Couch Tarts

Moving Day!

2009-10-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

AMGZ! We've moved!

Come follow us to our new home at Bloguin!

Gameday!

2009-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Little known fact: on off days the rangers in Jellystone play hockey.

Today's bout kicks off at 4pm Sharks time on Versus, or the radio for those of you not currently receiving VS due to arguments over your money. Arguments in which you're not really allowed to take part. Fun, huh?

Anyway, the Rangers are starting out super hot, having won 7 games on on their longest win streak in several seasons. Must help when you can get hockey advice from a smarter than average bear. (I am really stretching for these this morning, aren't I?) Not that I'm comparing Tortorella to a bear. I think I might actually have a chance against a bear in a fight. Torts, not so much.

I have no idea where I am going with this so I'll stop here. Go Sharks!

News and Notes: We have a surprise for you all! This will (likely) be our last post here at blogger. We're moving! While we haven't officially flipped the switch just yet, BUT, we'll be your new Bloguin Sharks bloggers!Yay!
We'll make sure to post a link as soon as we flip the switch! (which should be later today)

Our first post in our new home. Go here! Go!

GAMEDAY on Earthquake Day (or, in which Gray pontificates and quotes a funny passage)

2009-10-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today is several things:

Today is GAMEDAY! against the Isles at 4pm Sharks time. (Whoo hockey!)

Today is also Oktoberfest in Campbell. (whoo beer!)

And today is the 20^th anniversary of the Loma Prieta quake. For those who weren't alive or were too young to remember it, the quake was a defining moment in the lives of all those who lived through it. The bridge in shambles, the Cypress Structure pancaked with people inside, the Marina on fire, all things seen when power was returned. That huge aftershock in the middle of the night that scared the crap out of those with already frayed nerves.

I have a t shirt somewhere that commemorates what the rest of the county must have seen as an inconvenient interruption to a World Series they didn't really care to much about but we're watching because it's the World Series. (the A's won that series btw, in case you aren't one of the people still stewing about that)

Other roads collapsed, State Route 1, 17 was a mess for at least a month, and numerous other streets with collapsed buildings or buckled pavement. In short, the quake was a disaster of epic proportions.

Why am I mentioning this? Because today, whether or not the Sharks are playing well come game time, whether or not the D shows up, whether or not Nabby has to try to single-handedly keep his team in the game, no matter what the final score is, remember, it could always be worse.

I've been reading The Partly Cloudy Patriot by Sarah Vowell and she has this passage about using historical references to remind herself that it (whatever it happens to be at time) could be worse.

“Though, ever since I went to Salem, I've been keen on 'Gallows Hill.' As in, Being stuck in the Boise airport for ten hours while getting hit on by a divorced man with 'major financial problems' on his way to his twentieth high school reunion is irksome, but not as dire as swinging by the neck on Salem's Gallows Hill.”

I'm going to suggest that if and when the game starts to go south, Sharks fans say “Loma Prieta.” As in, losing a game to the [Insert team name here] is irksome, but not as dire as being in a huge earthquake.

(and I thank Ms. Vowell in advance for not suing me. Assassination Vacation was fantastic btw)

Post Game Recap:

I was at Oktoberfest trying not to spill either or both of my two beers all over my feet during the first period, so, as far as I am concerned, nothing happened until I got into the passenger seat, turned on the car radio and heard this "...and the Islanders go up 1-0." As far as I know, the game didn't start until the 15:12 minute mark of the 1st. This is a theory I have chosen to stick with.

There was some talking about it being a disappointing first on the radio. I can only assume this was because it was so short. This may also explain why Drew was so angry.

Second Period:

Everyone must have been relieved when this period started on time and not with about 5 minutes to go, like the first had.

In all honesty, the first half of the second period is fuzzy. I had been at Oktoberfest and while I wasn't in bad shape by any means, some of the game is a bit foggy. It was weirdly warm and humid out, which didn't help. I'm also a small lass. You do the math. This also tells me that the Sharks weren't skating poorly enough to catch my attention in a negative way. Always a plus.

Anyway, what I do remember are goals clearly are the Sharks' goals. 2 of them.

The first came on the PP from Patrick "Magic" Marleau. (I just gave him that name right now)

The second came from Vesce, his first NHL goal. Whoo!

Apparently, those who were paying more attention than I noted that the play leading his goal started about a half a stride offside. It wasn't called at the time, and I don't think the Islanders challenged anyone about it (going off the SJ feed), so it stands as his first tally.

Anyway, more stuff happens: Nabby makes good saves, Huskins loses the puck to someone, several Sharks end up in the box, Randy and Drew flirt, the period comes to a close.

Third Period:

At this point I realized that the Sharks weren't skating fast circles around the Isles and I was puzzled. Either they Islanders got faster, the Sharks got slower, or it was some combination of the two.

I didn't have much time to ponder this as just 37 seconds in Joe shots the puck into the net.

Let me say that again: Joe Thornton shot the puck. At the net.

Goal 3. Yay! Holy crap! It was also on the Power Play! 2 PPGs! Awesome!

Joe also hit 400 assists tonight. Because when you don't shoot the puck, the least you can do is pass to a guy who will.

Seto scored later in the period, with help from Clowe, putting the Sharks up 4-1.

Clowe later tried to go for the Gordie Howe hat Trick, but miscalculated and fought with less than 5 minutes remaining. Kinda makes getting a goal hard. As far as I could tell, the fight between Clowe and Jackman was developing BEFORE Seto was boarded by Witt. It was just off camera, so it's hard to say for sure, but that was the way Randy Hahn saw it, and he's been watching games longer than I have, so I'll trust him on that one.

Your three stars of the game: 1st Joe Thornton, 2nd Nabby, 3rd, Kyle Okposo who has one of the coolest last names ever, I might add.

GAMEDAY!

2009-10-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

This party gets started early, with a nice East coast friendly kick of time of 4pm. Set your tivos, ladies and gentlemen, so you don't miss this one.

Looks like the NHL network will be carrying this as well as CSNCA and the always amazing radio coverage by Jamie and Dan.

In somewhat related news:

First there was Goc Blog. Then came the short lived Mitchell Blog. Now comes SHELLEY BLOG!
Personally, I am hoping he'll throw up a clip of his bar of soap can of beans moment, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

POST GAME RECAP:

Hey look, in the same post for once this season! Whoo!

Well, ok, that didn't go like we wanted it to, but I love watching the Caps. I'm sorry. I just do. I root for the Pens in the post season so I shouldn't like the Caps, but I do. In fact last post season it was hard choosing between them.

Spending half the first on the PK? Not good. In fact it's a recipe for wearing out your dudes. Shirtless Joe said as much in the post game coverage.

But, on the plus side, Nabby was AMAZING and kept it a 1 goal game despite all the PK time.

And then Benn Ferriero SCORES! Whoo! Go kid, go!

Tie game heading into the second.

After that, as the say, the wheels fell off.

Ovie scored two goals in less than 30 seconds. I'm wondering what he said to Nabby in the first. Can anyone lip read in Russian?

In all honesty I sort of half paid attention after that. I've been pretty busy and I was working on wrapping some things up, and the part of my brain that watches hockey was otherwise engaged. Usually I can listen/watch/write fairly well without missing much, but not tonight. I'm tired. What can I say?

However, I did notice that our D was kinda falling apart.

Ok, maybe no kinda.

Nabby was still great, but he's first period performance was repaid with less than stellar work from his D. Not a constant march to the penalty box like the first had been, but they weren't doing him many favors.

A lot of the Sharks looks SLLLLLLOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW. Joe said, in his shirtless interview, they were all gassed after the PK filled first. I'd believe it.

Patrick Marleau doesn't know tired though, and continued to press and fight and nearly score later in the game. He wasn't worthy of the C because...? If nothing else, he's been playing better and faster having had the C taken away from him. Showing everyone what we already knew: he's GOOD.

The Caps pretty much dominated the 2nd and 3rd. Thing is, I kept reminded myself I was a)happy to have hockey back and b)I'm not a Leafs fan. These things lead to things tweet:

I am not going to worry. I'm just going to watch and blog and see where this season takes me

I stand by that. See you all for the next game on Saturday! Go Sharks!

Post Goose Egg Game Recap

2009-10-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, that was weird.

I think whoever described it as a chess match during the post game coverage was right. The 'Yotes weren't there to win so much as they were there to shut down the Sharks. They played for a stalemate, essentially. And rather successfully too, I might add.

Obviously both sides got lucky and the goalies were both en fuego last night. It was crazy. Goaltenders' duel. Like a pitchers' one but with less baseball.

Last night's game felt like 2. It was odd. It wasn't as if players weren't moving, it just felt slow.

We spent a lot of time in our own zone. The 'Yotes were also more aggressive then I have seen them be in awhile.

So uhm, next time can we play on a night that Tippet has off? Thanks.

On the amazing side of the game was Nabby. Both goalies were, of course, brilliant, but Nabby plays for the team I was rooting for. Sorry Bryz! He was like super save city. And that behind the back, behind the net catch? Someone give that man a MLB contract. If you were waiting for the return of unbeatable robot Nabby, he was on the ice last night.

At some point in the third, I confessed to Odin (our kind host over at Five for Howling), that not only was I dead tired (implying that I was also quite ready to hit the hay rather than watch the rest of the game. That rarely ever happens) I also had a sense that the night would end with me being disappointed, e.g. a Sharks loss either in OT or the SO. I don't think he believed me until his Coyotes won in the shootout, though.

It just felt like the type of night where the puck wasn't going in, and wouldn't. Not in regulation, anyway. Perhaps in OT but I saw that being far more likely for the 'Yotes given their extended periods of pressure in the Sharks zone for most of the game.

I didn't actually think the game was that bad, just a tad slow paced, and obviously with a different ending than I'd have preferred. It was certainly a good challenge for the Sharks to face early on, and Nabby shined. My hope is when we next see the Coyotes, we'll be able to turn the chess match into a game of Battleship, where only the 'Yotes team boat sinks.

Two great tastes together

2009-10-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love hockey. I love Mad Men. I would love this commercial more if it weren't for the Blue, but we can't have everything.

GAMEDAY MONDAY!

2009-10-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

After a summer like the Yotes had, my respect for this team and its fan base has deepened. (not that that stopped me from referencing a potential move when deciding what to draw for them, however.) The 'Yotes always play very well against the Sharks, spurned on by some magical ability to defeat the team in teal handily on many and sadly memorable occasion. ("Coyote Ugly" is still ugly, a few seasons later) And to come back and play after the uncertain summer the team had is not only commendable but a testament to their desire to stay in AZ. Players didn't run from the team. Keep that in mind.

The game kicks off tonight @ 7:30 on your TV and radio. CSNCA and KFOX have you (mostly)covered. Last game in this early three game home stand for the Sharks. Break out your teal and head downtown. Party is just getting started.

Post Game Recappage

2009-10-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Again we had a slow start. Period one wasn't as sloppy as it was on Thursday, which is an improvement, but it was still sssssssssllllllooooooowwwwwwwww.

Owen Nolan is always like "oh hey guys, nice to be backBOOYAPUCKINYOURNET!"

Nabby was awesome last night. Just fantastic.

Not in relation to the Sharks game last night, but in relation to several others truculent was last night's twitter word of the evening. For example, Leafs fans became very truculent after Toskala let in yet another goal."

Jamie McGinn had a HUGE hit. Fantastic

Sykora and Clutterbuck (best last name ever? He's certainly in the running) were taken out by hits from Murray and Marleau and did not return.

Whatever keeps being said between the 1st and the second seems to be doing the trick. The Sharks came out much more energized and together. Someone should start saying whatever that is that's getting them going BEFORE the game too. 40 minutes is a good start, but it ain't 60. And we need 60 full minutes from the Sharks. (hmm, this sounds familiar)

I stand by my nonsensical Brody Brazil comment. If you've seen Brazil, it probably made more sense to you. Or at the very least, as much sense as that movie made. (which imo was none)

It was power play city on the ice from the Wild last night. As soon as the Sharks would get out of the box, they'd be back in it! I'm glad to see the PK was largely successful, but maybe a little less time on the PK next game, eh boys?

Wild went into the second up by 1 and proceeded to score again in the second. Down 2-0 again Shark fans were starting to wonder how this game was going to go. Thankfully Ortmeyer decide to score his first goal as a Shark (and I think I heard first goal in a year?) and brought the Sharks within one.

A few minutes later Patty Marleau tied the game and reminded everyone, once again, why his doubters are perennially wrong.

Dany Heatley brought the Sharks into the lead late in the 2nd on the PP.

9 seconds into the 3rd Patty Marleau struck again and took off and scored, leaving everyone in his dust. yes folks, he IS fast. You've just been too busy pooping all over him the past few seasons to notice. Bret Hedican,( one of several new CSN sports guys), said he thought Patty was in mid season form. I agree. Heart, anyone? Anyone? or are will still going with that tired line about him not having any?

Still getting used to the new commentators on the CSN side. It's great to have more coverage of the Sharks, but much like the team on the ice, the new TV team is still trying to gel. Of course, Bakes, Randy and Drew are doing just fine, but there's a little more time needed to breed familiarity with the rest of the folks. The guy working with Bret, for example, gets really excited and likes to point out when things are a hockey term. Sir, I appreciate your efforts in all honesty, but those of us watching the post game coverage probably either a) already know that or b) will be able to discover meaning via context. That's how I learned, anyway, and it's how a lot of sports fans learn. He is super into it though. Gotta love his enthusiasm!

Teh Todd is no nonsense this year. Wouldn't say he seems meaner, just harder and more determined to succeed.

GAMEDAY!

2009-10-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not too sure if trap jokes are still valid with a new man at the helm for the Wild, but why waste the chance for a good joke, eh? It will be interesting to see where Todd Richards has taken the Wild so far.

