051124 Sharks @ Canucks

AP preview
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/preview;_ylt=Ag1NxjGkKW6jnKnNOUD0DdR7vLYF?gid=2005 112422

Ticker preview
http://www.sjsharks.com/ticker_news.asp?ticker_id=1111

Merc preview
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/hockey/nhl/san_jose_sharks/13248308.htm

Tuesday's Vancouver win (over Blackhawks) recap
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Vancouver/2005/11/23/1318746-cp.html

More on Vancouver-Chicago post game
http://www.canada.com/sports/hockey/canucksstory.html?id=4e2f578f-4cc7-4f81-ba67-950151b8b39f

Pessimistic ponderings

Vancouver is 9-1-0 at home this season (only loosing to Nashville).

Vancouver last played Tuesday (win over Chicago).

Sharks are 0-1-0 against Vancouver this season.

Optimistic Opus-ette

Schaefer is starting for the Sharks. :yo:

You've got to think that the team is really, really, really hungry for a victory. (We know that the last *six* game loosing streak was nine+ years ago; I don't know how long ago the last *seven* game loosing streak was, as the Sharks do not include information on the worst loosing streaks in their info guide. IIRC, the franchise record is also a league record. The Panthers just had their twelfth consecutive loss.)

Grant Stevenson seems to be a great shot in the arm for the team. Lots of praise from RW ("fits in every line/situation"). Has the "bloodlines" too (grandfather "Mr Goalie", father and uncle played with RW).

Dear Mr. Bettman,

All I want for Thanksgiving is a Sharks win.

Thank You,
Sharks Fans

Oh yeah almost forgot 4-1 Sharks.

The sharks should be pissed off tonite so i look for a spirted yet low scoring game. Nolan in the nets - Nucks 2-1 in OT. Nolan will all most win the game for us and will play very strong (nocheapies)!

Our savior is back!! If Nolan wins tonight he should start forever.
3-1 Sharks, Nolan leads us back to .500!! :bow:

I'm going to this game, and while I want to be optimistic, considering Schaefer and co beat Vancouver in the pre-season, I just don't see a win in the cards for a tired and slumping squad coming off a pair of losses on the Alberta portion of the road trip.

4-2 Canucks

In preparation for the likely scenario of a loss, I've decided against wearing my Sharks jersey tonight and hearing about it from annoying drunk Canucks fans. Instead I'll be wearing the slightly more neutral team Canada jersey with Hannan's name on it.

Let's hope I'm wrong.

eh, I was gonna say a loss, but with Schaefer in net now I gotta say a 3-2 Sharks win. Is it just me or are they players that are coming up from Cleveland better then 95% of the Sharks players? Maybe we shoudl get Bernier and Hennessey in?

CBC preview
http://www.cbc.ca/story/sports/national/2005/11/24/Sports/canucksharkspreview051124.html
Canucks host slumping Sharks

Nabby is a pretty proud guy and i'm sure he'd like to redeem himself from last nites game - does anyone else think RW would consider starting him tonite? Just a thought...

Nabby is a pretty proud guy and i'm sure he'd like to redeem himself from last nites game - does anyone else think RW would consider starting him tonite? Just a thought...

No, regardless of last night's play Schaefer has earned the right to start one of the back to back games. Nabby hasn't earned the right to start two games on back to back games, his play has been nothing special all year.

5-2 Canucks.

Cloutier is hurt. McCarthy, Cooke, Bouck and King are already on the DL.
Canucks lineup tonight:

Naslund-Morrison-Bertuzzi
D. Sedin-H. Sedin-Carter
Ruutu-Kesler-Park
Brookbank-Linden-Goren

Allen-Jovanovski
Ohlund-Baumgartner
Butenschon-Salo

Auld (S)
McVicar

Hope it's a great game!

