Part of me feels like an ass#$&%. The Sharks are currently tied for the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and are #3 on ESPN’s power rankings, but I’m just not satisfied. And I know many other Shark fans feel the same way. Last night was a fun game to watch – the Sharks dictated play for most of the game, especially during a long stretch in the 3rd period. The men in Teal were swarming but just couldn’t get enough wood on the puck to put it past Kipper. As Ron Wilson said in a postgame interview ““You can’t complain about the effort” and I agree, but us Sharks fans are desperate to see them win at home, especially the season ticket holders. This was a game they should have taken. Calgary was tired and raised their skirts in the 3rd period in submission, but we couldn’t seal the deal.

Things that were good: Shooting from the point – another goal by Rivet. Torrey Mitchell continues to show why he is going to be a Mike Ricci fan favorite type for several years here in San Jose. Joe/Bernier/Michalek was effective and got several chances. Kyle McLaren slapping his stick on the ice demanding the puck at the point and, for the first time this season, the McLaren HIP CHECK on the boards. Nabby was good – again. He is the clear team MVP.

Things that were bad: Cheechoo, Ehrhoff and Marleau. Enough said. Cheech continues to make blunders and for a sniper to have zero shots in inexcusable. Marleau has some effective breakouts, but then he pulls up at the blueline instead of attacking the net, thus giving the Flames D plenty of time get back and set up. Why? Get a little “Michalek” in you and go for it Patty. That’s what you would have done last year….Ehrhoff played well in regulation, but all it takes is one mistake – and him being out of position and losing Iginla cost them the game. That’s cool Christian. I understand how you forgot about Iginla. After all, he only has 31 goals for 2nd in the NHL.

So, Sharks fans….it could be way worse. We could be Thrasher fans. We could be Capitals season ticket holders. We could have team replica jerseys with the name FROLOV on the back. The effort was there, the result wasn’t – but a point is a point and it put us back on top of the Pacific. The boys do need to translate the improved effort to W’s or this long home stretch will see them fall to the bottom of the conference. There are only six points seperating us from the Blue Jackets, who are currently the #9 seed and out of the playoffs.

P.S. Did you see Primeau throw that hissy fit on the bench? Swinging his stick and snapping the blade off, having it fly into the stands. Unsportsmanlike anyone? I guess when you only get seven minutes of ice time….I wouldn’t want any of the ex-Sharks forwards on Calgary’s roster. Nolan is a dud with 12 points. Primeau – pass. Mark Smith – pass. It’s like Sharks-Lite, minus the talent.

Never a dull moment as a Sharks fan in 2007. I left them feeling blue and down about their prospects, a team in a downward spiral after losing three disheartening games at home. Then they continued their blistering road warrior ways and took four games against team they should beat. St. Louis, Nashville and Los Angeles are all free-falling out of the playoff race, but the Preds and Blues still have winning records at home so these were tough games. Winning in Minnesota confirms for me that the Wild are a great matchup for San Jose if it happens in the playoffs – we are in their heads and the Sharkies might be the last team the Wild want to see in the first round.

The encouraging part about these four wins were how San Jose went about their game. Passing was crisp. Defense was smart. Secondary scoring finally arrived with Michalek getting seven points and Bernier notching five points, earing him a spot on the top line with Thunder Joe. Matt Carle looked comfortable finally, pulling a +2 on the trip. There was a great mix of goals – the ugly and the beautiful. Seeing Rivet and Carle unload from the point was a welcome sight. The boys looked loose. They looked like winners.

So…what are we supposed to expect tonight when they return to the Tank, a place they have struggled to play with emotion and energy in 2007? I am trying to be positive in the New Year, but tonight is no easy task. Calgary may be the hottest team in the NHL not named “Red Wings”, winning six of their last seven on the road and posting a 7-2-1 record in their last ten. A much bigger challenge than any club the Sharks faced on the recent road swing, especially with some of the San Jose roster plagued by the flu. The fans will be ready to forget 2007’s home struggles. Let’s start fresh in 2008 with a big win tonight vs. Keenan’s boys.