. It's all about this.

I don't get the racist thing... I think he just has stong opinions. He loves the tough guy, and loves the physical play and fights. He's definitely a man's man when it comes to hockey. I love the guy. Speaking of men, you'll love this clip. I've met both these men (Cherry and Scott THompson from Kids in the Hall) and have their autographs. It starts kind of awkward, but gets hilARious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYjqaZIOUws

cool... I was stuck with vs., and their brilliant explanation was that it HAD to be some leg injury because of his hasty exit to the locker room favoring his foot/leg. Glad he's not hurt. On the flip side, Guerin has a nasty cut but will return Saturday. Yay. Maybe he will score in the playoffs.

... but I'm still nervous. Maybe because it's worded so... rhetorically. Article Sharks Prepare For Different Look May 2, 2007 When Tomas Holmstom enters the San Jose-Detroit series for the first time tonight, it will definitely change the Red Wings plan of attack. Holmstrom is notorious for sitting directly in front of the netminder, and while it may ultimately be the goaltender’s problem, Nabokov is simply the last line of defense and the blueliners and forwards can help deter any potential problems as well. “He gets there as early as possible,†said Hannan of Holmstrom’s offensive position. “You can get in front of him or lift his stick.†Being in front of Holmstrom to stop a shot, prevents the goalie from being screened. Working his stick keeps the Red Wings forward from grabbing any rebounds or tipping for a redirect. “You can’t allow any second chances,†said Hannan. “He’s good at tipping the puck. He knows where to screen and how to tip.†It is not a few years ago where Holmstrom could be battered and beaten away from Nabokov. “In the old NHL, you would try and move him physically and be nasty with cross checks to move him out,†said Craig Rivet. “In the new NHL, you can’t touch him in front of the net.†Plus, the confrontation in front could do more harm than good. “If you’re battling, you’re creating more interference for the goaltender,†said Rivet. The Sharks have dealt with a similar threat so far this series with good success. “Todd Bertuzzi is 6-3, 245 and he’s like Holmstrom,†said Rivet. “He likes to plant in front of the net.†San Jose’s shot blocking ability will be even more necessary tonight so that Holmstrom never has a chance to screen Nabokov. “As a team, we’ve done a great job of blocking shots,†said Rivet. “The forwards and the defense.†ok, laught at this if you want... I did. It's the last part of the article.... "LOVING 25 Mike Grier could have been the Sharks MVP from the Nashville series and has played a big role against Detroit, but it is not news to Wilson that Grier is a great hockey player. “I’ve watched him since college and dreamt about having him for 15 years,†said Wilson. " Goosd luck everyone! Game on at 10EST! Beers at the ready...

Normally I would make some comment about seeing some stranger in teal, or something along those lines... ...but every time I see Guerin in teal, I still freak...it's so unnatural. So anything's possible I suppose. It's not like Fleury is going to show up in teal!

If there's one thing I'm ok with, it's that we don't have a Roloson, Calgary backup, Belfour, or other type goalie that will get so frustrated by people in his crease that he takes shots at Holmstrom. Nabby will argue a goal, like any goalie... but he wont slash/whack at anyone. So that's good for us I suppose.

no no, homosexuality IS funny. Just as heterosexuality is funny. See, there's humor in everything. Cancer, death, injury... falling down stairs... Ron WIlson dreaming of having Grier for 15 years... geez loosen up. Life is SO much easier when you have a sense of humor. 1) I know a few guys, just as I know a few girls, who used to be straight for whatever reason ans SWITCHED. So, you're off on that point. Stop speaking for gays unless you are one. 2) I live in California. Aparrently you are quite unaware that homosexuals do NOT get "hateful flak" here, but are accepted and even have their own communities...which I might add in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are far nicer and more expensive to live in. 3) Jew jokes can be funny if done tastefully. 4) I do have *** friends. You're off AGAIN. They tell great straight jokes and I tell some doozy *** jokes right to their face. They love it. Why? Becasue they have a sense of humor. You don't. You are attempting to speak for whole groups of people that you don't belong to. Ottawa, 3-1.... good times. 45 minutes and counting to the Big Show!!!! Now HATE is different... had I mentioned bashing or if I wouldn't accept homosexuals for who they are...well, that's a problem. I happen to have quite a few *** friends, and I thank them for showing me Rocky Horror, John Waters films, Hedwig, as well as being good friends. You are SO far off in bringing racism into this argument.... good lord, you are way off. Get a sense of humor. NOW. www.downloadasenseofhumor.com

speaking of rhetorical.... and hey, childish or not... there IS humor in a paragraph starting with "LOVING 25" and ending with "I’ve watched him since college and dreamt about having him for 15 years,†that there's funny, I don't care who ya are....

Ha! Joe has two!

Well put. I really can't compound on this too much. I can still hear the two or three shots that rang off the posts at the Shark tank by the Wings... that game could have gone the other way just as easily. I think ANY game in the series is important, and I would not like to see the Shark's endurance tested by a 6 or 7 game series. On the flip side, I would love to see Vancouver get back into it. I'm really counting on the Ducks getting beat up some more before (if) they move on. Neither one of us want to face those guys in the finals.

Owen Nolan was our captain for YEARS, and one of the fan favorites to this day. He made a huge return to the Tank in a Leafs jersey (I think it took one or two seasons before we finally played them) and received a standing ovation, as well as all the signs and welcome back type things. I was sitting by the Leaf player tunnel, and when he left the ice at the end of the 1st, there was some hold up in the tunnel and the players were standing a few feet from our seats. Everyone was yelling "we love you!" and cheering, so as loud as I could I yelled "Nolan, you suck!". He kind of cocked his head funny and looked back. Classic. A few fans/puck bunnies around me asked "how could you say that?!". Of course I loved the guy, and replied "because we're winning this game and his head is getting way too big!"

I really don't listen to too many of Wilson's statements, but what I've heard is just a passionate coach. I'm not sure where the whiny part comes in. Not many coaches with 1,000 games under their belt... I guess if there's something that has pissed me off through the season it's been his inability to overcome the "no show" bug, where our guys simply do not show up as a team. We'll get beat through the game (regular season) and he refuses to call a time out. The players do, however, like him, and find him MUCH easier to play for than Sutter, our former coach.