Scaefer is gonna be hero tonight and play probably the best hockey of this season. He has a lot of heart and Vancouver is going to treat sharks like a roasted turkey and not a cornered beast. Low scoring game due to tight Defence, but I doubt it'll be short on intensity.

2-1 Sharks.

Realisticly, I'm saying a 2-4 Vancouver blowout... but for some reason my gut is is telling me that Scaefer is going to do something special tonight... I'll go with my gut and stick to the Sharks 2-1 win.

Pessimistic ponderings

Vancouver is 9-1-0 at home this season (only loosing to Nashville).


Sorry, but the Canucks haven't played Nashville this season yet. We lost at home only to the Avs.

Cheers for a good game, im sure the Sharks will come out strong.

4-3 Sharks.

Sorry, but the Canucks haven't played Nashville this season yet. We lost at home only to the Avs.

Cheers for a good game, im sure the Sharks will come out strong.
Can I claim turkey deprivation? :biglaugh:

Still regardless of who the opposition was, it's real tough to get a win this season at GM Place.

Pessimistic prediction.

Schaefer feals to much pressure with all the weight being put on his shoulders and struggles.

Sharks loose 5-2.

Radio guys say that Nabokov is *starting* tonight. :dunno:

Yeap..Vancouver TV says Nabby back in net

Well my gut was that Nolan was gonna have heroics tonight.

so either the team gets wasted and he gets put it or Wilson just didn't listen to my gut. In either case I'm goin with my 2-4 blowout win for Vancouver since Nolan isn't in.

Thats smart. They only go for one penilty last game, now Vancouver has two in the box in the first 9 min.

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Here's to Patty not being the only one that scores early this time.

Nice to see Stevenson getting attention again by getting the assist. Though I gotta say the team is very much alive now and fighting hard. Its good to see. Can't say much on Nabby yet cause hes only had two good shots so far

Nabby is a pretty proud guy and i'm sure he'd like to redeem himself from last nites game - does anyone else think RW would consider starting him tonite? Just a thought...

It's a great idea, I think the quote in the press this morning could have been just a wake up call from the coach to Nabby. Nabby being in goal tonight is a good sign that the coaching staff hasn't given up on him just yet.

Hats off to Grant Stevenson with the assist! F yeah!

I like the jump the Sharks have tonight, looks like they are building on the positives from last nights game with the Flames. Stevenson having a good game again too.

Like the compliment from Amonte on how hard the Flames had to work for that win.

Nice to see Stevenson getting attention again by getting the assist. Though I gotta say the team is very much alive now and fighting hard. Its good to see. Can't say much on Nabby yet cause hes only had two good shots so far

I could totally see RW just throwing up his hands and saying "lately we've looked like the guy that goes to work, but doesnt like his job. You guys enjoy hockey don't you? Relax, have fun" to wake them up. They really forgot to have fun out there lately, they have the working hard part down, but everyone is wound too tight. Hopefully that's going to undo itself to some degree. At some point "what do we have to lose?" becomes the question - teams become dangerous then.

Woah, I happened to look at the games boxscore and noticed this Grant Stevenson fellow. Didn't recognize him so I looked him up on hockeydb... and he's got 2 points in 2 games now, plus 16 points in 17 games for Cleveland... where did this guy come from? Didn't seem to score too much in the AHL before this season...

Like the compliment from Amonte on how hard the Flames had to work for that win.

I did too, the sharks really did take it to the Flames last night, bounces just didn't go their way last night. I saw a jump in their game that hasn't been there in weeks, allot of positives to grow from last night. Sharks looked similar in the 1st period tonight with nucks too, I look for good things tonight, if they can get keep up the pressure on D. Nabby is getting tested as well, so far so good.