Game kicks off tonight at 7:30pm (Pacific)on CSNCA and the radio. I think we really do have a half hour preview leading up to broadcast but I'm not sure if that's on CSN or CSNCA. Still trying to figure out the ins and outs of the channel switch.

In related news, it came out yesterday that Joe Ike, long time in house voice of the Sharks, was let go due to a crappy economy. He's been replaced by Danny Miller, the in game/ intermission activities guy. You may voice your (polite and well written)disagreement with this move by using the contact info on this page. Best bets is likely business/other, but broadcast might work too. If your a season ticket holder and are upset by this move, please contact your account representative and (politely) let them know. We understand this was an economical motivated decision, but many of us are upset by the move to consolidate jobs by removing a man who many of us feel is synonymous with Sharks home games. I appreciate that this is a boon for Danny Miller, but he's no Joe Ike.

By rights, if you like Danny Miller in this position, by all means, also let the Sharks know. But I, for one, much prefer Ike's calls. I was looking forward to them this season.

Post Game Recap!

Recapping the Home Opener, part 2

2009-10-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

I covered a lot of it last night, but I had a few additional thoughts about it that I said I would share.

The penalty shot was cool only because we don't get to see those too often. I think it took about 2 seconds for it to sink in for most of the crowd that that goal was also Heatley's third of the night. Then the hats started to fly.

There was a spontaneous chant of "DANY HEATLEY" sometime between the goal and when the hats were finally all removed from the ice.

A paper airplane is not a hat.

Despite assurances to the contrary, Mina was quite certain that if Heatley hadn't been pulled down on the play, his shot would have missed. That would have left Joe with the team record tying four assists he had on the night.

While I both understand a respect the decision to not have any fan fare what so ever for the unfurling of the new banners, I wish they said something before doing it because I nearly missed it. And again, while I see where they're coming from, I did still want to see them drop.

I'll say it again, "Where is Joe Ike!?" UPDATE: NOOO! They frakking fired him!

At some point Drew stuck his head out of one of the upper boxes behind and to the left of us. The crowd went wild.

I was wondering if JR was sitting in his seat wondering why we were booing Seto during the introductions. We don't boo him, we say "Gooooooooocchhhhh", but it seemed to confuse JR a lot last year. To be fair, it does have a pretty similar sound to it.

Conversations you kinda want to see the end of, but you also want to get back to your seats before intermission ends: "It's not like I was sitting like this!"

Just add a Mike's Hard lemonade and give that deer a surly drunken look and you'll get the idea. The usher wasn't buying it but I give her points for not cracking up as the drunken party in question nearly toppled over during her demonstration. (for those who don't know, leaning forward is verboten. The seat placement makes it so leaning obstructs the view of the people behind you.They even announce this sometime in the first, and yet, people still lean.)

Afro and I discussed how similar Dany Heatley's arrival here has been the JR's. Everyone knows I love JR, but even I was worried when I heard we'd acquired him. Sure, he's great, but will he be more of a liability than a boon? I've had the same reservations about Heatley, though I said before he came, If he's a Shark, I will happily cheer for him. I'm still formulating my own opinion of him, but scoring goals is a quick way to win over fans in nearly any city.

GAMEDAY!

2009-10-08T09:43:00.001-07:00

Pregame rally starts at 5pm right next to the Tank. Game starts at 7:30. Be there, or at least be watching on TV. CSN's various incarnations have all kinds of talking head chatter leading up to game time.

Post Game Recap:

Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Always nice to win the home opener, especially against a team that's been spoiling those for folks.

It wasn't a sure fire thing in the first though. The Jackets were swarming and the Sharks looked pretty bad. Slow, lost, not communicating, sloppy...it was a bad scene.

We all went into the first intermission down 1-0 to the Blue Jackets and it was looking like perhaps, this night might be spoiled for Sharks fans. There was even booing when the team screwed up.The natives? They were extraordinarily restless.

Nabby was Nabby. Some great saves and then some moments that stopped your heart for other reasons entirely. Like when he PASSED THE PUCK IN FRONT OF HIS OWN EMPTY NET OMG aldjlajfklsajjg;ogergjldg

yeah, yeah that was an intense moment.

I want to type more to recap this but my brain is like;jadjalfsj;afa;skflshattricklskjdksajfhattrickkkdjakdksajoehad4assistskdjsakdskakjfbrokenassistrecordfortheteamjdksjdsklkf. Allow me to try and compose my thoughts....*ahem*

For the Jackets, Nash (of course, dude is dangerously good and totally pwned poor Demers), Chimera (it was a nice shot too. Tied the game up at 2 a piece) and...Raffi Torres.

We don't like Raffi Torres.

Second period saw a couple good fights. Clowe went nuts on Blunden, and Blunden left the ice with a nasty looking cut on the head. Clowe left for a bit for some hand repairs, but both returned later in the game. (At least I THINK Blunden did. I know Clowe did)

A few minutes later Frazier (Not Kyle) McLaren had an odd bout with Dorsett in which his arm got caught in his jersey and he couldn't get it out. For some reason the refs didn't stop the fight, so it continued as a weird grabbing battle which eventually ended with Not Kyle managed to free his bound arm and started hitting Dorsett.

I believe after the 4th Sharks goal (4 of the 6 came in the second) the pulled Mason and put in Giron. Did you know he was with the Pens last year? We apparently missed that.

what happened to Joe Ike?! Why is Danny Miller doing the in game announcing? And why can't he read!? Look, I'll be the first to admit I can't type (or apparent edit), but I'm just a random Jill schmo with a computer and opinions. He was epic fail ladies and gentlemen, epic fail. I'm sure he'll improve but we want Joe Ike back!

Mike Cvik did not call any phantom headbutts. JoePa wasn't playing.

JR was in attendance in the lower bowl in a nice fancy box seats. He got an ovation from us fans when showed on the jumbo tron. <3 U JR. Love the shirt JR. Loved it.

At some point poor Demers, already horribly out skated and played by Rick Nash, was shoved by Nabby in order to clear up space. I am of the opinion that he shoved him and shouted "Dis MAI Crease!" (little known fact, Nabokov speaks interwebs)

Ok, I'm going to leave it there for the night and add some more tomorrow, with any luck. My throat is sore from cheering, but I love it.

Go Sharks!

Gameday!

2009-10-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

Kicking off tonight @ 7:30pm on CSN-CA with your lovely hosts, Randy and Drew! Jaime and Dan have the radio, as always. I believe Nabby will be in net tonight, but don't quote me on that. Joe Pa is out with an injury, which sucks, so expect to see Patty when JoePa would normally be when the second line rolls out tonight.

I haven't had a chance to see the Kings yet this season, and based off how the Avs have been playing, I'm not willing to make any predictions as to how tonight's affair will go.

Anyone see the Canucks get their butts handed to them by the Blue Jackets last night? Second period was 3 goals on 3 shots. "LuonGod" (as Mina's brother calls him) was pulled and Raycroft finished the game for him. He actually looked pretty good. You figure that one out.

Post Game Recap:
Will be posted by tomorrow afternoon. Fortunately or un, I, your humble recapper, am current busy with more pressing matters. Nothing bad, just a bit more important. The recap will be up tomorrow because of this.

Alright! Let's get this thing started, shall we?

First, The Good:

Sharks Power Play was on FIRE! Yeah! 4 stright PPGs, baby.

Heatley got his first goal as a Shark. Now people can stop with the "when we he score" nonsense and go back to getting on Joe's case for not SHHHOOOOOOTING THE PUUUUCCCCKKKKKKK.

Patty Marleau, Patty Marleau, Patty Marleau.

Despite the outcome the Sharks came back from a four goal deficient. They could have folded and given up, but they fought back. For a team that's so often accused of not having any heart, I'd say they showed a lot of it last night.

The Bad:

The Sharks 5-on-5 play was pretty stunted. It couldn't get anything going. Passes with anything but crisp, they players didn't seem to be connecting or communicating and there were a decent number of turnovers to the guys in the black jerseys. You know, the Kings?

The D was asleep at the wheel. A few shining moments, but for the most part they looked pretty terrible last night. I realize we do have new defensive parings to deal with, so I'm willing to give them all more than 3 games to sort out their issues, but last night's performance was pretty rough. Those first 3 goals against were ALLL failures in FRONT on Nabby.

Once Greiss let in that terrible goal by Purcell, the Sharks deflated. Not that I blame them, but that 5th goal was the game ender. All the momentum from scoring 4 straight to come back immediately fled the room.

The Ugly:

That goal is going to go into the new video enhanced dictionary next to the definition of the word "ugly". Your team has just come back from a 4-0 deficit and you let THAT in? UGLY.

Ryane Clowe was so pissed by his team's performance that as he walked off the ice after receiving a 5 minute major for a fight, he slammed his helmet to the ground and yell what I can only guess was an obscenity that starts with the letter F and and with K. The fans surrounding him seems amused by this, and OF COURSE it lead to jokes about the playoffs. Personally, I think the early playoff references are the real ugly, but that's just me.

A lot of people started to crap all over Nabby about letting in 4 goals. Let me say this as clearly as I can: 3 of the 4 were NOT ON HIM.
I'm all for blaming the goalie when they suck (see Greiss, Thomas), but when the team in front of them is laying an egg, they need to be called on it.

THE FANS.

Seriously. It was like the clouds had opened up and they were raining all over the poop parade. It was GAME 3 and people were acting like it was a late season bout. Obviously, last year's post season wounds still run very deep, and people are reacting to this new season as if it was an extension of the old. By the tone of some of the comments, you'd think the season was already over.

The Sharks are 3 games in. The team changed quite a bit over the summer and you can't expect them to all have clicked and settled into their new roles or a new system just yet. Sure, last season the Sharks were on a tear early. The opened by winning 4 straight, and taking 8 of their first 10 games. But that's not the norm.

The season before (2007-2008) The first 10 games went as follows*:
1 Oct 04 '07 EDM O 00-00-01 1
2 Oct 05 '07 VAN W 01-00-01 3
3 Oct 07 '07 COL L 01-01-01 3
4 Oct 10 '07 CHI W 02-01-01 5
5 Oct 13 '07 BOS L 02-02-01 5
6 Oct 15 '07 VAN W 03-02-01 7
7 Oct 18 '07 DET L 03-03-01 7
8 Oct 20 '07 NSH W 04-03-01 9
9 Oct 22 '07 CGY W 05-03-01 11
10 Oct 26 '07 DET L 05-04-01 11

*taken from here

2006-2007 started a tad better, but it wasn't a whirlwind:

Oct 5 W 5-4OT
Oct 7 W 2-0
Oct 9 W 4-1
Oct 12 L 4-6
Oct 13 W 6-4
Oct 17 W 2-0
Oct 19 W 5-1
Oct 21 L 1-4
Oct 23 W 3-0
Oct 25 L 1-2

2005-2006. Look at the stats, the lost all but 2 games in November. October wasn't much better.
Wed, Oct 5 L 2-3
Fri, Oct 7 L 3-6
Oct 8 W 7-6
Oct 12 W 4-1
Oct 15 W 4-3
Oct 17 L 2-3OT
Oct 19 L 1-6
Oct 21 L 1-4
Oct 22 L 1-2
Oct 26 W 5-4OT

So you see, it's a LITTLE early to start making judgements on how the rest of the season will go. Is it a bumpier start than last year? Yes. But that's all it is.
Let's hold off a bit on the doom and gloom, alright?

And now, as promised, a section on Jamie Baker's hair.

I am SO GLAD someone gave him a comb! Last year, Jamie Baker was on camera all season with hair that pretty much looked like he'd rolled out of bed, put on a suit, and come to work. It was everywhere. All over the place. He doesn't even have a lot of it and it always managed to look extremely unkempt. It was honestly rather impressive just how bad it looked at times. Sticking up here and there, generally being all over the place while everyone else looked rather nicely coiffed in comparison.

Now his commentary and knowledge made up for the distraction of his unruly locks, but I started wondering if I should mail him a comb or something mid season because nothing seemed to be being done to help him. Did he not have a comb, perhaps? He may have lost in somewhere. It happens. Perhaps he thought the bed head look was stylish. It was in a few years back for the ladies, maybe he was trying to start a new trend amongst men.

I can see that his hair has some curl to it, and I know how hard curly hair is to control, but I'm so happy he FINALLY tamed it this season. It looks super good, Mr. Baker. SUPER GOOD! No longer will I mistake you for a man who comes to work very tired all the time.

OMG FINALLY: Pre-season Predictions

2009-10-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Last season, I managed to convince Gray and my brother to go on record at the beginning of the season about how they thought the conference standings would look at the end of the season. Turns out I am much better at blind guessing than they are and now I need to defend my "crown."* Of course me being me, I waited until the last moment to frantically text some people to get their predictions. Thankfully, Gray, AfroPuff, and my brother are kind enough ti indulge me in my procrastination. Gray would like everyone to know that she used a random number generator to make her picks; the rest of us spent a bit more time with ours, but I suspect she'll do better than the rest of us.

In order to have a gimmick "control group,"** I had two of my classes pick team names from a hat. (My senior Economics class picked the West and one of my junior US History classes picked the East.) Most of them had no idea what they are doing. It's awesome to keep teenagers confused.

When the season is over, I'll use a super scientific method of determining who came closest in their picks and who is the "winner." To the "winner" go the bragging rights.

* - This is competition only in my mind. I need to be better than Gray in some way.

