Just got back from Vegas where I stole big bucks from the MGM Sportsbook going 3-0 on NHL picks this weekend. Thank you to the Blackhawks, Canadiens and Predators for supporting my habit.

Great to come home and see that nothing has changed. The Sharks played decently yesterday against the Rangers, who in a lot of ways mirror the Sharks, except the Rangers have more current upside for this season. I believe if they can get rid of Jagr, the Rangers will flourish. There are too many solid top line players combined with some young talent that really understand their roles. Now the Islanders are a bizarre mix of veterans no one else wanted during the offseason and young players your average hockey fan has never heard of – but these guys play hard. For San Jose to blow a 2-0 lead to this collection of nobodies and nobodywanted’s is embarrassing. P.S. 0-4 without Marleau and three of these games the Sharks have blown leads. Inexcusable. And in retrospect, the Sharks coaching staff probably regrets putting Nabby back in the game after he got his face destroyed. Why put him back in? We know Nabby is the man, he is tough and all that stuff – but the Sharks would have busted their ass to hold on for Greiss and instead they relaxed when Nabby returned and, in a New York minute, it was over.

With no relief in sight, you have to believe the Sharks are going to lose in New Jersey and Pittsburgh. Could it be the Sharks will be the team the Flyers break their seven game losing streak against? Now nine points behind Dallas, is it possible the Sharks will be fighting in the final month just to make the playoffs? Yes. I think so. Doug Wilson can not be looking at this season as a “buy for now” situation. Any changes must have an eye on next season – no expensive rental players please. That means no to you Mats Sundin and you too Rob Blake. That means YES to players like Brian Campbell or Dan Boyle, who I believe will never leave San Jose because Doug Wilson will pay them over six million dollar a year to stay in Teal.

Is the season over? No #$%&-ing way. The Sharks, with the right tweaking, could get hot and with the right matchups in April, could find themselves advancing deep into the Cup run. Marleau on IR might effectively kill any moves that involve him switching jerseys unless he can come back and play before the deadline.

Right now, the team and us Sharks fans are in a tail spin. We have to brace ourselves that it is possible that the Sharks could lose the next five in a row on this deadly road trip. Next stop New Jersey. Light a candle for the boys.

On a side note, I had defended Matt Carle here a few weeks ago and since February 1st, he has gone promptly in the toilet. Seven games, zero points and a minus six. After seeing Chicago sign Seabrook for 3 years/10.5 million, it is making the Carle extension look even worse by the day.