I could totally see RW just throwing up his hands and saying "lately we've looked like the guy that goes to work, but doesnt like his job. You guys enjoy hockey don't you? Relax, have fun" to wake them up. They really forgot to have fun out there lately, they have the working hard part down, but everyone is wound too tight. Hopefully that's going to undo itself to some degree. At some point "what do we have to lose?" becomes the question - teams become dangerous then.

yeah I can agree with you there. Its like he throws everything but the kitchen sink into this, grumbles "I don't know" on live TV, and then the team just finally takes charge and buries one in, on a PP, in the first period. Its like overnight they woke up and took a hold of their potential. Now they just need to not go back to sleep and Nabokov to earn his keep.

Okay, that has to be the worst timed line change I've seen the Sharks do yet... Nabby didn't have much chance on that, just too much. Now were back to a 1-1 game.

Okay, that has to be the worst timed line change I've seen the Sharks do yet... Nabby didn't have much chance on that, just too much. Now were back to a 1-1 game.
Can't blame that one on Nabby, the line change really was AWFUL, Morrison had the puck right at the bench.

The offensively talentless must really look forward to playing the Sharks. Another one scores to tie up the game.

Sturm is out - nasty hit, he did his shoulder in it appears. Is it me or do the sharks seem a little slower in the 2nd period?

Not sure if you guys noticed, but Vancouver TV says Sturm went to the dressing room with an apparent shoulder injury. Didn't look too good.

Can't blame that one on Nabby, the line change really was AWFUL, Morrison had the puck right at the bench.

terrible play by Stevenson.

Sturm is out - nasty hit, he did his shoulder in it appears. Is it me or do the sharks seem a little slower in the 2nd period?
Did you see who hit him?

I missed it.

Did you see who hit him?

I missed it.
No I missed it too and but couldn't tell by the replay of the hit that I saw, but hit was a doozy. He took the canuck into the boards hard.

Sturm is out - nasty hit, he did his shoulder in it appears. Is it me or do the sharks seem a little slower in the 2nd period?


Yeah saw that, crossing fingers now. We can ill afford that loss.

Sturm tried to lay the lumber on Salo and just bounced off.

Yeah saw that, crossing fingers now. We can ill afford that loss.

We can't afford it right now, but cheech took a high stick to the face too, but he's fine. They are getting banged up at their tonight.

Sturm is back on the bench

Sturm is back on the bench

Good! I thought for sure he was done.

One bright note....Ekman looks really good tonight.

I like Randys comment there. Why don't we blame the sharks bad streak on a bunch of trained monkeys who made up their road schedule

One bright note....Ekman looks really good tonight.


I thought I was seeing things when I realized it was him, I guess he's done watching the games now. Good to see him back, we could use his scoring at the moment.

This is the Sharks team that can win some games.

I really hope they're rewarded for their effort with a win.

Goc!

Wow...Stevenson had that bad turnover earlier....but he does create out there. Keep it up Grant.

heh..Hannan got away with interference on Bertuzzi before the goal.

.....Alyn in the box now.

Nabby and Stuart make one HUGE mistake a game each. Tonight, it happened to be at the same time.

wow that was a horrible breakdown of momentum.... Nabokov can't really be judged tonight, the last two were just bad Dfence...

Goc!

Wow...Stevenson had that bad turnover earlier....but he does create out there. Keep it up Grant.

3 points in 2 games, sawweeet

D is really letting him down again tonight, goal is being review to see if it's a 3-2 game for VAN, the net was off the mooring. - BAD CALL

How the hell does that goal count?

I just give up this year.......I'm done.

Guys common, I'm a sharks fan but I gotta agree that goal counts. Our D man knocked off the net, NO ONE could have possibly stoped that puck crossing the line unless Nabokov could shot lazer beams from his eyes.

I'm confused. The net was clearly off. Is it because the San Jose player knocked it off they can allow it?

Rule 51

c. A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player (including the goalkeeper) who delays the game by deliberately displacing a goal post from its normal position. The Referee shall stop play immediately when the offending Team gains possession of the puck.
If the goal post is deliberately displaced by a goalkeeper or player during the course of a "breakaway", a penalty shot will be awarded to the non-offending Team, which shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck.