** - Gray thinks I'm silly for wanting a gimmick set of picks. Yes, yes I am.

Gray's Picks

The West The East

1) Vancouver Canucks 1) Ottawa Senators

2) St. Louis Blues 2) Pittsburgh Penguins

3) San Jose Sharks 3) Toronto Maple Leafs

4) Chicago Blackhawks 4) Atlanta Thrashers

5) Columbus Blue Jackets 5) Buffalo Sabres

6) Los Angeles Kings 6) Montreal Canadiens

7) Dallas Stars 7) New York Rangers

8) Calgary Flames 8) New Jersey Devils

9) Minnesota Wild 9) New York Islanders

10) Colorado Avalanche 10) Boston Bruins

11) Edmonton Oilers 11) Washington Capitals

12) Detroit Red Wings 12) Florida Panthers

13) Anaheim Ducks 13) Tampa Bay Lightning

14) Nashville Predators 14) Philadelphia Flyers

15) Phoenix Coyotes 15) Carolina Hurricanes

AfroPuff’s Picks

The West The East

1) San Jose Sharks 1) Washington Capitals

2) Chicago Blackhawks 2) Philadelphia Flyers

3) Calgary Flames 3) Montreal Canadians

4) Detroit Red Wings 4) Boston Bruins

5) Vancouver Canucks 5) Carolina Hurricanes

6) Anaheim Ducks 6) Pittsburgh Penguins

7) Dallas Stars 7) Toronto Maple Leafs

8) Minnesota Wild 8) New Jersey Devils

9) Phoenix Coyotes 9) Atlanta Thrashers

10) Edmonton Oilers 10) Ottawa Senators

11) Columbus Blue Jackets 11) Buffalo Sabres

12) Los Angeles Kings 12) New York Islanders

13) St. Louis Blues 13) Florida Panthers

14) Nashville Predators 14) New York Rangers

15) Colorado Avalanche 15) Tampa Bay Lightning

Mina’s Picks

The West The East

1) Detroit Red Wings 1) Washington Capitals

2) San Jose Sharks 2) Pittsburgh Penguins

3) Calgary Flames 3) Boston Bruins

4) Chicago Blackhawks 4) Montreal Canadians

5) Minnesota Wild 5) Philadelphia Flyers

6) Anaheim Ducks 6) New Jersey Devils

7) Columbus Blue Jackets 7) Buffalo Sabres

8) Los Angeles Kings 8) Carolina Hurricanes

9) Colorado Avalanche 9) New York Rangers

10) Edmonton Oilers 10) Ottawa Senators

11) Vancouver Canucks 11) Tampa Bay Lightning

12) St Louis Blues 12) New York Islanders

13) Dallas Stars 13) Toronto Maple Leafs

14) Phoenix Coyotes 14) Atlanta Thrashers

15) Nashville Predators 15) Florida Panthers

Geoff's Picks

The West The East

1) Detroit Red Wings 1) Washington Capitals

2) San Jose Sharks 2) New Jersey Devils

3) Calgary Flames 3) Boston Bruins

4) Anaheim Ducks 4) New York Rangers

5) Chicago Blackhawks 5) Philadelphia Flyers

6) Vancouver Canucks 6) Pittsburgh Penguins

7) Minnesota Wild 7) Carolina Hurricanes

8) Columbus Blue Jackets 8) Tampa Bay Lightning

9) Dallas Stars 9) Toronto Maple Leafs

10) St Louis Blues 10) Florida Panthers

11) Nashville Predators 11) Ottawa Senators

12) Edmonton Oilers 12) Buffalo Sabres

13) Colorado Avalanche 13) Montreal Canadiens

14) Los Angeles Kings 14) New York Islanders

15) Phoenix Coyotes 15) Atlanta Thrashers

Student’s Picks

The West The East

1) San Jose Sharks 1) New York Rangers

2) Nashville Predators 2) Washington Capitals

3) Calgary Flames 3) Buffalo Sabres

4) St Louis Blues 4) New York Islanders

5) Chicago Blackhawks 5) Carolina Hurricanes

6) Columbus Blue Jackets 6) Pittsburgh Penguins

7) Detroit Red Wings 7) Toronto Maple Leafs

8) Colorado Avalanche 8) Atlanta Thrashers

9) Minnesota Wild 9) Ottawa Senators

10) Vancouver Canucks 10) Boston Bruins

11) Phoenix Coyotes 11) Montreal Canadians

12) Anaheim Ducks 12) New Jersey Devils

13) Dallas Stars 13) Philadelphia Flyers

14)Los Angeles Kings 14) Florida Panthers

15) Edmonton Oilers 15) Tampa Bay Lightning

Gameday! Duck Soup, Anyone?

2009-10-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

This show gets on the road tonight @ 7pm on CSNCA with your lovely hosts, Randy and Drew. Jamie and Dan will also, as always, be provided us with fantastic radio coverage.
I know there's some issues about the availability of CSNCA (to put it mildly), but hopefully until everyone's providers figure this mess out (TV shouldn't be this hard!) you all will find a place to watch, or at the very least, listen.

I know everyone is still all pissed about Thursday, but to help you move on, Reader Emily created a fantastic video. You should watch it.

Really Post Game Recap:

So I didn't get to see the game, as I was in places I was at last night, while cool, only were showing college ball. From the highlights I saw, it looked like last night's game was good. Like super good. Love it when we beat the Ducks.

Our rooks all get their first points in the same game AND they all come from Ferriero's 1st NHL goal. Awesome!

Patty's shorty was so amazing Mina called to tell me about it. It was a thing of beauty.

ZOMG Joe shot the puck! ZOMGZOMZOMG!

Seto was like "watch this!" and Hiller was like "wha....dammit."

I missed Randy and Drew, and while I only got a bit of them in the highlights, it was really awesome to hear them calling a game again.

Kinda confused (having not see the game) about why Teemu got the 2nd star when Whitney scored the Ducks only goal of the evening. Anyone have a report on his performance?

The team looked faster as a whole, but like I said, I only got to see the highlights, so I'm just guessing based off those and the recaps I read.

Some Additional Thoughts On last Night

2009-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

As I tweeted not too long ago,I'm really surprised that Patty's two goals got no mention from Teh Todd. He was apparently only pleased by the play of Demers and Ferriero. (Read the print article here WTC update on the game is also up but the page is currently down) I can't figure out how the guy who scores your two goals gets tossed in the poop pile with the rest of the team. Part of me is wondering if it's part of some vast anti Patty conspiracy, but that's going a little too close crazy town. No use in reading into things that I'm not even sure are there.

Also a little surprised that some expected the Sharks to come out of the gate like gangbusters. IIRC, the Sharks have a habit of losing their first games, and did so quite often under RW. It happens. Considering how much the team turned over towards the end of the off season, it will take time for all the new lines and defensive pairings to gel and learn how to communicate with each other. Yes, people were slow and missing assignments all night, but it was clear that no one was sure WHERE they needed to be, and my guess is some of that has to do with the fact that a lot of old familiar players are gone, and the older Sharks have to adjust to the newer players styles. The newer Sharks have to adjust to be Sharks. It will take a few games to shake the bugs out.

It just seems a tad early to start contemplating jumping off the bus.

I think I am going to get very tired of hearing about Heatley not scoring this season. At least until he does. haha

The second line looked good. Gonna love Joe Pa, Patty, Clowe this year. Bringing the awesome to your face!

GAMEDAY!!!!!

2009-10-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

This thing kicks off TONIGHT! On Versus @ 7, but if I had to guess I'd say the VS will also be airing the pregame festivities as the Avs honor Joe Sakic for being, well, Joe Sakic. Come for the jersey retirement, stay for the game. It's gonna be good.

Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Hockey is back, baby! Strap yourselves in folks! It's going to be one helluva ride!

Post Game Recap:

Anderson is a beast!

Our D didn't show up. Don't know where they were but their less skilful, more inefficient clones showed up instead. "You idiots! These are not them! You've captured their stunt doubles!" So true.

Patty was the best looking player in white and teal on the ice tonight? Letters? Letters? Patty don't need no stinking letters!

It was discussed and decided that the Sharks were beaten by Sakic's right testicle, while the left had more valor than the word valor itself. Powerful stuff.

The 1st line needs some time to gel, that is for sure.

Heatley missed a shot that should have gone in with the most terrific whiff of the night. OY!

Did I mention how Anderson is a beast, cos he is.

Nabby didn't play well, but he didn't play badly, either. He had no help from his D and the Avs walked all over his net.

Pretty poor performance overall by the Sharks, BUT , Patty was great, Demers and Ferriero played well in their first NHL game.

I didn't even know Huskins was ON THE ICE until the VS guys mentioned him. Not sure if that's
good, bad, or entire inconsequential.

But despite the loss, hockey is back, and that make me happy.

GO SHARKS! And kick some Duck butt on Saturday!

Blake gets the C and the Crowd Gets Butthurt

2009-09-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, ok, maybe I am exaggerating a little but the reactions that I have been witness to have been pretty mixed. It's safe to say that despite the fact the Blake has been a C wearing man before and despite the fact that he definitely fits the role of "veteran", I'd say most Sharks fans didn't see this coming. Boyle was a shoe in, with a lot of people picking Pavelski as another likely candidate.

Blake wasn't my first or even third choice, but whatever. It's not about me, it's about who the team feels can best lead them overtly and argue calls on the ice. It's also about who stepped it up the most at camp. Your winners are Blake, Boyle and Joe.

People are sort of freaked out.

Blake? BLAKE? OMGWHYBLAKEOMGHESSOOLDOMG.

Yeah, ok, so maybe he's only got a season or two left in him. So what? If the locker room is behind him and the staff is behind him, who cares?

But he's not the best player on the ice!

Nope. He's not. He doesn't need to be.

But he didn't earn it!

Well, apparently, he did or else he wouldn't have it.

Mina suggests that Blake my have a great locker room presence we know nothing about. YOU don't have to like the choice, but understand that he was chosen for a reason, even if it seems inexplicable right now.

The reaction to Joe is a mix of "Why did he get the A back?!" and "Why doesn't he have the C?!" Mina and I are both firm believers in the idea that your captain is not necessarily the best man on the ice (see above).

Joe WAS a Captain before, and I think he's the type of guy who does better in a "secondary" leadership roll. The C seemed to hurt him more than it helped, and besides, as Mina said, he can still carry the team even without a fancy letter.It can still be "Joe's team." That based on the way you play and how you are in the locker room, not on a letter.

But why give Joe back the A and not give Patty back the C?

Because quite possibly, somewhere along the lines in discussions we were and never likely will be privy to, it was decided that it wasn't going back to Patty. That's all. He's still a Shark and still a leader even without the letter. That much has even been said publicly and I don't think it's just lip service. Not this year.

Boyle, well, Boyle probably is the luckiest out of the bunch. Since most of us figured he was going to get the C, him getting the A is alright.Though some people are left wonder if this means there will be yet another fight for the C when Blake retires, but I'm going to worry about that when the time comes.

OMG FINALLY: Teal and White Piccies

2009-09-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to today's edition of OMG FINALLY, a consistent feature on Couch Tarts when Mina FINALLY does something she promised to like forever ago OMG! This time it's making silly comments about the pictures she took at Teal and White forever ago.

Even from the back, Drew and Randy are the best looking announcing crew in hockey.

I don't know what everyone else is thinking. Patty totally has a little captain in him.

If he makes the team, Not Kyle McLaren could be in the running to be a favorite of mine. I love guys with a mouse under their eye in their official photo. See also: Mitchell, Torrey.

It was nice to see Joe having a super fun time. I dig the crazy Jack-Nicolson-in-The-Shining smile.

This was the best Griess looked all night: leaving the ice for a delayed penalty. /rimshot

Staubitz looked particularly pleased at the ovation he got during the intros. Two words: Jordan Tootoo. hee

My favorite part about looking at hockey photos is the awkward expressions on everyone's faces. Doug Murray = GOAL SCORER (and awkward)

MOAR AWKWARD Dandenault style.

MCGINN! I <3 YOU!! If he makes the team, I'm seriously considering a McGinn jersey. How can you not love that face?

Dude! When did Dan Boyle get sooo old. I mean I know some of these guys are young, but srsly.

This one is for you TCY. My favorite thing about Sexsmith is how he leaned against the goal all pimpstyle when the puck was in the other end.

OMG BUTTERFLY GOALIE. LOOK LOOK!! POST TO POST MOVEMENT. Lrn 2 ply Griess!

See look guy, we can have a Holmstrom too. Crashing the net: Staubitz style.

Run Short, Fat, Russian, Run! Don't let the zebra beat you!

Dear god, these kids are so little. I think I saw Not Not Graham Mink in my econ class last week.

AfroPuff, I love you but Joslin is starting to freak me out a little. That unfocused stare is just weird.

LOL Rob Blake looks like Popeye here! *insert old guy joke here*

The rest of the pictures can be found here.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-09-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

No, I’m not talking about Kwanzaa! I’m talking about the few days before the start of the NHL season. Every year hockey fans’ heart is filled with hope and visions of their team winning the Stanley Cup run through their heads. Despite obvious setbacks, off-season drama, court room struggles, etc. most fans continue to hope and believe. Penguins’ fans hope to win the Cup again and Islanders fans believe that Tavares will save the day and get them the Cup this year. Calgary fans hope that their super-charged defense will get them over the hump and Phoenix fans hope that a new coach will help the team ignore the legal brouhaha and win the Cup.

And then there are Sharks fans (sigh.) My teal brethren. We hope no matter what. We hope that Marleau will prove the nay-sayers wrong. We hope that Thornton will be the monster in the post-season we know he can be. We hope the Heatley drama was really just the Canadian Press and that his douche-ness was exaggerated. We hope that Nabby will find his way (and close his 5-hole.) We hope that Joslin somehow gets AfroPuffs phone number and calls her and asks her out on a date. We hope that Murray keeps getting hat tricks. We hope that the Sharks will make it past the first AND second round and into the finals. We hope that the injury bug stays the hell away from our team this season. We hope that Todd has an amazing second season as the Sharks coach. We hope that Drew, Randy, Dan and Jamie will be awesome (again.) We hope that our mix of veterans + rookies + the massive disappointment of last year = the Stanley Cup.

