Some random thoughts before the weekend...

The Sharks just finished up a solid 4-2 victory over the much improved LA Kings. It was the second straight game in which the opposing team tried to "out muscle" the Sharks, and was the second straight game in which the Sharks persevered and were rewarded. A few things come to mind after watching these back-to-back 4-2 wins over the Oilers and Kings, respectively.

1) Head Coach Todd McLellan moved Patrick Marleau to the third line because of injuries down the middle. The move breaks up the nearly unstoppable top line of Thornton, Patty, and Devin Setoguchi. At first glance, this could be seen as an expected drop-off in the offensive department. But, especially after the last two games, I believe this move actually strengthens the Sharks overall attack. Imagine now that a team has to worry about Jumbo Joe's line, the terribly consistent second line, and now, a third line that has lit the lamp multiple times in the past two games. That's three legitimate scoring lines, something that is nearly impossible for opposing teams to defend. Imagine the headaches coaches must be dealing with trying to draw up match ups for these three lines. I like what I am seeing.

2) With Jody Shelley out of the lineup, teams seem to be attempting to bully the Sharks. Newsflash for all the other teams in the league, these are not the same Sharks that were bullied out of the playoffs in the past. The last two nights, the Sharks have faced very physical teams and have come out with strong showings and victories. I actually believe that with Shelley out, it forces the rest of the Sharks to step up the physicality and defend themselves and their teammates. This is a great character builder for the Sharks as they head into the final two months of the year. All the players must be ready to hit and get hit and they all seem to be accepting the challenge with open arms (or fists). Vlasic and Michalek seem to be stepping up their physical games and this excites me more than the old Jessica Simpson in daisy dukes. Gone are the days in which a team can simply throw their weight around with team teal. Shelley or no Shelley, this team doesn't take crap from anyone, any longer.

We will see if any of the six injured players return for Saturday's matinee against the Atlanta Thrashers. My guess is that JR and Lukowich return, but who knows. It's tough not to overlook the game Saturday, but there is a brutal road trip looming and the Sharks need to hit it in stride.

In closing, kudos to Claude Lemieux for tallying his first point since 2003 when he got on the scoreboard against, who else, the Sharks. I like to see a player who set his heart on making a comeback get a point. Also, good job Kaspar. Trying to make the most of his opportunity on Thornton's line. This is a very deep roster and all this experience and all these injuries could actually be a blessing in disguise come playoff time.

Until later, have a good weekend everyone and don't forget to spay and neuter your pets?

BRG

The Dog Days of Winter?

So this post undoubtedly makes no sense to the pattern inclined, (considering the one month anniversary of my last post is tomorrow) but who knows what tomorrow will bring. A lot has happened since the last entry but in an effort to spare you the bland details, I'll just give you the Reader's Digest version.

I have begun a new chapter in my life with the San Jose Giants. That's correct, the San Jose Giants, not San Francisco. For those of you not familiar with the South Bay's only professional baseball club, the San Jose Giants are the Minor League Class A Affiliate of San Francisco. San Jose has been home to Minor League ball since 1942. We play at Municipal Stadium and have been affiliated with San Francisco since 1988. Anyway, enough of the history lesson.

I am the Marketing and Public Affairs Intern with the Giants and that encompasses a lot of different tasks, as I am learning everyday. From helping to create an Interactive Media department/program, to organizing the closet, I am experiencing a wide array of responsibilities. Currently, I am working on helping create our first media guide as well as some interactive ways to reach out to fans on the Internet. I am enjoying my time in San Jose and trying to learn as much as I can with every passing day.

As far as the rest of my life goes, I'm playing the waiting game. Waiting to see how the baseball season takes shape. Waiting to see what the Panthers/49ers do with their off seasons. Waiting for the hockey season to transition from the dog days to the home stretch. And who can forget, Valentine's Day and Spring Break. All of this lays in wait in the coming weeks.

Tonight, a statement was made in the NHL. The Sharks have been one of the top teams in hockey this season, but as of late they have struggled and been "dethroned" by much of the media. They took on the Boston Bruins in a battle of the League's top two teams Tuesday night in Boston. When the dust settled, the Sharks showed the East Coast how hockey is played in San Jose. Despite the media bias against Western Conference teams, the Sharks put down the Bean Town Cubbies 5-2.

Boston came out with their trademarked speed and took a 2-1 lead early. The Sharks were outplayed in the first frame and it showed on the scoreboard as well as the shot clock where the Bruins held a 13-6 advantage. The second period was scoreless but foreshadowed things to come. The Sharks finally used their size and hammered Boston's fore checkers and defensemen, finishing their checks every available opportunity. With the second period in the books, San Jose had out shot Boston 13-10 and you could sense the momentum shifting.

The Sharkies came out strong and continued to pound Boston every chance they got. You could sense that the physical play was hurting Boston's offense and San Jose put the pedal to the floor midway through. A four goal out spurt in the final frame gave San Jose a come-from-behind 5-2 win on enemy ice and handed Boston their first regulation loss when leading after two. It's this mix of physical play with skill and patience that I believe can be a lethal force come playoff time. As I said before, only time will tell.

And so I wait. Wait for the end of the NHL's regular season. Wait for pitchers and catchers to report to camp. Wait for the NFL free agency period. Wait for days to come.

Thus ends this incredibly unorganized rant. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to this post, or any of my other posts for that matter. All I know is that I cannot wait for this weekend to come. Spending quality time with my girlfriend, watching some hockey, and hopefully learning more about the futures of my other teams. Until then, take care and enjoy the shortest month of the year...


BRG