(NOTE) A player with a "breakaway" is defined as a player in control of the puck with no opposition between him and the opposing goal and with a reasonable scoring opportunity.

In the event that a goal post is deliberately displaced by a defending player or goalkeeper, a minor penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game.

In the event that a goal post is deliberately displaced by a defending player, prior to the puck crossing the goal line between the normal position of the goal posts, the Referee may award a goal.

In order to award a goal in this situation, the goal post must have been deliberately displaced by a defending player, the puck must have been shot (or the player must be in the act of shooting) at the goal prior to the goal post being displaced, and it must be determined that the puck would have entered the net between the normal position of the goal posts.

thats what I'm thinking. Sorry but if the net stayed where it was, it woulda been a goal anyway. Now if Hannan wasn't plowing into Nabokov and into the net, things mighta been different

edit: Nice jump into the game with a rulebook quote.

omg..

I just slipped into a tryptophan coma for the past half hour what did I miss?

the goal dissapeared and Thornton said it was in the net, prob is no ref or video cam was able to see it.

This is so sad... The Sharks did just bout everything right, and they lost yet once more. The ONLY thing that I see the sharks lacking is the ability to finish what they start, and Vancouvers veteran presense is why they got it done.

I'd say the Van goal is allowed because it's a make-up call by Fraser for not calling the interference penalty on Hannan prior to Goc's goal

As for that Sharks no goal in the last minute, what happened to the net cam?

I'd say the Van goal is allowed because it's a make-up call by Fraser for not calling the interference penalty on Hannan prior to Goc's goal

No way. Fraser called it a goal before going up stairs and as the rulebooks states, its the refs call if the net is displaced by the defender. It was obvious it was going to be allowed. My only problem with it is that the net has to be deliberately knocked off...which Hannan did not do.

were they supposed to install those net cams this season?

that last one was totally a goal, you could clearly see that puck bouncing around in there. Sharks played well, and nabokov played great. The only real bad goal was the second one, when Stuart just flat out overlooked that puck.

This could be the start of them finally turning it around...

then again, I've been hoping for that to happen for a while now

Best game the sharks have played in a while, two mistakes on the last two goals cost us the game. If it wasn't for bad luck we'd have no luck at all! That Nabby and Stewart communication gaffe = turning point in the game. :shakehead Up and until then I was thinking this was Nabbys best game in 6 weeks.

I am not a shark fan or canuck fan, but i think both calls were wrong. Hannan didn't deliberately take off the net. How Fraser can even come to that conclusion is beyond me. The rule states deliberate attempt, and that just wasn't the case.

Also, i can't be the only one who saw something black cross the goal line on the over heard. Funny thing was, the puck was in the net after the whistle. Now how do they think it got there. Canucks got some home town goal judging imo.

i don't understand why there were only those 2 camera angles for that sharks no-goal. thornton clearly thought it was in the net, the sharks commentators thought it was in the net, but there was no conclusive video evidence that showed the puck cross the line. by the rules that's no goal, but for the sake of these game-changing situations, the nhl really needs to get more cameras for their broadcasts. i don't understand why they don't have those in-goal cameras for every game.

ah well, can't blame that for the loss. the sharks made some horrible mistakes leading to 2 momentum-changing goals. a better effort, but the boys in teal still can't find a way to win.

gotta like the way stevenson and goc are playing, but i still say they are relying far too much on rookies. the sharks have played 5 rookies at forward this year, and while they may bring some energy and enthusiasm, you don't go far in the playoffs with so little experience on your roster. marleau is the only veteran forward consistently producing. if guys like mcauley, ekman, and sturm don't start scoring soon, i think the sharks have to make a move.

Also, i can't be the only one who saw something black cross the goal line on the over heard. Funny thing was, the puck was in the net after the whistle. Now how do they think it got there. Canucks got some home town goal judging imo.