So much hope. But unfortunately hope does not win hockey games or the Stanley Cup. Don’t get me wrong, having supportive fans definitely helps, but it’s up to our boys in the teal to bring it home. So please boys – even though the Couch Tarts will support you no matter what – we’ve been good (well, at least good enough) girls this year so please bring us the cup…

Trouble in Huskinsville?

2009-09-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

As per WTC. Pollak, as always, is the man.

I think of all the summer moves, the (re)signing of Kent Huskins' is one that registered on everyone mind boggle radar. He got 1.7 mil and we haven't even seen the dude play as a Shark. I long ago gave up trying to understand the moves GMs make because, well, to be quite honest they don't seem to follow the same logic I would in their transactions. Now, much of this is because I only have the vaguest idea of what being a GM takes, (Look good in a suit. Tan early and often), whereas Doug Wilson and other GMs actually do this for a living. I suspect their insight into the job is somewhat better than mine.

The hope is that a less than stellar off season does not a bad regular (or post) season make. He was out for awhile and maybe it's just taking him some time to get back into the wing of things. Maybe he's still tentative and doesn't want to risk re-injuring himself this early. Maybe it's a combo of that and not quite being comfortable with the Sharks system yet. This is what I tell myself, anyway, because good or bad, he's here and all I can do is hope he works out.

Working the Corners provides us with more insight into the Huskinsville saga. It's not so much a saga as a slightly interesting conversation one wouldn't mind over hearing at lunch.

News and Notes

2009-09-25T09:46:00.001-07:00

The Sharks and Ducks face off tonight @ 7:30 for some preseason Tank action. Sadly, you won't find it on your TVs. And judging by how the Sharks site doesn't have it on the news crawl (yet) it's probably not on your radio, either.

This video on Puck Daddy is fantastic. Hockey fans are different. 'Nuff said.

Between this guy being signed and snagging Malhotra for pennies (700K reported to be the deal) Doug Wilson has gone from a weak GM to the best GM ever once again in the mind of some fans. I think the 180 is pretty funny, personally. Similar to the one that happened when Heatley became a Shark. I can't decide if this means that we're a fickle, or accepting, lot.

Kinda of a bummer of a preseason. 2 wins and 3 losses, including one in OT where the Sharks had the lead going into the 3rd.Not to sure if that really means anything though. And as Mina likes to remind me, the year the Sharks were beasts in the preseason they started the season with like 10 losses.

This image may not have brought luck during the playoffs, but I like it just the same. It also summarizes my feeling towards the Ducks quite well.

Go Sharks.

News and Notes

2009-09-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sharks face off against the Canucks again tonight in preseason action. Canucks.com will be carrying the game. As always, preseason + Sharks + Canucks = extracurriculars. 7pm.

Puck Daddy lists the Vegas odds for NHL teams to make the playoffs this year. I'm not a betting (wo)man, but if I were, I'm sure this would be kind of exciting.

Fools and Sages has a mathtastical break down of special teams.

I've been working on a fun little side project with a few fellow artist bloggers, and I'd love to get some more folks participating. The idea is simple: Do your own interpretation of this piece by Francis Bacon using an NHL figurehead. All media are accepted. If you're photoshoper, do it in photoshop. If you like watercolor, do it in that. Me? I'm painting mine with acrylics. (pics here)

I chose Bettman, but other folks are doing Balsillie (who isn't a figurehead but is in the news a bunch) and potentially Burke. I want to keep it to Bettman or the GMs, preferably recognizable ones, but really, feel free to do whatever.
This is NOT a competition. There are no prizes. It's just for fun.

If you want to participate, let me know. (email off to the side of the blog. Scroll down a tad). It'd be cool to post a gallery of these.

Nabby Sketches

2009-09-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

I drew a few more little Nabby doll type guys while working on the Overheard in the Line cartoon. Figured I'd share.

Canucks Get Medieval on Sharks, Win 6-2

2009-09-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Greiss looked TERRIBLE. Absolutely TERRIBLE. He moved slow across the net, had a slow glove, was out of position a bunch and was hesitant to play the puck. Half the time I don't even think he knew were the puck was. I really wanted him to do well, but based on what I saw tonight, combined with the few other performances I have seen from him, I remain less than confident about his ability to be our regular backup. (happy to have him prove me wrong. Very, very happy for him to do that)

The D looked like doggy poo. Terrible. It just wasn't clicking.

HI NOTE! tried to fight, and was only half successful. But that's ok because Fraizer McLaren was more than willing to give a clinic on how to beat the crap out of some guy, and look mean doing it.

Clowe nearly had this super awesome behind swirly spinning blind shot at the net goal, but it BARELY missed.

McGinn is awesome. All love McGinn!

Patty looked good too. And he got a nice round of applause from the crowd several times. SJ still loves Patrick Marleau.

Jody Shelley went to start a fight and all he got was 2 minutes for instigating, 5 for fighting, a 10 min misconduct and a game misconduct. Also included was a crappy t-shirt.

Stalock looked good, and the team looked much more confident in front of him. It's like they can sense when the goalie's mind is weak. Fin think?

It was nice when the Sharks finally decided to play with about 5 minutes left. They looked pretty good then.

Patty, JoePa and Blake all had an A on their jerseys.

Ehrhoff got a goal and an assist. Where was this Ehrhoff when we had him and how do the Canucks get him to finally realize where he net is? Did they give him a better map? Install GPS? I didn't boo him when he got a star, and I'm disappointed people did. He was traded. He didn't leave us, we told him to go. Don't boo the man. He kinda had a smirk when he heard it. Fans did, however, cheer him when his name was announced for the starting line up. That was nice.

The stat sheet suffered from lack of name fail. We had NEARLY everyone on the Canucks shoved on there (Ehrhoff was a noted exception, though he did play and now has the number 5) and maybe half the Sharks roster. And it wasn't the half that was playing.

But you know what?

It's the preseason. Try again tomorrow, boys!

Teal and White Recap and the Game Day for Tonight's PreSeason Game

2009-09-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

First, the Teal and White recap:

Despite being a season ticket holder only event, Teal and White has become quite popular. Lines snake around the Tank to get in long before the doors open and nearly everyone goes in with a game plan for autograph lines and ice skating. Standing outside,waiting for the doors to open and the fans to flood in and fill the bottom of the Tank, I find it mind boggling that people still don't think hockey has a home in my state. Thousands stand outside, waiting to get in to see an exhibition game from a team that laid a fat egg in the playoffs. We WANT hockey. Not only that, we wants Sharks hockey. It's been too long.

The fun stuff:

I never sit downstairs during the regular season, so getting to sit in the rich seats if pretty awesome. I like the view from upstairs, but the novelty of seats 13 rows up from the glass hasn't worn off for me yet. Meeting the players is awesome, especially when one of them gives Afro the eye, (she's available, Joslin!), but I really come for the game. It's so much fun to be able to watch the players just have fun out on the ice. Sure, Teal is trying to beat White and vice versa, but it's an exhibition game. Just a scrimmage. The rookies may be trying to impress, but the veterans are out there having a blast.

I chose team Teal this year, mostly because it had Ryane Clowe. Afro took team White, and Mina was assigned Teal, though none of us really cared. We cheered for all the goals, no matter who scored them.

Sexsmith was a beast and kept Teal down to 1 goal, giving White the win. Then the shootout came. I don't know what happened, but the Sexywall feel and Teal blew White out of the water in the shootout. Fans select the players for the shootout and I think the best moment was when someone selected Brad Staubitz. He looked absolutely shocked & repaid the fan by scoring a goal. Nichol was selected and skated over and bear hugged his fan, who were assuming had been a long time admirer. Jody Shelley surprised us all by scoring a sick shoot out goal. Randy Hahn suggested the coaches take this into consideration.

Randy and Drew, stars in their own right, announced the lineups for each of the teams. They also showed us they were in regular season form by riffing and rambling in the way that only they can.

Ok, enough rambling there. Tonight's HOCKEY! (You'll have to wait for the regular season for game day art.)

Sharks took last night's game against LA, (in Ontario "what's that smell?" California. No seriously. Drive down 10 or 60 and tell me it doesn't smell weird sometimes. The Santa Ana winds do this area no favors. I'm going to get letters, aren't I?), in the shoot out. Tonight, they're back up the the Bay Area to face the Canucks. If past pre season games are any indicator, this game will be chippy at best and nose breaking at worst. I don't know what it is, but the Canucks and Sharks don't get along well in the pre season. Now that there are more than a few former Sharks on the team, I suspect things will be just a little bit awkward once the puck drops.

7:30 PM. The Teal Mile comes back to life tonight.

Should be awesome. Go Sharks!

Overheard In The Line: I Love Nabokov Edition

2009-09-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

She didn't actually have a Nabby doll, but she was clutching her purse and a her Nabby jersey as if they were dolls. This was also in line for (now former Shark) Brad Lukowich's signing, so, you figure that one out.

Sharks Fans and The Amazing Heatley 180

2009-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

As we all know by know, the Sharks acquired Dany Heatley yesterday from the Sens, (as well as a 5th rounder) at the cost of Cheechoo, Milan and a 2nd. What has struck me most about this trade is that, up until it actually went down for real, the majority of folks on the boards I frequent were positively dead set against Heatley. Now that we have him, it's like fricking Christmas. People are riding high on Heatley's kite, and I am shocked by how quickly everyone suddenly decided that what had been a terrible idea all summer is now the best idea evar!

Doug Wilson went from a GM people had lost faith in to OMGWELOVEDOUGWILSON over night. I'm just...boggled.

Floored, may be a better word.

Ignoring all other issues, Heatley is not the savior of the team. A decent addition, to be sure, but he doesn't solve all our problems. We lack depth, for one thing and I'm not even sure we can dress a full team at the moment. (ignoring any possible promotions for the boys from woostah) And despite DW assuring us there's room to move as the season progresses, the team is back over the cap.

Stufflife and Plank had some GREAT points on this issue over at Fear the Fin, and I'm posting them below because they both covered it with far more eloquence that I ever could. (link to the thread, if you wish to read the points there instead)

Stufflife: What’s out of the way? We can’t field the team yet. Technically we’re over the cap in payroll, and that’s with Ortmeyer and without an injured Mitchell and a scratched forward and Demers and Joslin taking the #6 and #7 defenseman spots. We couldn’t even afford to bring up Petrecki (I think. My cap knowledge is spotty).

Boy, that paragraph is a mess. Let me try it another way. Ignore any specific line combos or pairings you don’t like.

Heatley – Thornton – Setoguchi
Marleau – Pavelski – Clowe
McGinn – Mitchell (-injured- hurt, need to call up a reserve) – Ortmeyer
Staubitz – Nichol – Shelley
no healthy scratch

Boyle – Blake
Vlasic – Huskins
Murray – Demers
Joslin as healthy scratch

Nabokov
Greiss

Capgeek.com says this is $57,349,163; that leaves a theoretical $690,837 in space, but I don’t see it, especially when the cap is set $56.8M.

I don’t see how DW can go into the season like this. Is there another move coming?

Plank:

The “theoretical $690,837 in space” is discluding performance bonuses. I can’t find the specific bonuses for either Blake, Setoguchi, or McGinn, but if they are on pace to hit them by the end of the season (20 G for Setoguchi, 30 points for McGinn etc.) then San Jose will need to make a move at the deadline. I explained it here if you’re interested (it’s the first question). I’ve talked with Mirtle a lot about bonuses this summer, and entry level bonuses (Gooch, McGinn) are usually pretty easy to hit- I assume they do it.

As for $.690 M in space, that’s probably enough to sign a healthy scratch on the cheap. DW doesn’t have to make a move now, but if the aforementioned bonuses look like they’re going to be hit, he will have to make a move.

I’m actually going to update this on the main piece- a very good point stufflife, and I wasn’t even aware of it before you inspired me to look at the numbers. Usually CapGeek factors in the bonuses when dealing with cap space. This might be the first time I’ve looked at it without them listing it.

I will reserve final judgement on the addition of Heatley, (as well as any other players we traded for), until I've had some time to get to know them and watch them on the ice. They're Sharks and I will cheer for them. Unless we get Pronger, that's not a fact that's going to change.

Ignoring my personal feelings regarding the loss of Cheechoo (who, to be honest, we knew was not long for teal) and Milan, and ignoring all the Heatley hoopla, I can accept and deal with this trade. As a fan, that is my duty. But I'm just boggled at the reaction to it. It's like suddenly all the Sharks problems are solved by the acquisition of one player. And yet I still have some concerns and I find myself wondering why it is that so many seem to be overlooking these issues.

I don't get it.

Buccigross Jumps The Shark

2009-09-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

So what happened yesterday? Many of us are still trying to figure that out. Allow me to list my own version of events as they unfolded, in an effort to figure out how Twitter managed to pwn us all.

Yesterday, around 4:15, I got a text stating that John Buccigross was saying that Heatly was a Shark today (yesterday) or tomorrow (today). My immediate response was "eff no!" because I don't buy the Heatley for Marleau and the Shark Zamboni rumors. There's just been way too many of them this summer for me to take seriously. But, curious, I look and see that Buccigross (or someone claiming to be him) has indeed tweeted about said trade. Not only that but Kukla's has it. I trust Kukla's as a reliable information source, and they obvious trust Buccigross. ESPN also has an article up about it.

Well holy eff, it's TRUE!

At this point I get a call from one Mr. Plank asking if people are just trying to mess with him by saying Patty was traded. I tell him all signs point to no and we both share a moment of vulgarity induced confusion.

