The wife was out and I had the TV all to myself.

The result was predictable – some NHL 11 on the PS3, Pittsburgh vs. Detroit on Versus, an episode of Boardwalk Empire on DVR and then right back to the PS3 to stream Calgary vs. LA Kings on NHL Gamecenter. There were some important points at stake tonight and, even with Detroit’s huge comeback, they left a valuable punto flapping in the breeze. I think it’s pretty vital the Sharks do everything they can do snag that #2 seed so, if we do get Detroit in the Conf. Semis again….and you know we will….the Sharks will have home ice. It worked last time, let’s not make New Coke here.

Calgary lost in the shootout in LA last night and lost in OT vs. Anaheim on Sunday, so with seven games left to go, the Flames are scrambling to keep up in the Western Conference playoff race. We’re going to see a desperate team on Wednesday night. Calgary has lost five out of six and despite an easy end to their season schedule wise (including the terrible trio of Edmonton twice, Colorado and St. Louis) they are likely going to be missing the party if they don’t win tomorrow. Look for Iginla and the Flames to throw everything they have left in the tank at the boys tomorrow – but I just don’t think it will be enough. Sharks should play the bully and throw out Calgary’s season like expired Lactaid. Peace out Kipper. I hope you pull yourself from the game on Wednesday like you did in the Olympics.

The first round of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs begins on Thursday, March 24th. Below are the match-ups of interest featuring the Sharks “Young Dudes”.

EAST
#1 Mississauga vs. #8 Belleville Bulls – Sharks goalie prospect, J.P. Anderson, is the starting goalie for Mississauga and also leads the OHL in several important goalie categories. You may remember him from his cameo in San Jose from his cameo as “Who The Hell is That Goalie #2” in January when he was called up on an emergency basis by the Sharks and fetched Neemo’s Del Taco. He signed a three year deal out of rookie camp.

J.P. Anderson as Man in Mask

#2 Ottawa 67s vs. #7 Sudbury Wolves – Sharks forward prospect, Michael Sgarbossa, is the Wolves leading scorer with 82 points and 77 PIMs. The undersized speedster was signed out of rookie camp in September by the Sharks to a three year deal.

#3 Niagara Ice Dogs vs. #6 Brampton Battalion  – 2010 5th round draft pick Freddie Hamilton is 2nd on the Ice Dogs in scoring with 83 points. He appears to be a steal for a 5th round pick and has a good reputation, scoring touch and work ethic. The Dudes are going to keep an eye on this 19 year old.

#4 Oshawa Generals vs. #5 Kingston Frontenacs – One of the crown jewels of the Sharks system, defensemen Taylor Doherty (recently ranked #3 by Hockey’sFuture.com for Sharks prospects) is the team captain of Kingston and his 6’8 beastly frame will be a major factor in the playoffs. Doherty is signed to a three year EL deal and could appear in Worcester when his season ends in Kingston….actually, I would bet on it.

The Young Great White - Taylor Doherty

WEST:

#3 Kitchener Rangers vs. #6 Plymouth Whalers – Recently signed as an undrafted free agent for the 2011-12 season, James Livingston, plays forward for the Whalers and is 4th on the team in scoring with 50 points. He is a physical player with net presence and defensive instincts.

#4 Windsor Spitfire vs. #5 Erie Otters – Sharks 5th round pick in 2009, Phil Varone, is the Otters 2nd leading scorer with 82 points. He is mini-spark plug at 5’9 enjoying a healthy season after being injured for half of 2009-10 and is currently unsigned by San Jose.

We will keep you posted on any highlights including our Young Dudes and how their playoff journeys pan out.

YIUUUUUUUUU!!!! GO SHARKS!