I saw that too but I don't think it was definitive. Correct call. Sharks are having a hard time catching breaks and bounces.

I also like to note that I liked Ehrhoff's game again. Rushing the puck, playing the body, and, once he starts getting that cannon on net for rebounds, the points will come. Still not a polished product but I don't want to see him sitting anytime soon.

gotta like the way stevenson and goc are playing, but i still say they are relying far too much on rookies. the sharks have played 5 rookies at forward this year, and while they may bring some energy and enthusiasm, you don't go far in the playoffs with so little experience on your roster. marleau is the only veteran forward consistently producing. if guys like mcauley, ekman, and sturm don't start scoring soon, i think the sharks have to make a move.

Goc has been one of our top forwards all season for sure. Stevenson had a couple of points tonite and is looking great - we'll see how long this lasts.

I admire your patience with mcauley, ekman and sturm - all of which are performing below expectations with reguard to scoring. I'm not sure that these three's (with the exception of Sturm) production is going to change or it would have by now. So, I can't see any further reason to wait to make a move.

THe broachasters tonite quoted one of the Wilsons as saying something like the division is not lost (or won) in November. I agree with this for sure. However, we have little to no momentum leading into December. If we don't have a positive record next month then our chances for the playoffs start to look bleek in '06. Trades in Jan. won't make up for the games lost in Oct, Nov and Dec - all that would accomplish is to reduce the payroll.

this is total bullsh*t. Yeah they haven't played well, there certainly have been some awful defensive breakdowns, a crappy pp, etc. but the Sharks have been getting robbed all season, not necessarily by horrific officiating like tonight, but every single break seems to go against them. This can't keep happening. I just hope the guys keep fighting, if they do this will be a playoff team.

What can I say? Kerry Fraser played a heck of a game for the Canucks. He even managed to make up a new rule.

this is total bullsh*t. Yeah they haven't played well, there certainly have been some awful defensive breakdowns, a crappy pp, etc. but the Sharks have been getting robbed all season, not necessarily by horrific officiating like tonight, but every single break seems to go against them. This can't keep happening. I just hope the guys keep fighting, if they do this will be a playoff team.

My hope (and yes, I am the eternal optomist) is that tonights bullsh*t will be the turning point. This will be the moment we look back at; much like the team meeting of 2003 as the event that changed the season. The Sharks were robbed of a win tonight.....plain and simple. No if, ands, or doubts.

Can you imagine the energy in that locker room. Someone is sure to turn the anger and frustration into the rally cry they have been looking for. The Sharks need to come out gunning on Saturday against the wings....no sweeter win then beating the wings. Fried calamari Saturday night at the tank!!

The NHL rulebook is very unclear on what the rule is when a player knocks off his own net accidently just before the opposing team scores. Either way, I wouldn't dwell on it, simply because it was the fair call. I would be questioning your defencive breakdowns before questioning the reffing.

What can I say? Kerry Fraser played a heck of a game for the Canucks. He even managed to make up a new rule.


Thanks, I needed the laugh your post gave me. He was amazing wasnt he.....unbelievable...truly unbelievable.

The Sharks need to come out gunning on Saturday against the wings....no sweeter win then beating the wins.

Freudian slip?

The NHL rulebook is very unclear on what the rule is when a player knocks off his own net accidently just before the opposing team scores. Either way, I wouldn't dwell on it, simply because it was the fair call. I would be questioning your defencive breakdowns before questioning the reffing.

The call was totally the wrong call. There is no way that anyone watching the play could say that Hannan intentionally knocked it off.....simply wasnt so.....I suggest you go watch a replay...... and that is the rule.

but that aside....the no goal at the end was a total disgrace. The goal was in. Ask Auld....Fraser wasnt where he belonged and didnt do his job. A total disgrace.

Freudian slip?