I start to go back to investigating. The story is everywhere now. It spread like wildfire. Nothing totally confirmed, but everything is sounding like the deal was for real and it's about to go down.

I fanshot links to various articles and the conversation "asplodes" (as we say on teh interwebs). Still wishing for the rumor to be false, (more because I dislike how Marleau's been being treated by management and fans alike of late), I abandon my post and go to watch some TV and doodle. My mistake is that I chose to sit on a comfy surface and I quickly fall asleep. (I did somehow manage to finish the ACEO I had been working on before deciding to abandon consciousness in favor of sleepytime)

I awake a bit later, wander back to the computer and see that OH SHIT, the trade is confirmed. I repeated THE TRADE IS CONFIRMED. My mind blows. It's all over. I find some Kings fans discussing it elsewhere. I see tweets about it from all over. sjdhalsflsaf;sf'asf

From here on, it gets weird.

Shortly after seeing the trade is confirmed, the internets are flooded with reports that state quite the contrary. LA says no, they aren't involved in any trade. the Sharks say no. The Sens say no. Then we find out the Sharks and Sens haven't even spoken recently. Wait, WAT?

Conflicting reports pile up as I head out to find dinner. By the time I return, the hockey world has been righted and Patrick Marleau is still a Shark. Not a King, but a Shark.

The trade itself seemed overly complex, and moving Patty to LA seemed ridiculous. but given how things have been here in Sharksland this summer, it didn't seem preposterous. In fact, I'd say the crazy surrounding Marleau this off season only lending to the creditability of the statements.

Ignoring all other issues, this trade would have annoyed me because it feels like we've been jerking Marleau around for the past two summers, and he doesn't deserve the thrown under the bus treatment. Yes, he was the Captain during a spectacular playoff failure, but the team was sputtering well before April, and that ignores how he was Captain for all the good things that happened last year. It obviously wasn't just ONE GUY that caused the problems, it was systematic.

All I have been looking for all summer from Doug Wilson is a definitive answer on Marleau. Does the team stand by him, or no? And by "team" I mean ownership. It's been made clear over the years that the players stand by Marleau. While I don't doubt there weren't questions about his methods last post season in the locker room, I just don't feel like management leaving him out to dry is a good thing. We know Joe Thornton is safe, despite that fact that you could easily make similar claims about his lack of leadership. So why not Patty?

This whole situation reeks of something that should have been thrown out weeks ago, and yet has been left to fester in the back of the fridge. It was only a matter of time before it exploded.

One More Rookie Game!

2009-09-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Sharks have already sealed the deal in this rookie tourney, but there's still one more game tonight. Get there EARLY as I have heard reports of people being turned away last night.

Working the Corners has a quick recap of last night's game. Man, I missed a Gordie Howe hat trick from Petrecki? Sharks won last night's bout 5-0.
Boom. Tough actin' Tinactin.

Tonight @7pm
North Rink
Sharks Ice, San Jose

Rookie Game 2!

2009-09-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight @ 7pm
North Rink
Sharks Ice, San Jose

Same deal as last night. $10 for 13 and over $5 for those 12 and younger. First come, first serve, so get they're early.

Proceeds to benefit charity, but the altruism is just a bonus. It's live hockey folks! Get out there and watch it! I can't go tonight and I'm sad. It's some fun times.

Rookie Game!

2009-09-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

Tonight @ 7pm
North Rink
Sharks Ice San Jose

Admission is $10. Come on out and cheer for the rookies

Post Game Recap: (it's like the real season!)

So, that was awesome.

There's something to be said for the joy that is watching a hockey game from the bleachers, close enough to the ice to know the players can hear you, surrounded by hundreds of other fans who are just as eager and excited for the season to start as you are.

The was an electric energy in the air, and even though we all know that we won't be seeing most of these rookies on the team come Oct 1st, it didn't matter. They had on teal, and that was all we cared about. We knew few names, but still managed to get our like for all thing teal across.

Couture is unreal to watch. He was easily the best player on the ice. This kid is as impressive as they say.

The crowd favorite seemed to be #70, Daniel Erlich. He's 5'6" and only 150, but this kid can motor. He's amazingly fast and the crowd appreciated his efforts. During the shoot out (yep, it went to the shoot out) the entire crowd stood and cheered for him. He scored.

The Sharks rookies looked better overall, though the Ducks had better fighters. Color me unsurprised.

There were a lot of penalties. Some good calls, some I'm not sure, but the crowd weighed in on all of them.

The linesman fell down. Oh he tried to play it off, but he fell down, went boom.

Some hard hits. I mean, bone rattling. A few people were hit into next week.

A few pucks slammed into the windows of Stanley's. No beers were hurt.

The refs were ECHL refs and they could not, for the life of them, place the puck in the right spot during the shoot out. They'd just kinda toss it and let it slide all over. They were also still scared of getting hit, and flinched when players got too close. (not that I blame them). It probably takes a lot of years of practice to develop NHL level nerves of steal.

Shootout was like 7 rounds or something. Nowhere near as nerve wrecking as a "real" one. It also followed what Mina accurately called "the longest dry scrape ever."

Drew Remenda and his boys were in attendance. He was super nice, said hi to everyone and stopped to sign jerseys.

Rusanowsky was there too, but spent most of the time in the glass enclosed war room behind us. This is also were we saw Todd McLellan and Doug Wilson. We also probably annoyed the hell out of them. No one would run up and smash their face against the glass, but I kept hoping someone would.

Marchment wandered by after the game when we headed out front and had the good fortune to meet some seriously fantastic bloggers. SwisherThresher melted into the ground while the rest of us said hi.

It was sooo nice to see hockey again. Live, in person. To feel the chilly air and listen to the religious fevor with which the fans cheered and booed. Just three weeks until the real season begins. I can't wait.

Some Important Dates

2009-09-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sharks rookies will play the Ducks rookies at Sharks Ice in SJ next week. Details here.

Training Camp starts on the 13th according to this schedule, and the 12th according to the article mentioned about. Either way, it's hockey. That you can watch. Live. Go do it!

Sketch Files. Early (or Late) Edition

2009-09-01T00:29:00.001-07:00

Rough, but you all deserve a post with a drawing in it. This was inspired by the "overheard" comic I am working on. It involves a doll Nabokov. So, I drew a doll style Nabby.
I felt a little Power Puff and I worked it.

So Here's The Deal

2009-08-30T19:04:00.001-07:00

We get anyone else posting purposefully inflammatory comments and we're either turn commenting off OR going to have to check them ourselves before they go through. Censorship is annoying, so we'd rather not go there. If you're reading here, we expect you to act like an adult. If you can't, please don't bother frequenting this blog.

Thanks

-The Couch Tarts

To Kill A Salary Cap Bird

2009-08-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

First, a general reminder of how trades work:

The Trade:

Luko and Ehrhoff for two Canucks prospects of mid range quality.

Breakdowns on White and Rahimi

The Low Down:

Ok, first things first. THIS WAS NOT A MOVE FOR HEATLY.

Random Reader: How can you be sure?!?!? zomgheatly!!!!!eleventy! We have cap space nao1 WE R GUNA SIGN HIM!!!!!!!

Me: Well, I can't, but that Sharks still have Torrey Mitchell to resign and they still need another D man and some assorted Forwards. You don't free up cap space for multiple guys to blow your wad on one.

Random Reader: ...Why do you have to say it like that?

Me: *BLINKS* Moving on...

This was, as had been stated pretty much everywhere else, a salary dump deal. We all know that Ehrhoff and Lukowich were worth more than two prospects and that the Sharks kind of got the short end of the stick here. However, coming from a position of no real power, I don't find this at all surprising. It was pretty clear that a move like this would have to be made before Sept 30th, (I think that's the cap compliance date), and it was simply a matter of time before it went down.

This trade gets the Sharks under the cap and gives them the wiggling room to sign the rest of the players they need in order to ice a complete team. It also gives the WorSharks a chance to move up to the big club on a more permanent basis.

[UPDATE] DW talks to Dan Rusanowsky about the trade. h/t to sandjoselandshark

Doug Wilson photos Copyright Getty Images
1st crowd photo was taken by Harold Dorwin and was found in The Commons section of Flickr
2nd crowd photo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfist/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

images altered by Gray. End legal goodness

News at 11!

2009-08-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

Luko and Ehrhoff out, two Canucks prospects in.

To be addressed at more length later. Now back to your regularly scheduled lunch break.

Panda Power!!!

2009-08-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

(An aside by an absentee Couch Tart)

Two seasons ago, I went to the Tank to see the Sharks play the Maple Leafs with the guy I was dating at the time (who was a Sens fan and just wanted to mock the Leafs (I know, I know)). In front of us was a group of people wearing Crosby Team Canada jerseys and carrying a stuffed penguin. I couldn't quite understand the point of the penguin (other than the obvious Crosby penguin thing) and quietly mocked them and their silly penguin. Then they did something even more odd: they started taking pictures of the penguin. They took pictures of the penguin and the ice, the penguin and each other, and turning the hockey game into a mini stuffed animal photo shoot. So naturally I took pictures of them so that I could mock them later and share the mocking with others.

So cut to tonight at the Giants game for this:

In my defense, there is a logical reason behind bringing a stuffed panda to a baseball game. My new favorite Giant, Pablo Sandoval, has the nickname of the Kung Fu Panda. And other people have been brining pandas to games. And he made Bengie Molina hit a 3 run home run to win the game in true clutch Panda Power form. Yes, it's lame. Yes, I should be mocked. Yes, I'm ok with that.

Brad Lukowich

2009-08-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

Is totally awesome and hilarious.

That is all.

To Be a Fly on Doug Wilson's Wall

2009-08-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

There's been such a dearth of information this summer, I find myself wondering what it would be like to be in the room as the deadline for the Sharks to be cap compliant nears. What sort of conversations would I overhear on the phone? Who will get the bad news that they're being traded or sent down, and how will it be delivered. Does Doug Wilson ever yell? I mean like really get angry and crazy and yell? Will he have conversations with players that call for that sort of temporary loss of sanity? Do we want him to get mad? Well, yes, I think we do. He obviously was at the end of the season, but he's reverted to his normal, calmer, well tanned self.

Many fans that I have talked to are starting to lose faith in their GM. All talk, no walk, if you will. So much talk at the end of the season about changes, and yet, it's been so quiet. Yes, some players have left us, and I know DW isn't the big man on the free agency market. He never has been. And as he has said himself, the team won't be finished until the trade deadline. Which makes me wonder what he's planning. Visions of mass trading cascade loudly through my head, but I hope he doesn't do anything rash.

Marleau's name keeps popping up in rumors. I'd like to hear him say "Patty is safe." but he doesn't seemed inclined to say it. Oh sure, we know he didn't ask him to wavie his no trade clause, but saying that and saying he's safe are two different things.

Thornton and Boyle, we know, are safe. Everyone else seems to still be fodder for the rumor mill. Will he call these players and give them the boot just before the season starts? Or will those days pass quietly, with little fanfare and only a few notes of worthy of mention?

If only we could send in a little fly with a camera, we'd know.

Work in Progress, Perhaps Eternally

2009-08-20T17:32:00.001-07:00

I'm not really pleased with how this is coming along but I have spent way too much time noodling his face and I can't seem to get it right. I promised to post it though, so, here is my rather poor attempt at drawing Ryane Clowe.

He looks kinda like what he'd look like if he was somehow half Clowe, half illegitimate love child of Boyle. No, I don't know how that's possible either, but, there it is.

*reference image links posted soonish. I need to find one again. D'oh!

Oh Captain, My Former Captain

2009-08-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Marleau, unseated.

This was coming, and we knew it, but it's still a bit of a shocker. This also means no one has an 'A' currently, either. Should be interesting to see who ends up with what letter come season start.

*H/T to MyMcLife by way of Working the Corners
Why can't Gray spell Captain right? The world will never know.

The Slow Simmer of San Jose's Summer

2009-08-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

The scene in downtown San Jose after waiting all off season for Doug Wilson to make a move.

Depending on who you ask, this has been a summer of disappointment. No moves, no change, Doug Wilson has abandoned us! If we take a step back from that brink, we discover that there HAVE been moves, they've just been smaller and less splashy than many Sharks fans had been hoping for or expected.

The Sharks let a few players go. Mike Grier, Marcel Goc, Riley Armstrong, Tomas Plihal, Brain Boucher, Claude Lemieux, Jeremy Roenick, Travis Moen and Alexi Semenov are all gone. Some have signed with other teams, some have retired, and others are still looking for work.

As far as signings, Kent Huskins, Ryane Clowe, Rob Blake, Scott Nichol, Thomas Greiss and Henrick Karlsson were all resigned or acquired. Scott Nicol is the only real new blood, ignoring the fact that Sharks fans have yet to see Huskins play in teal. This has made his contract, and the lack of other signings, a point of contention amongst fans, who have been hoping for big splashy firings and signings. The fact of the matter is, the Sharks are already up against the cap, and they won't have any wiggle room next year when several big name members of team teal become free agents.

It also remains to be seen whether or not it makes sense to blow up the President's Trophy winning team in 2009. Sure, they flamed out in a spectacularly embarrassing fashion in the first round of the playoffs, but they were still the best team in the league last season, even with their late season problems. The team, for all it's weaknesses, still has some great potential.

Maybe the lack of splashy signing *coughdanyheatlycoughcough* is for the best. If it means Sharks fans don't have to spend another season watching the MSM and bloggers poop all over the team when it fails to meet their expectations, fine by me. But I'm not the majority. Most fans appear to be frustrated by the lack of moves. Cap space be damned, they want big change and they want it now. Only time will tell if DW will throw cap caution to the wind, or if he will chose to ice a very similar to team to the one that showed such promise last season.

