Sharks' Top Line Looks Good

Sharks 4, Predators 3

Given Jonathan Cheechoo's slow start this season, Number 14 was bound to have a better second half. Well, if the last seven games are any indication of what Sharks fans can expect from the Moose Factory native, then we're all in for an exciting stretch to the playoffs.

Saturday night, both Cheechoo and Coach Ron Wilson hit some milestones...one larger than the other, but both very notable.

For Jonathan, it was his first hat-trick of the season and a continuation of his current 11 game hot streak. In the last few weeks, Cheechoo has scored nine goals; almost double his total over the first 44 games of the season. Clearly, he's feeling better these days. In fact, even his celebrations are more enthusiastic. It's like the old Cheech is back and so is his swagger. Besides, who can blame him? The line of Joe Thornton, Milan Michalek, and Cheechoo appears to be coming around. Last season, this trio was one of the most feared offensive lines. Let's hope it keeps on chugging.

As for Wilson's milestone, it was his 500th career win. In the past 15 years, Wilson has been the head coach for Anaheim, Washington, and San Jose. I know that many people want to see Wilson removed from behind the bench because of the his teams' inability to win a cup. Well, I personally disagree. Ron has consistently put San Jose in a position to win over the years and I think he will continue to do so in the future as well. I believe there are a number of other things San Jose needs to address before looking at its coaching staff.

Overall, the game was very exciting. In fact, it displayed one of the best game-winning goals I've seen this season. I don't like the fact that we gave up three goals on only 13 shots, but I guess we can't expect Evgeni Nabokov to shut things down day-in and day-out. Every once in a while, the offense has to stand up and take control of a game...just like Saturday night.

A San Jose Sharks Blog