EJ Hradek breaks down the Sharks. Plus…Look Familiar Detroit?
May 6th, 2009, 7:10 am
Check out this weeks podcast, where ESPN’s EJ Hradek breaks down the Sharks and what went wrong. Some extremely interesting observations by EJ – that should lead to some interesting conversations in the coming months. I’m still holding back from offering my suggestions on who must go, what the Sharks need, etc. until after the Calder Cup playoffs because I do believe this is a major piece of the offseason puzzle. Do the Sharks have anyone in their system that can fill the needs identified by Doug Wilson? Do they have enough depth at certain positions to make a trade from strength to address an area of weakness? It’s a crucial step in the offseason process, but not the first. I’ll take a stab at that first step in my next post as we all weigh in on how to make this team a Stanley Cup winner and not a first round loser.
Last night after referee Brad Watson blew his whistle too early (isn’t there medication for that?) and disallowed what should have been a game tying goal that sent the Ducks/Wings to OT in Game Three, it sure appears that Detroit is headed down the same path of the San Jose Sharks. TSN analysts were livid over the disallowed goal, saying it could cost Detroit the series and common sense should prevail in matters like this – when it’s a goal, it’s a goal. But Bob McKenzie said it best when he commented that you just can’t make up the rule book as you go – and when the referee loses sight of the puck, right or wrong, once the whistle blows – the play is dead – and so are the Red Wings. The Ducks are in a prime position. Detroit is clearly frustrated and the Ducks have already ousted “Detroit-Lite” in the Sharks, with the same general coaching system with similar roster players, except Detroit’s have a much better track record (obviously). The point is, the Ducks know how to beat this type of team, Anaheim just did it and did it well – so taking out Detroit isn’t as far-fetched as it looks on the surface. Add in the fact that the Red Wings are without Rafalski and that Hiller has a .949% save percentage in the first three games and continues to look like a world beater – it’s looking pretty darn good for those #&*-damn Ducks.
Game Two between the Providence Bruins and Worcester Sharks is today at 4pm, pacific. Keep the playoff fever.
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Dudes –
That was a quality podcast. Always good to get an expert’s opinion there as well. On a personal note, I’d love to hear the Sharks experts chime in too in this off season. They’re keeping awfully quiet, even on their own blogs, but for example, Randy Hahn is easily accessible on Facebook and I bet would come on a show. Would love to hear from Jamie Baker too.
As to the content itself, I’ll chime in a few thoughts.
– I agree with Hradek about a possibility of trading Marleau. He’s got value, and we need a shake up. Injury aside, I’m personally tired of his quiet leadership. Even Datsyuk was ready to fight Pronger last night. Marleau would have just skated away with his head down.
– I also agree about Blake. He’s replaceable, and I wouldn’t resign him unless he’s taking a major paycut, giving us space to sign another defenseman. In fact, is there a way for us to get Rivet back? I wish there was.
– Keep in mind that even Russian press (very pro-KHL) is predicting a major exodus of talent from KHL this off season, as Russian economy is in the toilet and many clubs still owe salary to players. DW is not a fan of European talent, but I still think there is a slight chance we can sign someone from there to make our club better, whether it’s a goalie, or a 3rd/4th line player. So when you consider a pool of talent, NHL/AHL won’t be our only market, especially in this recession.
It’s hard to call the Sharks Detroit-lite after watching the way the Ducks-Wings series has gone. I swear I’m getting Deja’vu. While I know you Dudes probably hate the Ducks more than the Wings, I don’t. I hate the Wings more than any other team in hockey, they’re like the Yankee’s to me. So, I’m going through a bit of a surreal moment watching this series and seeing it from the other point of view.
Playing the Ducks was the worst possible match up we could have had in all of the Western conference. This team is just built to jam up the rush, force shots to the perimeter and eat up rebounds. Even if you get guys to the net against them they pressure your players on the outside and force low percentage shots that Hiller miraculously always spots and steers safely out of danger.
Oh well, go WorSharks and… go Ducks… (I need a shower)
And frankly, we have no one to blame that we got the Ducks in the 1st round. If we have swept the regular season series against them, they wouldn’t even be in playoffs. But now who the hell knows, they may just go and win the Cup.
I have to take issue with EvilDucks laying the Yankee moniker against the Wings’ franchise, like a makeshift lean-to in a snowstorm. Yes, I said it.
Detroit has done nothing immoral, such as buy a team over and over and chuck money at its weaknesses. THis is a quality organization that built a consistent winner by laying a foundation and addressing needs FROM WITHIN on nearly every occasion. THis is not even close to my favourite franchise, nor my fav Original Sixer, but you have to admire the way they do their business. Does any other team have as many options going the offseason to rebuild, ha, rebuild….
The Sharks have a pretty wonderful foundation once again in which to examine flaws and build upon strengths, while keeping in mind the financial, personal, and any tangible information that remains pertinent. Over-reaction can be just as fatal. Dean Lombardi may look like an even bigger genius by the end of next season.