Whhhhhhhaaaaaaaa???

2009-08-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Patrick Kane beats up cabby, gets a night in the sin bin.

I understand that there are two sides to every story, and I'd sure like to hear the Kane's. This is just weird. Who punches a cabby over 20 cents? (honestly, who punches a cabby?)

Gray Remembers Meeting JR

2009-08-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

This story will probably overlap a lot with one that Mina could, and probably should, tell, but it is what it is.

Two summers ago I heard that JR was coming to the Sharks. Knowing his reputation, and with the story of him going to get a steak during a game that he was a scratch for still fairly fresh in my mind, I was a bit concerned. I might have been relatively new to fandom, but I knew JR's reputation for running his mouth and creating a bit of controversy. I also knew he hadn't been playing to his potential the past few seasons, and I was concerned that his signing might be more of a burden than a boon for Team Teal. Mina and I discussed this at length, and at some point I decided that if DW saw something in him, then it was there and it was better to just not worry about it. Doug says he'll behave, alright, he'll behave.

Teal and White rolls around. (the Sharks v Sharks preseason game played before final rosters are set. It's purely for the fans but it's a great time) It's the first chance I have to attend and I am super psyched. Wandering around, we see autograph lines wrapped around the main concourse for the bigger name players; Joe Thornton, Patty Marleau, etc. We decide to hit the shortest line and get autographs from Seto (not yet on the team), two or three other players I can't remember who aren't playing in SJ now, and JR. JR?! At this table? What?!

JR was the nicest guy in the row. The others were new to this level of fan support and turn out and were a bit shell shocked. Not rude, just, well, overwhelmed. But JR, JR was talking to everyone that walked by. He had a huge smile on his face and you could tell he was genuinely happy to be in San Jose. Ever concern I had about him coming to SJ left me at the point.He was animated and very cordial with all the fans who went past him. My turn came, and I welcome him to San Jose and told we were happy to have him. He lit up and thanked me, and said he was really happy to be here. That moment was small, but it totally sold me on JR. I'll let Mina fill in her side of the story, because it's even better and goes a long way to help explain our fondness for number 27. He played so well that season, it just cemented his place here as a fan favorite. His game 7 performance against Calgary was insane.

I have a Roenick jersey in my closet now, and despite his retirement I plan to wear it often this coming season.

He was only here for 2 seasons, but San Jose loved those two seasons we got.

Thanks JR!

-Gray

JR's Press Conference

2009-08-06T12:19:00.001-07:00

Twitter is borked, so we can't tweet about this. We'll have much more later on today. Stories about JR as a Shark and while we'll miss him.

Tweets of Sadness

2009-08-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

JR to retire.

We'll see on Thursday if this is for sure true. If it is, it will be a sad day.

UPDATE: Press conference set for Thursday at 11.

UPDATE 2: And the Merc with the confirmation.

Doodles

2009-08-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

I'm a decent student. I take good notes, pay attention, but even I get bored. While I enjoyed many aspects for the workshop I attended over the past two days, I still found myself bored out of my mind, (and nearly out of consciousness), on occasion. 5 hours of lecture that start at 7:30am is a hard thing to sit through without the mind at least considering wandering off. (and that was just the first half of the day!) So, to amuse myself, I doodle. Yep, I'm old school. No rocking the texts or playing games on the phone. Nope. I still actually look as if I might possibly be paying attention when I check out. (and in fact, I am. ...Mostly)

Anyway, my mind invariably wandered to the Sharks, and then to Cycle Like The Sedins James OB's suggestion that I draw Doug Wilson. I considered how to render our dear GM and decided on what I feel must be how he's been feeling inside all summer.

Obviously pretty rough, but hey, I was in class.

WHooo Are You?

2009-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

No, we're not going to Vegas to work under the green filtered lights.

We're wondering who you want to see drawn next on the Sharks. Gray was going to do Dan Boyle, but he seemed to cause her a bit of bad luck, so now she's decided she needs to draw someone else on the team. Who do you want to see and why? Comments are open!

NO DEAL!

2009-07-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Past the parts of a wedding ignored, you shall find some info regarding what could have been a deal that would have sent Heatly to San Jose. Apparently SJ is on the "approved" list of teams Heatly would move to, but the trade wasn't good enough.

I am wary of Garrioch, but in this case, it seems very very likely the the Sharks have been going after Heatly, and were willing to toss players at Ottawa to get him. Personally, I (Gray) am not at all comfortable with Heatly moving to the Sharks. Skills aside, past performances have shown us that there's a good chance he'll want out in a few seasons, and we could be stuck having paid a potentially high price for a guy who had no intention of sticking around.

There's no way any sane GM takes Cheech and Ehrhoff for Heatly. That would have been a steal of epic proportions. No, Ottawa is going to want more. A lot more. Picks, another player? (I think they have enough players, but ignoring that) Our Captain, perhaps? (DW DO NOT trade Marleau for this guy. Seriously) For as much as we Sharks fan talk about attitude being important, we seems to be willing to glaze over it somewhat in the case of Heatly.

I'm just not sure this guy has the type of attitude we need to push us over the "wait, how does the post season work?" hump.

As always h/t to TCY over at FTF who refuses to be scooped by anyone.

Meet JOE PA!

2009-07-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

At the Sharks store, August 11th. During the day, so, take a long lunch that day and claim it was "mental health time".

I love that store has "a profusion of Sharks merchandise." Such a great word, profusion. In that teal profusion might there be a sweatshirt that would fit Gray both in terms of size and budget?

I like to think yes.

Teh Todd Doll Sketch

2009-07-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Tumble Weeds

2009-07-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

This summer feels like it has been especially slow.

What we had to keep up going was "Clowe Watch" and the Batman movie, which morphed into a joint tale of Batshark and Clowe. We don't have the some fodder from which to spin yarns this summer, and that's rather sad. Sure, we could do a Torrey Mitchell watch, but that just doesn't have the same ring to it. I suppose we could do a Harry Potter tie in, but that's nowhere near as cool as a Batman tie in.

I'm not trying to add to the growing discontent over DW's lack of (big blockbuster) moves, but this is a slow summer. I'm just calling it as I see it.

Drawing the Sharks to resume once I'm well again.

Sharkie Doll Sketch

2009-07-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Please Forgive The Interruption

2009-07-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

To say we had a long week would be putting it mildly. I have no desire to go into details, in part because this is very public and in part because I will have to tell the tale a lot over the next few days. The short version is I spent the morning discussing the issue with the authorities.

But, that being how it is, we'll be getting back to hockey asap. Sorry for the break in coverage but sometimes life takes a turn down the shitter and you have to deal with it before you deal with hockey.

Schedule Is Out! Rejoice!

2009-07-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Find it here!

We'll be discussing this later, probably this weekend.

Same goes for the signing of Nichol. A man who's name I will inevitably add an S to several times this season. My apologies in advance, sir. Welcome to Team Teal.

Late News Is Better Than None

2009-07-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind here the past 24-48 hours, so I have gotten behind on blogging. Sad times. Anyway, here's Pollak's "latest" update on the Sharks moves this summer.

We Used To Dread September. Now We Wait Impatiently For It

2009-07-10T13:02:00.001-07:00

Sharks Pre-season schedule!

All TIMES Pacific
Thur. Sept. 17 @ Los Angeles Citizens Business Bank Arena 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 18 Vancouver HP Pavilion at San Jose 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 19 Phoenix HP Pavilion at San Jose 7:30 p.m.
Mon. Sept. 21 @ Anaheim Honda Center 7:05 p.m.
Wed. Sept. 23 @ Vancouver GM Place 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 25 Anaheim HP Pavilion at San Jose 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 26 @ Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 7:05 p.m.

Home games in bold.

More info found in the article here.

FREE AGENCY & TRADE UPDATES:

Travis Moen has left sunny and warm SJ for the cold snowy winters in Montreal according to TSN. Good luck, sir.

In other news, the Sharks finally finalized all those deal with Blake and Huskins that we'd known about for several days now.

M. Lemieux Annouces His Retirement

2009-07-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Working the Corners has the details. Reaction ~~to come shortly~~ posted.

Update:
Official Sharks article here. I hadn't realize he hadn't official retired back in '03. As a reminder, I wasn't watching hockey in '03. If I had been, I'd have been watching the Ducks or the Kings, and the world would be a darker place.

But I digress.

I think we all knew from the moment he signed with the China Sharks that he would, if at all possible, be up with the big club at some point. I'm still not sure what DW saw in him that warranted such a promotion, but he worked for it, and by all accounts was a huge boon to the WorSharks. When he did make it all the way back up, I really wanted to see it work out for him. He's here, and it'd be a helluva story, so why not cheer the guy on? Unfortunately, it was not in the cards, as Lemieux was sidelined with injuries and illness.

Not only did such long breaks in his play not entirely endear him to some fans, he was seen as taking up space someone else could have been better used in. But as confusing as a move as it may have been, I wasn't going to crap all over the guy for taking a chance to come back. He came so dangerous close to scoring a few times and you could tell that he still had the skill and drive, but the game had changed since he'd last taken to the ice, and his bite had lessened with age. He did try though. I don't think we can accuse him of not wanting to succeed. My hope was that should he find himself down with the NHL at the end of this season (and I figured he might, one way or another), that he'd stay to work or skate with the WorSharks.

The Sharks article says M. Lemieux would like to couch one day. I could see that happening, just one particular city. ;)

And with this announcement, thus ends Gray's great run with calling him "le mew" and picturing this:

No offense intended, M., I just have a nasty habit of leaving that second E out of you name when I type it, so I made a nickname of sorts. Many Sharks have them. It's because I like you. <3

The Monster Signs Elsewhere

2009-07-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Gustavsson signs with Toronto.

This doesn't come as a surprise to me. The Leafs only had one goalie before he signed, and he was injured at season's end. Toronto offered the best chance of getting regular starts this season.

Here, on the other hand, Nabby is the unquestionable number one and work horse of the team. Gustavsson wouldn't have gotten nearly as many starts, and while I think I read that he wanted to work with an experience goaltender, the lure of ice time is undoubtedly strong. I don't blame the kid in the slightest for signing where he feels is best.

Burke was also giving him the hard sell, and I can't imagine it doesn't weigh into your decision somewhat, (either positively or negatively), when a GM is that active in trying to get you to sign with his team.

I'm going to totally ignore the lure of a town like Toronto, with its ravenous fan base and seemingly unquenchable thirst for all things Leafs related, because I have no idea if that was at all part of his decision.

1: 35pm UPDATE:
WTC update on the reasons Gustavsson signed with the Leafs and why DW didn't do anything wrong (that last part is for all you nay sayers out there)

WTC Update Regarding Clowe and Misc.

2009-07-06T20:02:00.001-07:00

A few hours old, I know, but here it is. Two updates for today, so I'm just linking to the blog proper.
Working the Corners update

No News Is Good News

2009-07-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

No news to report from the Teal front. No Sharks filed for arbitration, and none of Team teal has been on the move since Boosh headed to Philly. I expect moves to trickle out as the summer wears on and other teams start to realize they need this piece or that. Odds are many GMs will realize trades are the way to go, given the cap situation many teams are facing. We will , of course, report any news as we get it.

To help fill the void, Gray will making sure you have some artistic entertainment. Next up on "Drawing the Sharks" is Dan Boyle. No ETA, as I have a busy few days ahead of me, but I'll be working steadily on him all this week. The hardest part of this will be picking Sharks I think have a chance of staying through the summer. Not a problem I had been anticipating!

Don't you love how I dance between 1st and 3rd person? I also enjoy 1st person plural. Whatever fits my needs at the moment.

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!

2009-07-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

ESPN Says Clowe Is A Done Deal And Back In Teal

2009-07-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

North of 3.5 mil for Cloweverfield.

The Sharks are apparently still waiting on that fax from NHL HQ before making a formal announcement. Someone want to check those wires? That is a slow fax machine, right there. Mmmm hmm.

cricket cricket

2009-07-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

*how can you not love and utilize that amazingly terrific Kendra quote?

Anyway, slow day today for any fan looking for hot hot UFA action. I guess everyone sat down after yesterday and realized they didn't have any more money. Ah, the economy...

Sharks fans are still waiting for the finalized deals with Huskins and Clowe. How long does it take to fax papers back and forth, guys?

The general consensus is that it's a long summer and DW won't make a splash too quickly. He has a long time to work out the best deals to finish filling out the roster, while also moving some salary around so we don't go over the cap. It will take some creative trade work, but he'll get it done. What's sure is that the team we knew and loved over the last few seasons is no more. The Sharks will have a new look.

Like Garth, we fear change, but we realize it's also inevitable. I'm going to try and reserve judgement on the signings/moves until we have a better picture of what the end result will be, but I'll likely still be unhappy/annoyed/elated/pleased/etc with the moves that are still to be made. So much so, in some cases, that I will feel the need to post about it.

Any player news will obviously be posted, regardless of opinion.

Speaking of which...Joe Pa may find himself staring down some familiar faces come the 2010 Winter Olympics. Assuming all four Sharks make their respective teams, that is.

The Sharks don't have much else to share, but they did make a handy guide for folks new to the free agency thing. It's got some out of date stuff on yesterday's free agency air time here in the states, but it's a good start for anyone confused with what's going down.

Free Agency, day 1 part 2

2009-07-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Merc, care of Pollak, is saying Clowe is back, jack. Waiting on the league to make it official before any announcements come out from the Sharks themselves.

Same reason the deal with Huskins has been formally announced yet, either. (that and the conflicting reports about how much the deal is for. 1.7 total, 1.7 per year, etc. Maybe that's just amongst us fans though.)