I figure the way the season has been going the Sharks need the word win twice...just so there is no confusion.....but I will fix it anyways

I was at the game, and I have some ponderings from both during and afterwards.


1) Michalek and Goc were both solid tonight. I thought that Milan had a couple of good chances and Goc had that goal. Oh, and props to Marcel for scoring after he took that wicked looking puck to the ankle. Who says European players aren't tough?

2) However, I must ask Marcel what he was thinking trying to drive Butenschon into the boards. You give up 3 inches and 20 pounds to the guy. I don't care what universe you think you're in, that's not a collision that turns out well for you...

3) Brad Stuart. That 2nd goal was your fault. Sure, maybe Nabby shouldn't have been asleep at the switch, but here's a thought for you Brad: That blade on the end of your stick, it's not just for hooking people, you can in fact handle the puck with it...

4) Marleau needs to shoot more. He can score goals, a lot of goals. He seems far too interested in making the nice dish to someone else. You're capable of blowing it by most goalies Patty, so do it.

5) That Thornton goal should've counted. I was in a terrible position, and even I saw that it went in and Auld scooped it out. I also know why there were no net cams.

Vancouver increased the rates they charge for Canucks broadcasts, and threatened to air more games on PPV if the regular carriers didn't pony up. Sportsnet responded by paying more, and cutting production costs to get the money to do so. Those production cuts? The net cams... So in essence, the Canucks sabotaged the Sharks comeback. ;)

6) The McAuley call was bull****.

7) I was kinda hoping for Vancouver to score the empty netter at the end, just because I predicted a 4-2 Canucks win.

Well, that's all from me for now.

Ummmm do shark fans know the NHL rule book.

ABout that "goal" atr the end of the game for the sharks.

No angle conclusively showed the puck in the net. The overhead cam showed absoolutely no proof of the puck being over the line let alone completely over the line. And in that case if they can't see any proof... then it's no goal.

Ummmm do shark fans know the NHL rule book.

ABout that "goal" atr the end of the game for the sharks.

No angle conclusively showed the puck in the net. The overhead cam showed absoolutely no proof of the puck being over the line let alone completely over the line. And in that case if they can't see any proof... then it's no goal.

UMMMMMM...where was Fraser? Isnt it his job to be there? Then there wouldnt be any question would there? I will bet that Auld could tell you exactly where that puck was.

I am not a shark fan or canuck fan, but i think both calls were wrong. Hannan didn't deliberately take off the net. How Fraser can even come to that conclusion is beyond me. The rule states deliberate attempt, and that just wasn't the case.

Also, i can't be the only one who saw something black cross the goal line on the over heard. Funny thing was, the puck was in the net after the whistle. Now how do they think it got there. Canucks got some home town goal judging imo.
Listen, Hannan crashed the net with no Canuck shoving him or anything. Why should the Canucks lose a goal because Hannan tripped intentionally or otherwise?

Listen, Hannan crashed the net with no Canuck shoving him or anything. Why should the Canucks lose a goal because Hannan tripped intentionally or otherwise?

Good point... NOT...

I know that the rule is BS, but if it´s the rule, it´s the rule and you have to call it that way... And the only way the referee is allowed to call it a goal is if the goal was knocked of intentionally... That was not the case and everybody who argues that either needs new glasses or is totally ignorant... As I said, there is no reason why a goal like that should not count, but the NHL rulebook "thinks" different about that...

That was a back breaker folks.

That was a back breaker folks.

When our first line looks like a good teams second line, and our 2nd line like a good teams 3rd, we're doomed to be nitpicking and scrutinizing 1 goal controversies for a long time unless RW can turn this team into the overachieving machine they used to be. I hate to say it, but I’ve never missed Darryl "The Iron Hand" Sutter more.

Goc should of had the game tying goal!! He was robbed!As well as the Sharks.

