7 Comments to “DOH 179 – PK and Other Atrocities”

1. Ruben says:

   December 12, 2011 at 12:38 pm

   I’m on the exact boat as you, Doug. I’m not quite as worried about the team as a whole right now, as it is still a long way from crunch time, but TMac has only one trick in his bag when it comes to in game struggles, and it is shaking up the lines. I did feel a little silly when the Sharks put up 5 against Dallas right after I railed about the lines, but I couldn’t help feeling vindicated by the Blues game.

   Considering Torrey Mitchell plays so well 5v5, I have eased off my frustration with him, but the PK getting embarrassing. Mike, you hit it right on the head as to why I am not willing to blame it on small sample size any more. Either no passes through the box or pressure on the point. There are only so many ways to defend a PP set up in the zone, but pick at least one. I hate to say it, but I think Dan Boyle should be given the Dany Heatley treatment on the PK — last 30 seconds of the kill against the 2nd PP unit to start the offense right when the penalty is over. And I’ll say it for you guys (even though he is one of my favorites too): Dan Boyle has been the most disappointing Shark.

   • Tom says:

     December 12, 2011 at 2:15 pm

     I read an article recently that was discussing the firing of Bruce Boudreau. It said that near the end of his time at Washington they could tell that he had just simply used up all his tricks in previous years trying to get the team going and that they thought he just didn’t have anything left to try. 

     I’m starting to fear that is where T-Mac is. And I agree with you dudes that I’m not sure outright firing him is the answer either. 

     I’m wondering of a trade or player addition might be the first shoe to drop. 

     I saw Antti Miettinen is currently on waivers…? Anyone interested?

2. Patrick says:

   December 12, 2011 at 12:59 pm

   My brother-in-law (Hawks season ticket holder) wanted to bet on the game last night: loser takes a picture in the other team’s jersey and makes it his Facebook profile for the month of January. As if the way they finished that game wasn’t bad enough…

3. Tom says:

   December 13, 2011 at 10:17 pm

   So we’ve only won 2 of our last 9… And one win was in the SO.

   I wonder how far down this hole we have to go before DW does something. I’m not feeling confident at all about this honestand. I hope I’m wrong cause I’m going to most – if not all of those games.

   I’d really like to see or hear of the coaches try something else other than playing Torrey Mitchell with Joe Thornton or sending BRAD WINCHESTER OUT IN THE SHOOTOUT over Marleau, Couture, Boyle or McGinn.

   • Ruben says:

     December 14, 2011 at 9:33 am

     I really want to believe that Brad Winchester really showed something in practice, and to be fair, he hit the post. So in a sense I have to commend TMac for going with what he believed was right even if it wasn’t popular.

     I agree that there needs to be some shakeup in the lineup, but who goes? You know DW isn’t going to admit a mistake this soon and ship off Handzus or Havlat. Boyle, Marleau, and Thornton are surely not going anywhere. Pavs, Couture, Winchester, and McGinn are doing their jobs, and Mitchell has been surprisingly very good 5v5 according to the more advanced stats. Clowe seems like he is struggling, but is pretty close to a 60 point pace that matches his career numbers. So, what, you ship off Andy Murray with Jason Demers for a Jay McClement or Eric Belanger? Talk about selling low on Demers.

     Not sure what, if anything, should be done then. San Jose has basically played to their competition, never getting run out of the building but never curb stomping anyone. Again, other than the PK, I don’t think any of the problems the Sharks have are long term problems…

     • Tom says:

       December 14, 2011 at 10:01 am

       I cannot compare these struggles with previous years because I think this year seems worse. The fact that we’re so low in many statistical categories makes me believe this isn’t just inconsistency like last year was.

       That said, I remember the boost we got last year after DW went and ADDED to the team. The additions of Wellwood and Eager really seem to infuse the roster.

       I’d expect DW to try that before much else – unless HE IS CONVINCED the coaches need to go. We have the cap space and room.

       But to your point – if roster changes can’t be made and things still don’t change…. I dont see how the coaching staff stays, regardless of who is available.

4. Baconator says:

   December 14, 2011 at 6:07 pm

   First time reading your blog and hearing your podcast. Great stuff guys.

   The line changes are ridiculous. Best players should be on the top 2 lines… PERIOD and they should get the most ice time.

   Also, Sharks need to Call Mike Grier, he just retired. Hire him to coach the players on PK. He can still play and show them how.

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