Sneaking the Silverware Out of Calgary
March 31st, 2009, 8:43 am
Is it just me, or did the Sharks steal one last night? I usually don’t like to bring up my own hockey games, mostly because I’m like Happy Gilmore without the slap shot or skating ability (is that net regulation size or what?), but there is an admittedly thin parallel here. My last rec league game was against a team with several players that were far beyond the average skill in our league, who dominated most of the game. We manage to get a 1st period goal, and we hold onto the lead as long as we could, facing about a billion scoring chances against. That’s unfortunately where the paths diverge. Unlike the Sharks last night, we take penalties late in the game, give up the tying goal with about 5 minutes left, and lose in OT.
But I digress. The Sharks were mostly outplayed last night, and if not for the rule everyone loves to hate- delay of game- I think 2 points would have been wishful thinking. Not that I think the Sharks don’t deserve any credit; they were playing with a ton of guys out of the lineup, and managed to scrape two goals out of only 17 shots. Basically, I think the Sharks managed to escape because of two reasons:
- They stayed out of the box. The Sharks took only three penalties all game, and the first one was an offsetting minor. With all the pressure Calgary was bringing, the Sharks showed good discipline in not taking those hooking/holding calls that so often accompany having the puck in your zone all night.
- They are continuing to kick major ass in the faceoff circle. 31-23 this game, for 57.4%. Maybe 57.4% doesn’t sound like a lot, but a team with that percentage all year would be leading the league by a big margin. Pavs in particular was an amazing 17-9 last night. He’s a non-chess-playing Marcel Goc.
Further discussion about all this and more will be in the podcast released tomorrow. Feel free to email us if you have anything you want us to talk about.
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Anyone notice that in a game where he had 2 assists, and the outcome was in doubt throughout, that Joe Thornton only had 17:40 of ice time? McClellan is showing a lot of faith in Vesce (13:24) and McGinn (13:03), particularly at a time when the franchise has a chance at its first ever President’s Trophy (no small deal). I think this is one of the first times, in any sport, where I have seen a coach go against his teams short term interests (must win tonight’s game for the #1 seed! Get out there Joe!) for long term benefit. Of course, this year is the most important goal, but man, how can you not see McGinn as a top 6 guy and Vesce at least in a checking role?
A fresh Joe and Patty is going to be big trouble for whoever we play. If the Wings lose another couple games, I can see Boyle and Vlasic taking a night or two off as well down the stretch. Maybe a little on the podcast about how you guys would handle the roster in these last few games? Especially since it seems like everyone except Mitchell will be ready before the playoffs. Your thoughts on who you would send out there in the first round would be an interesting topic as well, there are a lot of options.
True Ruben, a lot of people seem to be wondering if the injuries are a blessing in disguise in terms of being fresh for playoffs. Almost like right now this is equivalent to our mediocre preseason roster
Mike –
And not a single mention of Nabby’s merits in last night’s victory? Let’s give him some credit where the credit is due. The first goal he could have saved, but from them on nothing was going in, not a single error. If Boucher is in the net, it’s another blow up by the Sharks.
@Ivano
I think Nabby played spectacular. However, in the big picture I think the difference between Nabby and Boucher is at best goal every other game (which is not insignificant, btw). Who knows, maybe Boucher would have stopped that shot by Iginla while letting in another more difficult shot? Maybe he lets in 3 goals? Maybe he plays like how he did earlier in the year and shuts the Flames out? Impossible to tell. I think, in general, if Boucher was in net, that game probably goes to overtime/SO. Still, not a bad outcome with Thornton and the Worchester All Stars.
On that note, Nabby has only played 50ish games. While he supposedly thrives with a higher workload, I can’t help but think he is gonna have that little extra push in his legs in the playoffs. The playoffs can’t start soon enough.
Didn’t mean to give Nabby short shrift, he was very very good. I wouldn’t go so far as “excellent” because the one goal he did give up was a bit soft.
That’s the tough thing about being a goaltender. Even on a night Joe Thornton has a goal and 3 assists, he probably makes 3 or 4 terrible passes that lead to transition opportunities. But if those don’t turn into goals against, he is the #1 star and played “excellent”. If the goaltender makes a single mistake, there is no one to cover for him (well, Marleau does have that one highlight).
Ruben, that’s a good point. And I wouldn’t go nearly as far as saying Boucher is a half-goal worse than Nabby. As of this moment, Boucher’s GAA is actually better than Nabokov. I have a couple of ideas on how Nabby and Boucher might be compared, but that will have to wait for another post on another day.
I know that you are talking about my penalty. In my defense that guy went down easy… both times…
but since this is about the Sharks.
Right now I don’t care how they win, just that they do. I feel that home ice advantage will play to the Sharks confidence going into the playoffs and that will keep me out of the house until June.