2009-07-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

To keep things under control here, (and so she can study/finish getting over her cold), Gray has decided to only post Sharks news. Which means there probably won't be much *ZING!*

However, we'd hate to leave you all high and dry so here's TSN's free agency blog extravaganza.

I am sad about Boucher.

WTC update as of 11am

12:30 update
To no one's suprise: RT @Sean_Leahy: Sportsnet: Brian Boucher signs 2 year, $1.8 million total deal with the Flyers

Some more from WTC:

12:33 p.m. — Nothing official yet but word is out that Boucher is signing with Philadelphia. Makes plenty of sense for a lot of reasons — that’s the team that drafted him, expected to sign him when Doug Wilson swooped in back in February 2008 and operates not too far from his Rhode Island home. Nothing yet on the terms. Boucher came up after panel was kicking around possibility of Sharks parting ways with Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov with Darren Pang saying Marleau could be going, but Sharks need to hold onto Nabokov even if they get Gustavsson.

12:28 p.m. — Sharks get second mention on the TSN coverage as topic up for discussion is teams that do nothing (or very little) on July 1. Writers talking about the foolishness that goes on and the wisdom of waiting till either the end of the day or a few days to see what bargains are out there and not getting caught up in overpaying. Dave Hodge brings up the Sharks (great regular season, no playoff success) and nobody blames the Sharks post-season problems on the failure to sign big-name free agents to long-term deals. Dave Naylor of the Toronto Globe and Mail pretty much endorses the approach Doug Wilson takes.

Gray does NOT want to lose Patty!

UPDATE! 2:45 (late, sorry)
According to TSn and Working the Corners, the Sharks have resigned Kent Huskins to a 2 year deal for 1.7 a yr.

3PM UPDATE

More over at WTC with Grier's take on being shown the door, so to speak.

First freakout this free agency season

2009-06-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Pollak has the scoop. I am going to be EXTREMELY sad if Boucher is gone tomorrow.

Grier, sir. We pretty much knew this day was coming, but it's a sad day indeed. You were awesome. Good luck.

Technical Difficulties

2009-06-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Power's been off and on all morning. Updates on players, moves, etc, if they come today, will be sporadic at best and non existent at worst.

UPDATE:

Luckily, nothing huge went down today. Makes sense since the first is tomorrow. All the big splashes the Sharks may or may not make are more likely to hit then. Hopefully Gray will have reliable power tomorrow so as to provide you with coverage of all the day's events (or lack there of).

Working the Corners gives a more in depth reason for it being all quiet on the teal front.

Only thing in there that piques my interest is the Flyers potentially interested in getting Boosh back.

One thing of note: Joe Pa was invited to Team USA's Olympic camp. Whooo! Go Joe Pa!

And now, Gray is off to try and get some artwork done for tomorrow. Study all day, draw all night. And all with a cold. Don't say we don't love our readers.

Blake Back In Da'House

2009-06-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

Working the Corners has the early (or late) down low on the dealio.

(h/t to swisherthreser at FTF)

Analysis/reaction to come tomorrow.

Player News

2009-06-29T13:52:00.001-07:00

And Update from David Pollak of Working the Corners has several sharks receiving qualifying offers, while others have been left high and dry.

More as it develops.

Update [3:26pm]:

More on those who did and did not receive QOs today from the sharks official site and Mr. Pollak.

Potential Moves and the Danger of Disappointment

2009-06-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Change is coming, according to Pollak's chat with DW. But how much?

Are 6 to 8 roster moved enough to satisfy the angry cries rising up from some in the disgruntled San Jose fan base? It likely depends on what those changes are.

Unlike a lot of fans, I neither expect nor want to see Wilson blow up the team. I realize it's probably time for some players to go, (most Sharks fans I know agreeing that the time left in teal may be short for Cheech and Grier), but is it time to blow the team up?

One of the changes I consider possible, and large, though likely not large enough for many, is a changing of the leadership group. No, I'm not trying to toss Patty under the bus. I'm a big support of our current Captain, and if he keeps the C, I won't be surprised or concerned. However, I can see moving the letters about a bit to rewards those who showed pretty great leadership on the ice in that disastrous first round series against the Ducks. Ignoring Patty playing with a torn MCL for the moment (hello, leadership), Boyle and Palveski are pretty good picks if one if looking to toss some As around. JR has been a great motivator for the team, maybe give him a LM and make him the official team loud mouth. (I mean that in the best of ways, honestly. Love JR) I know, that's not an official thing, but still. If they don't have a life size cut out of him they are stripping naked with every win in the locker room, they should.*

Team motivation is what really needs to change. Beyond the players and their issues on the ice, there is clearly a lack of something within the organization. Some driving force. (No, no heart. They have that in spades as far as I am concerned.) Changes to the bench obviously influenced the team positively, but there's still something lacking within the team's core. I'm not sure how explosive moves in the locker room would aid/hinder that particular fix. Only time will tell.

I have a feeling that no matter what Wilson chooses to do in the remainder of the off season, it won't be enough for some. Some people won't be happy unless he ships out everyone minus Boyle. Personally, I'd be ok with a minimalist approach. A surgical strike on the roster, if you will. Oly fix what you know is broken. Leave the rest and see how it knits itself back together.

*Major League reference for those who don't waste as much of their time on pop culture as I do/did.

Worst Recap Ever

2009-06-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Mina and I did watch the draft yesterday, and she watched some of it today. Normally this would mean we'd have an amusing, though not necessarily in depth recap of the day's events for you, but Gray is feeling the full effects of her cold at the moment, and isn't really into typing things the require deeper levels of thinking. So, for now, we leave you with the following links to browse and our apologise at dropping the ball. You may want to wash it if you pick it up. It's got cooties.

Mirtle
FTF
Pollak
Puck Daddy

Lame, we know, but it's better than not posting at all.

The Best Laid Plans. Draft Day 2009

2009-06-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

There's supposed to be art for this. It's sitting in my sketch book waiting to be scanned and completed. The Tarts are also supposed to be having a dorky little draft day party, which is made even more dorky by the fact that the Sharks don't pick until the second round. Both those things may still occur, but Gray caught a dumb cold, so the art may be considerably later than it should be and our recap may be a list of links. (or with how Gray feels, there may not be any art at all. Sorry)

Enjoy your draft day, ladies and gentlemen.

NEWS!

2009-06-25T10:17:00.001-07:00

Our favorite beat guy, David Pollak, has some news about Clowe and Grier, and they possibilities of them staying with the team this coming season. Judging by the tone of the post, Clowe has a better shot then Grier, but who knows what's going to happen after the draft is done. I really like that Grier said he wanted it finish his career here. That really proves how good the Sharks organization is.
I'm also very happy that Clowe wants to resign. Clowe watch will hopefully not be in effect this summer.

Overheard At The Game, Summer (baseball) Edition

2009-06-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

The Greatest Thing I Have Seen This Week

2009-06-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is so magical. I can't stop watching and doing my own terrible breed of white girl dancing. Your life will be better just by watching this. Seriously.

The Waiting Game

2009-06-22T09:55:00.001-07:00

No real news to report on the Teal front. We're still waiting to see what JR decides (please come back), who's getting the boot and who's getting resigned. Draft day should prove to be interesting. DW plays his cards close, but we have to guess he'll be doing at least some wheeling and dealing.

To help fill the void, some of us will be heading to the A's v Giants game tonight. It's not hockey, but it is a good distraction while we all wait for the draft and free agency freak out. (although this year, I suspect the freak out will be centered around GMs realizing they can't sign anyone and the fans going into a panic because of this)

We Came, We Saw, We Didn't Fall Asleep

2009-06-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Despite our better judgement, Mina and I turned into the revamped NHL Awards yesterday, expecting long hours of folksy humor, kids in misspelled jerseys, and general coma inducing pacing that causes one to fall into a deep and terrible boredom.

I came away from the awards last year, (which we only watched to see who won the Vezina), feeling that the NHL had, perhaps, one of the lowest rent award shows in the history of professional sports. While I respected the attempts to stay warm, small town, family oriented, in what is a close knit sport, it made for bad TV. It felt like you watched all day just to get to one award. It wasn't pretty.

Pleasantly, Vegas seems to have offered the NHL a chance to become higher rent, and to eliminate some of the awkwardness that comes from having a host set the pace of the show. (see: Academy Awards/Oscars) JR was on stage so often, one could say he was a host of sorts, but he was also largely confined to the teleprompter and only ad libbed occasionally. (Would you expect anything less from one of the most outspoken players in the league?)

Mina and I could have also dealt without the musical interludes...especially the one "dedicated" to the fans. Thankfully, those were the only large speed bumps in a well paced, if not somewhat choppy and abruptly ending, road.

In terms of who won, there were no surprises. Luongo won some new fan award, which caused the crowd to shout something at him. It could have been "Looooooouuuuuuuu" or "booooooooooooooo", I'm not sure which. A full list of all the winners, as well as the first and second all-star teams can be found at the NYTimes Slap Shot Blog (and various other locations I'm not linking to).

So congrats to the NHL for managing to put together an awards show that didn't make the fans, both in the building and at home, want to stab their televisions. No idea how the players felt about the ordeal, but I doubt they were complaining about a few days in Vegas.

Meet Afropuff!

2009-06-17T12:40:00.001-07:00

Hello there, it's Afropuff, your newest tart blogger! Mina & Gray have been pressuring me to add to their already wonderful blog but I figured I should wait until after the playoffs. Before we start cheering, crying, and cussing at the Sharks together, I thought I'd let you know a few things about me:

I love the Sharks…but I haven't always. gasp I fell in love with hockey while I was in college (in Baltimore), so the closest NHL team was the Washington Capitals. It didn’t hurt that they were absolutely amazing that year. That was back when they had Oates, Bondra, Gonchar , Kolzig, etc. They went to the Stanley Cup finals that year (we don't need to discuss the ending of that story) and hockey has been an important element of my life ever since

I played 2 seasons as a goalie in the NCWHL (if you are a female interested in playing ice hockey, look them up - they are a great organization. Go here for more info - ncwhl.com) Even though I only played for a couple of years, I continue to feel strongly about that position. For example, I don't believe in chanting the opposing goalies name if he's not doing well because I think it's one of hardest positions to play (mentally, physically & emotionally.)

I am a woman and a hockey fan. I strongly believe that you can appreciate a hockey player's skill on the ice and think they're cute. You don’t have to be either a hockey fan or a puck bunny – you can be a mixture of both!

I am a woman of color and a hockey fan. Call it affirmative action, reparations, reverse racism or whatever you wish, but I will always cheer a little harder for Grier, Seto, Cheech, and Joslin. I’ll even cheer for Iginla, Weekes, Brashear…

We have a fun summer ahead of us and I am so excited to be a member of the Couch Tarts family!

*editors note: we're still getting Afro set up, so Gray may be posting her articles until she's fully settled.

To Watch Or Not To Watch

2009-06-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

The NHL Awards are tomorrow. For those of us south of the Canadian border lands, Versus will be covering all the fun come 4:30 pm.

Gray watched last year and was nearly bored to tears. The folksy hockey humor attempted by the host (I am sorry I don't know his name. Last year was the first year I watched the awards), didn't really seems to go over well and the entire show felt awkward and a little too self aware, while trying to remain somewhat kitschy. It was also very much not funny.

And yet...

There is some draw. Not much, but some.

Unlike last year, no Sharks are up for an award save McLellan. (and I swear we already know who won that award...) It's more that there is some morbid interest in seeing how bad a train wreck the show is and if Vegas offers it any spice. Combine that with the amazing lack of work Gray has at the moment, and she probably will, once again, succumb to dark desires to witness a televised disaster and tune in. Besides, I think I read JR might be there and maybe he'll mix it up.

Update on Richards to Wild

2009-06-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Pollak has the scoop.

The Sharks official response can be found here.

I wanted to come up with something poignant to write about our dearly departed coach, but I realized I don't really know any of the men behind the bench well enough, save for perhaps McLellan, to opine such an offering.

The only thing that came to mind worth sharing was how awkward it must sometimes be for coaches, given how incestuousness the league is. Obviously, 9 times out of 10, these guys know it isn't personal and behave like the adults they are, but when it gets heated, how long does it stay awkward between old friends? Once you have flown over the glass at you opposing coach, I have to think your relationship would become a tad strained.

This is not to say that I think McLellan would launch himself at a former staff mate. Far from it. RW on the other hand....

On a lighter note: Think Ricci will be behind the bench this coming season? Only time will tell.

The Sharks Summer Clearance sale starts today for all you lucky season ticket holders. My fellow mortals and I can attend starting Thursday. Leave some good stuff for us, will ya?

Better Late Than Never, as Cheech (Marin) Would Say

2009-06-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

Congrats to the 2009 Stanley Cup Champs: The Pittsburgh Penguins.

No, I don't think the Pens are fat. I just wanted a Penguin that looked like a bowling pin.

I watched a bit of the parade this morning and was pleased, though also somewhat disappointed, to see the Malkin was not following Zetterberg's example and using the Conn Smythe trophy as a hat.

Farewell, Todd Richards. We Hardly Knew Ye

2009-06-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

According to various spots around teh interwebs, Sharks Asst. Coach Todd Richards will now be captaining the ship over on the Minnesota Wild's ocean.

Farewell sir. We here at Couch Tarts wish you all the best, except when your team faces the Sharks. We're honest, even in business.

H/T to Swisher Thresher again

Pollak has your official update. He is the man.

RUMOR MILL

2009-06-15T12:06:00.001-07:00

According to Bleacher Report, Blake has resigned with the Sharks for two years at 4.5mil. H/T to FTF's Swisher Threasher and TCY

HOWEVER! Gray has yet to find this article substantiated anywhere else, so don't freak out, become jubilant, etc, just yet. Until we have proof, much like Pronger to the Kings, this is just a rumor.

