To not play seven D might be a sin

As I’m sitting here about to subject myself to the new Clash of the Titans movie, my mind has begun to wander to more important things. With the Sharks entering a critical must win game tonight vs. Minnesota, it’s time to take a quick poll of our readers on something that’s been on many fans minds lately. The fact that Brad Staubitz will not play an important roll in a potential Cup run is as much a given as Mr. Sandra Bullock’s love of the Mel Brooks classic The Producers. So instead of throwing someone like Ferreiro or Vesce into the mix just to play 12 forwards, shouldn’t the Sharks very strongly consider dressing Jason Demers and rolling seven D? Demers, despite his recent bomb in Dallas, still offers a dangerous presence on the power play. I’d rather see him play six minutes of mostly PP time than see Staubitz scowl on the bench after netting three 1st period shifts. I’m not the first with this bright idea. It’s been mentioned in our comment thread and on Fear the Fin.

So, with the Sharks entering a must win in our quest for a high seed and a initial pass on the Wings, the Sharks should roll the Wild tonight. They will likely be without Zidlicky and Havlat and Barker is also banged up. Would you start tonight? Bench the Tootoo Killer and throw out seven D?

Alexei Semenov, who has 4 points and 30 PIMs for Moscow Dynamo of the KHL this year, was brought back into the fold by general manager Doug Wilson today, signing a multi-year deal just in time for the playoff push.  Semenov, who played for the Sharks previously in 2007-8 and 2008-9, totalling 10 points in 69 games and a -5, is seen as a savior for a team that has struggled recently and is suffering injuries.  “Semenov may be quite slow, and doesn’t really have the best hands,” Wilson said.  “Also, I wouldn’t say his first pass is exactly top notch, and his slap shot could use a little work, but on the plus side… um….”  Wilson then claimed he “had to go.”

With Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Joe Thornton both out currently with injuries, it’s expected Semenov will play both defense and offense at the same time.  Given his size, it’s possible Semenov might be the backup for Thomas Greiss in case he struggles in net.  When current Moscow Dynamo players and former NHL players Jiri Hudler and Karel Rachunek were contacted for their thoughts on Semenov, they said, “Oh, great guy.  Really fun to hang out with after the games.  And he does the best Carol Channing impression you’ve ever seen!”  When this reporter then pressed for details on the positives of Semenov’s contribution to the Dynamo on the ice, the two players were quickly called away by team officials.

Semenov was reached for comment, but only grunted.