A San Jose Sharks Blog

In previous posts, I had mentioned that the regular season record between these two teams meant nothing because Calgary had yet to face the "new" San Jose Sharks. Well, after last night, I still believe in that because the "new" Sharks definitely weren't on the ice on Wednesday...I don't know who the hell that was. The guys in teal played so bad that they looked foreign to me.

The only players that showed up to the game were Ryane Clowe and Douglas Murray. Number 29 was able to score the only two Sharks goals and Murray was solid all night. Every time he was up against Iginla, the Flames captain was neutralized...unable to get anything going. Unfortunately, Jerome was eventually able to get on the scoresheet...twice.

However, Iginla wasn't the only big-gun that was able to get things going for Calgary. Both Phaneuf and Kiprusoff had great nights as well. Dion scored a goal and played tough all night while Miikka stopped 37 of 39 shots on net. Their top three was the difference in this game as our top three couldn't get it done. That's not to say they didn't try. On the night, Nabokov made a couple of big saves, but still let three goals in on only 23 shots. Thornton had one assist, but hit the post on a breakaway chance. Campbell had one assist, but gift-wrapped the game winning goal for Iginla and Yelle...all I can say about that play is WTF?!

As for the rest of the Sharks, a number of them were playing hard (Cheechoo, Pavelski, Rissmiller, etc.), but overall, a disappointing performance. In fact, I had to check the scoresheet just to make sure that Michalek was in the lineup because his presence was not felt at all. It was as if the Sharks were so geared up for the tough stuff that they lost focus on what wins them games: speed, puck possession, and solid special teams.

The Sharks were slow, always second to the puck, and on the losing end of all 50/50 battles along the boards. The entire night, Team Teal was all about chipping the puck forward just to get it out of the zone...forget about trying to break out and create scoring chances, the defense just didn't have it together. I felt like I was watching a pick-up hockey game where nobody really knows what their linemates are going to do. There was no fluidity to their game...nobody was on the same page. Granted, Wilson's juggling of lines probably had something to do with that, but still...simple breakout passes were not being made, pucks weren't being protected, and plays were not being made.

At any rate, it's clear to see that I was very disappointed with the Sharks' effort last night and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Luckily, they will have a chance to make up for their mistakes tonight, less than 24 hours later. So I say to the Sharks:

Go out there, play your game, and get it done...no more excuses...no more nervousness...either you're good enough or you're not.

And even though San Jose stunk up the ice last night, its not over and I still believe that they're good enough.