It sure was great to see live hockey again.

Last night was my first preseason game and test-drive of our new seats. Mike is still in New York and, being a man of his word, if you watched NHL Live on the NHL Network on Tuesday, you could see our very own Mikey pretending to shop in the background as E.J. Hradek talked about Sergei Gonchar’s injury. Alas, Mike’s camera hogging was cut short by the arrival of an actual hockey player, Brian Rolston, and Mike disappeared into the streets of New York faster than Al Davis’s dignity at a press conference (that was embarrassing yesterday….and I hate the Raiders). Good work Mike! Next time, get E.J. to plug to podcast!

The game last night featured what appears to be the Sharks top four lines, and the unveiling of McLellan’s new top line: Marleau, Thornton and Setoguchi. Did it work? You tell me.

Third Star: Joe Thornton
Second Star: Patrick Marleau
First Star: Devon Setoguchi

HELLS YEAH! They looked super dangerous in the 2nd and 3rd periods and carved up the ‘Yotes for three of the Sharks four goals. I think McLellan has found his top line. The Sharks in general were sleepy in the first period, falling behind 2-0 to Phoenix – but found a way to dig it out in overtime thanks to Joe Thornton being left all alone to skate right in front on Al Montoya and bury the puck. Oops.

Even though this is preseason, here are some things to take away from Tuesday

– The Sharks look dangerous every time they have the puck and McLellan’s coaching philosophy is evident. The Sharks bombed Montoya for 35 shots and 11 of them came from the blueline.

– In glimpses, you saw that the Cheechoo/Marleau/Thornton/Blake/Boyle powerplay is going to be the best in the NHL by midseason. They had the Coyotes scrambling and pissing their own pants.

– This is not your grandma’s San Jose Sharks. They are going to give up some goals due to the risks the blueline are now encouraged to take in the offensive zone. Phoenix had several odd man rushes, two resulted in goals and a few were saved by Nabby. Lots of 5-3 wins this season are in our future.

– It looks like Plihal has taken Mitchell’s roster spot for now. He had five good scoring opportunities. Four of them he shot into Montoya’s pads and he finally got one past him in the 2nd period. I guess this means that Friesen is frozen out?

– THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR SEMENOV. The first goal Phoenix scored was all his fault. He sucks. Oh man..does he suck. Last night the Sharks scratched Ehrhoff to give young D-man Mike Moore another look, and he continues to show redeeming qualities at +2. Assuming Lukowich is not going to be ready to play in the opener, the Sharks will keep Frankenstein and one more D-man, and it looks like it will be Mike Moore. Here’s hoping McLellan sees the light and goes with Moore opening night.

P.S. The streak of Sharks players sitting in front of us continued, with Thomas Greiss joining his “lady friend”. You go Greiss. Experience the ladies of San Jose before you are shipped back to Worcester…and please take Semenov with you.

I’m ready for opening night. We’ll give our final season preview on Friday with our next podcast. Make sure to check it out at dudes on hockey.com.