I really don't see why anyone are saying these were bad calls really. I'm just as frustrated as everyone else but ya gotta look at the facts

When Vancouver scored that goal, Hannan took out our goalie and the net. Now had the net stayed, there still woulda been no one to stop that goal and that puck was on its way durring the event. Dislodging the net had no influence on the play other than make the team just watch it happen.

The no goal call was robery, but no ref was in position to see it and call it. Therefore there HAD to be CONCLUSIVE evidence that it was in the net. Then we were screwed again when there was no net cam to show the puck in net, as the overhead shot clearly was too blured to see it. I looked the best I could, I didn't see it. This was the same evidence the goal judges had so they had no choice.

In the end, it wasn't bad officiating that killed the Sharks, it was extremely bad timing and luck. Also I have to agree, this is the game that broke the back but I don't see good coming out of this painfull loss, especially when there up against Detroit next game and then head off onto a torturously long distance road trip against Dallas, Buffalo, and Toronto (teams that are in the playoff hunt mind you). With a loss like this, Detroit is going to ***** slap us around and the team is going to be draged behind the bus on the road trip. The Kardiac kids finally had a heart attack and are on life support

Good point... NOT...

I know that the rule is BS, but if it´s the rule, it´s the rule and you have to call it that way... And the only way the referee is allowed to call it a goal is if the goal was knocked of intentionally... That was not the case and everybody who argues that either needs new glasses or is totally ignorant... As I said, there is no reason why a goal like that should not count, but the NHL rulebook "thinks" different about that...
Good rule Not! How clever!

UPI recap
http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20051125-055149-5942r.htm

SportsNetwork recap
http://146.145.120.3/default.asp?c=hockeynews&page=nhl/news/ADN3991082.htm

FoxSports: Where is the Sharks' bite
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5109078

AP recap
http://www.nhl.com/scores/recaps/334_2_recap.html

(Maybe I'll get around to the rest. Guess that turkey from yesterday is still affecting me, or maybe it's the loss. :sarcasm: )

UPI recap


(Maybe I'll get around to the rest. Guess that turkey from yesterday is still affecting me, or maybe it's the loss. :sarcasm: )
At least the tryptophan helped you sleep.

When our first line looks like a good teams second line, and our 2nd line like a good teams 3rd, we're doomed to be nitpicking and scrutinizing 1 goal controversies for a long time unless RW can turn this team into the overachieving machine they used to be. I hate to say it, but I’ve never missed Darryl "The Iron Hand" Sutter more.

Yeah I just meant the Sharks played their best game in awhile and got beat by a better team.

Classy move by Ron Wilson IMO giving his go to goalie, a guy who got him to the conference finals a chance at getting this thing back on track.

Anyone else see that battle in the Corner where Michalek held off Bertuzzi and took the puck out, that was an impressive show of strength. He had some nice plays in front too but he is snakebit, and he showed some frustration on the Canucks feed on that close up, I could read his lips quite clear.

Goc, Sturm, Stevenson is a good line. I hope RW keeps the same lines in tact of the most part against Detriot.

I'm noticing in the quotes from yesterday's game that the Canucks are giving props to the Sharks ("hard fought game", etc.).

Similar to quotes following the Flames game from the opposition.

All positive.

(WRT Saturday's game, as I write this, Anaheim at home is taking it to Detroit, up by two in the third. Will the Sharks come out famished and nothing the Wings can do to overcome a teal wave?)

My hope (and yes, I am the eternal optomist) is that tonights bullsh*t will be the turning point. This will be the moment we look back at; much like the team meeting of 2003 as the event that changed the season. The Sharks were robbed of a win tonight.....plain and simple. No if, ands, or doubts.

Can you imagine the energy in that locker room. Someone is sure to turn the anger and frustration into the rally cry they have been looking for. The Sharks need to come out gunning on Saturday against the wings....no sweeter win then beating the wings. Fried calamari Saturday night at the tank!!

I hope so. I thought this moment was upon us many times this year, like the loss in Nashville for one, but obviously not.