Here’s something we’ve learned in the last two weeks, Sharks fans. Our boys, the best team in hockey, doesn’t match up very well against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nope. They don’t. Columbus has thrown everything they have in their Red, White and Blue tanks at us the last two meetings. The first, the Sharks escaped. Tonight, an overtime loss. Is it the end of the world? YES!! WE SUCK! TRADE EVERYONE!!! Oops. Sorry. Shades of last season. No, but reality and a bit of dramatics leads me to believe this will not be the last time we see the Blue Jackets….more on this in a sec.

Without Pavelski, the second line is lost. This is a little unsetting but the Sharks offensive machine has certainly stalled without Little Joe and J.R. in the line up – only three regulation goals in two games. It didn’t stop the Sharks from peppering Steve Mason (who looks like the Real Deal Holyfield – I think Columbus has found themselves a gem here folks) with 48 shots. I certainly hope Little Joe is back tomorrow night, or we could be in for a long night in Motown. Was McLellan holding out Pavs for the showdown in Detroit?

I applaud the coaching of McLellan again. After Columbus tied the game, in the final minute it was clear the Sharks were not going to leave without atleast getting a point. Who cares if Columbus gets a point. San Jose must get a point too. Job well done McLellan. I don’t even mind the odd man rush at the end of the game when Umberger beat the Sharks because the D had pinched in on the attack. The Sharks should go for the gold, the extra point – they have nothing to lose. No big whoop.

The announcers for the Blue Jackets on Center Ice were pretty bad. Two of my favorite comments of the night by play by play announcer, Jeff Rimer.

#1: “Here comes Marleau with the puck” He said this almost every time Milan Michalek had the puck. Um….does a 9 look like a 12 to you? “Here comes Marleau with the puck”.

#2: “Brassard’s penalty is over in nine seconds” There was 1:35 or so left on the high sticking minor when the statement was made. Afterwards, a bit of silence. I think the color guy was stunned, or still trying to figure out who the heck #9 is on the Sharks. Come to think of it, I’m not sure I heard them say Michalek’s name all night….somehow they can say Fedor Tyutin just fine.

So – those of you normal people without obsessive compulsive Sharks disorder (also known as NHL Center Ice Package) – are you ready to see the Sharks on TV tomorrow night? Even if you missed the Columbus game tonight, I have a sinking feeling we might be seeing them in the first round of the playoffs. This team is one point out of the #8 seed and a match up with the Sharks in Round One is probably low on my list of preferred opponents. They aren’t the best team in the West, but Columbus seems to know how to match up against San Jose. We can only hope they torment Detroit instead of us….but they will be there for the dance. Columbus is on the verge folks behind Steve Mason.

One last stab: Sharks (gulp) lose in Detroit 4-1. Pains me to write it but the Wings will be out for blood.

UPDATED: FOR THE RECORD, SINCE I’M MR. NOSTRA-GRIER, LET’S TAKE A STAB AT HOW THE RANGERS WILL CLEAR THE CAP ROOM FOR SUNDIN.

TO VANCOUVER: SCOTT GOMEZ
TO RANGERS: MATTIAS OHLUND

JUST A HUNCH.