We love hockey rumors as much as the next fan, so we will do our best to keep you up to date on all the things that probably haven't happened during the off season.

UPDATE:

Pollak says NO to this rumor. Well, parts of it.

News and Things

2009-06-14T14:53:00.001-07:00

So some jerk tried to steal from me today as I was enjoying my workout at the gym. He didn't get anything but I'm pretty pissed off and it's making drawing impossible. So I have some links for you instead.

SALE! Who wants to let Gray pretend she's a season ticket holder on the 16th?

Looking at the UFA/RFA players on the Sharks in the sterile way only sjsharks.com can.

JR to receive a very important award! Sadly it probably doesn't come in lamp form.

Game 7

2009-06-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today @ 5pm
NBC HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Series tied at 3 a piece
This one's for all the marbles

This is the last game day of the season. In a little under 12 hours from now, the game begins. A SCF game 7 is like nothing else is sports. Set your brains to roller coaster and enjoy the ride.

Post Game Update:

PENS WIN! Whooooooooooooo Congrats ot the Pens and their fans!

Congrats on a very well played series and playoffs to the Wings!

Post Dinner Post Game Recap:

Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, that was one hell of a ride. I thought I was going to lose it a few times, and it wasn't even the Sharks that were playing! I pretty much tossed ever piece of bad news and stress that had come my way in the past few days into this game and rode the games highs and lows like it was my own team out there in place of the Pens. It was such a roller coaster. I have no idea how anyone who's a "eal" fan of either team gets through a game 7 in the SCF, aside from maybe a liberal use of booze. I felt an amazing amount of relief once the game was over. There is really nothing like a SCF game 7 in any other sport. Nothing.

Malkin wins the Conn Smythe, and doesn't drop it. I pretty much always expect someone to drop the trophies. I don't know why. He looked so happy. I was very happy for him.

I'll try to get some Penguins with Cup art busted out to ya all this weekend. We'll be following all the rumors and news we can find over the summer,, so stick with us.

2008-2009 has been one hell of a season.

Draw the Sharks: Crankshaft

2009-06-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

reference image

This actually started out as part of a comic I was working on for Diamondback, but for some reason, it just wasn't clicking. I liked the Doug Murray I had drawn for the first pannel, so I decided to salvage him. Here he is, in all his digitally colored glory.

The summer is long, so I might do a few more of these to fill the hockey void.

If you're the owner of an image I use as reference, no worries,these aren't for sale. I will do my best to credit the original owner of the images.

When A Sharkspage Rosterbates, People Listen

2009-06-10T13:49:00.001-07:00

Some good stuff regarding the Sharks current roster and possible changes for next season

DW, seriously. KEEP CLOWE! And Patty, but really...CLOWE!

*Internet bonus points to anyone who gets that old commercial reference.

Is This The End?

2009-06-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight @ 5pm
NBC HD, CBC HD RDS HD
Wings lead series 3-2

We all know how this game went last year. In the dark recesses of my mind, this fact was churning, causing me to dream about tonight's game.

In my dream, at first it seems like the Wings had won. I was annoyed. But then, it was discovered that the game had yet to happen. What I had seen of the Wings skating around the ice with the Cup was imagined. The game had yet to be played. As I compared some odd seals representing each of the two teams, I awoke. I have no idea what this means, other than I apparently have too much hockey on the brain.

Post Game Recap:

Holy effing poop popsicles on a stick. That was a GAME.

Games 1 and 2 were made up for with game 6.

Nuts.

Tivo'd it? watch this game. Holy crap.

Save by Scuderi was sick.

MAF was amazing. Osgood was good too, but MAF needed it more.

Pens were all over the place. The Wings had nothing until the third.

The third was nuts. Everything the third period in a game 6 of the finals should be.

Some tricky penalties, but only a few for both sides. This game flowed.

@wilw sums it up best: Two post-game six thoughts: 1. Wow that whole game was a freakin' highlight reel. 2. I can't wait for game seven.

Whooooooo

Game 7 here we come!

They aren't the Sharks, but I can still dig it. Go Pens!

All the News That We Deem Important

2009-06-07T10:58:00.001-07:00

Things here in Tartsville have settle down a bit, so we figured it'd be a good time to brief you on all the Sharks news we missed this week.

Equipment sale was yesterday. For those of you who like buying smelly old socks and framing them. Hope you all had a good time.

The Ehrhoffs welcomed their new baby daughter to the world, then flew back to Germany with her. Congrats to the family! And double congrats for surviving all those flights with a newborn.

Looking for a reason to hit Vegas this summer? JR will be there. That's reason enough to go just about anywhere.Considering who's playing, it could be quite a show. I'd rather have tickets to this then the NHL Snore Awards.

WTC had an update on some Marleau rumors a few days back.

SCF, Day 5, Game 5

2009-06-06T00:44:00.000-07:00

Today @ 5pm (how steadily scheduled)
NBC HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Series is tied at 2 a piece
pining for the big screen

May or may not be home for this one. RL occasionally interferes with hockey watching. One thing we can all be sure of, however, is that one team will win tonight and one team will lose.

Book it.

Post Game Recap:

That was awful. I got home in time to the second and third and I kind of wished our dinner plans had not fallen through because that was painful to watch. Wow in a bad way. I'd like to see this go 7. Go Pens.

Moving on to better things, here's an article I found on digg that talks about whether or not scoring the first goal in game has any impact on who wins. I'll give you a hint, it dpends on who you ask and what games you look at.

SCF, Day 4, Game 4

2009-06-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Today @ 5pm
VERSUS HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Wings lead series 2-1

The good ladies at HLOG will be live blogging tonight's game. Please stop by and join us if you can.

SCF, Day 3, Game 3

2009-06-02T10:21:00.001-07:00

Today @ 5pm
VERSUS HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Wings lead 2-0

Post Game Recap:

Until they talk to Tavares for 5 seconds, this game was all about TOO MANY MEN ON THE ICE!

I'm sure that's a big conspiracy theory today, but I am confident that occasionally people just can't count. How many times have you had to recount heads when out with a group for dinner? Yeah. Like that. It was funny, and it was obviously a penalty that should have been called, but it wasn't. Moving on.

OMG TAVARES!
That interview was...over very quickly. They asked him if he was ready to assume a leadership roll like Crosby had. Like he's going to say "no, I don't want to take on a leadership role. I kinda want to suck for a few years." Not going to happen, but I suppose they have to ask him something, so might as well lob a pre-approved softball.

This game was much more of what I had been looking for in terms of pace and battles. Both teams actually seemed to realize they were playing for something special last night. The last five minutes of this game was CRAZY! Loved it.

SCF, Day 2, Game 2

2009-05-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

Today @ 5pm
CBC HD, NBC HD, RDS HD
Wings lead series 1-0
I found myself missing Versus

A few of us had a discussion last night about Versus and their NHL coverage. Apparently a lot of the problems with it stem from format. From what I heard last night, they actually have some guys who really know their stuff, but they aren't given any time to say anything useful. It's all short, generic sound bites. Maybe that's the point. Ease new fans into it. I don't know.

NBC, on the other hand, acts like covering hockey is doing the NHL a favor. (Credit to SwisherThresher for that line) I'm sure they have a pretty decent team that does like hockey, but the way the network handles scheduling is just atrocious. Yep, we're still annoyed they pre-empted a game for horse racing. But the coverage is what it is, and it's nice to have the games on TV here in the States. I do appreciate that.

Post Game Recap:

Remember what i said about the hockey gods being unpredictable?

Yeah.

The Pens played better, hand more chances, better chances, but the puck would just not go in the net. I've seen games like that as a Sharks fan, albeit in the regular season, so I can kinda of sympathize. But not really. This is the SCF. That's just brutal.

SCF, Day 1, Game 1

2009-05-30T11:26:00.001-07:00

Today @ 5pm
NBC HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Is it wrong that I kinda prefer Versus to NBC?

So here we are. Our long journey has come to an end. The Stanley Cup Finals.

I really want to be excited about this match up. It's two teams of titans squaring off in what should be an epic rematch of last year's finals. I'd love to see the Pens be the better team this time around, and take home the Cup, and yet, that spark of excitement just isn't there for me. Maybe once the game starts things will change. I don't know. I'll be watching regardless of my enthusiasm level. It's like the World Series or the Super Bowl. You kinda have to watch.

Post Game Recap:

Well. That was...well, it just kinda was. The goals were all kinda fluky, no spectacular saves, (though there were a few spectacular how did that not go in moments) no big hits, and towards the end both teams seemed very aware of the fact that they be playing again in less that 24 hours. The saddest and simultaneously most hilarious moment was when MAF "pooped" the goal into his net.

I was watching in a hockey bar with other fans and that was probably the best part of my watching experience. Talking and hanging out with other fans during the game. I kinda hope game 2 is better. It wasn't a bad game, it just felt a little lackluster to me. Let me put it this way. The reaction to Access Hollywood coming on after the game was more passionate the the teams appeared to be towards the end. Yeah.

The Summer Wind, Comes Blowing In

2009-05-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

With the SCF quickly approaching, you may be wondering what fun and frivolities will be providing you with this summer. Allow me to give you a summary of some the things will be working on:

A new Couch Tart will be joining us! Look for her to appear soon!

Gray is working on learning Dreamweaver, with the hopes of designing an even more awesome site. We'll see how that goes.

Draft coverage. It's boring, but we'll be there.

Potential NHL award coverage. I say potential because listening to the terrible attempts at humor will likely make our ears bleed. That, and it's BORING!

Reaction and coverage of off season moves.

Linkage to anything that seems interesting and Sharks related.

Some rambling about sytycd. Something has to fill the hockey void, and we're girls. We like dancing.

And of course, art.

Stay tuned folks! We'll help get you through the summer doldrums!

Rematch City

2009-05-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

I think I speak for everyone here, which at the moment is just me, myself and I, when I say "Go Pens!"

Pens in 6.

Thankfully the series starts Saturday, not the 5th. That would have been a helluva wait. Thankfully we have baseball and SYTYCD to fill the short void, but not everyone does.

Conference Finals, Day 9. Will There be Handshakes Tonight?

2009-05-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today @ 4:30pm
VERSUS HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Wings lead series 3-1
Hand shakes tonight?

As I sit here on a sunny morning, listening to the sounds of construction outside, I wonder how we got here.

It is as if the Hockey Gods decided to have a bit of fun with us. If that's the case, than I think we can safely assume they may continue to be mischievous. There is the potential that they will reward the Pens for bucking tradition and touching the Prince of Whales trophy. There is also the possibility that they won't. No predicting what they'll do this year.

Crosby had a good point, they didn't touch the trophy last year and they lost. Bathe with that thing if it gets you the Cup, I say.

The Versus guys nearly peed themselves when Crosby picked it up, skated over the Malkin and Gonchar, and the three posed for pictures. I spent the entire time wondering if the trophy handler ever drops the goods, and how many players have dropped the trophies over the years. I know at least one has fallen apart. If holding the prize is bad juju, I can only imagine what having it fall apart in your hands means.

Conference Finals, Day 8. The End May Be Nigh

2009-05-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight @ 4:30pm
VERSUS HD, CBC HD, RDS HD
Pens lead series 3-0

Memorial Day. No Games Scheduled

2009-05-25T10:56:00.001-07:00

If you have today off, enjoy yourselves. Don't forget to take a moment between the burgers and brew to remember what brought this day about and why it's important.

If you have to work, I sincerely hope you're getting time and a half to make up for it.

Other sporting events on tap for today:

The Indy 500. Because watch cars go in a circle for a bazillion hours is exciting.

The A's are back home to play the Mariners today @ 1:05.

The Giants will be across the bay playing the Braves, also @ 1:05

It's a not a sporting event, per say, but many towns will have parades and the like today. Go get your sunburn on.

Couch Tarts

Moving Day!

Gameday!

GAMEDAY on Earthquake Day (or, in which Gray pontificates and quotes a funny passage)

GAMEDAY!

Post Goose Egg Game Recap

Two great tastes together

GAMEDAY MONDAY!

Post Game Recappage

GAMEDAY!

Recapping the Home Opener, part 2

GAMEDAY!

Gameday!

OMG FINALLY: Pre-season Predictions

Gameday! Duck Soup, Anyone?

Some Additional Thoughts On last Night

GAMEDAY!!!!!

Blake gets the C and the Crowd Gets Butthurt

OMG FINALLY: Teal and White Piccies

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Trouble in Huskinsville?

News and Notes

News and Notes

Nabby Sketches

Canucks Get Medieval on Sharks, Win 6-2

Teal and White Recap and the Game Day for Tonight's PreSeason Game

Overheard In The Line: I Love Nabokov Edition

Sharks Fans and The Amazing Heatley 180

Buccigross Jumps The Shark

One More Rookie Game!

Rookie Game 2!

Rookie Game!

Some Important Dates

Sketch Files. Early (or Late) Edition

So Here's The Deal

To Kill A Salary Cap Bird

News at 11!

Panda Power!!!

Brad Lukowich

To Be a Fly on Doug Wilson's Wall

Work in Progress, Perhaps Eternally

Oh Captain, My Former Captain

The Slow Simmer of San Jose's Summer

Whhhhhhhaaaaaaaa???

Gray Remembers Meeting JR

JR's Press Conference

Tweets of Sadness

Doodles

WHooo Are You?

NO DEAL!

Meet JOE PA!

Teh Todd Doll Sketch

Tumble Weeds

Sharkie Doll Sketch

Please Forgive The Interruption

Schedule Is Out! Rejoice!

Late News Is Better Than None

We Used To Dread September. Now We Wait Impatiently For It

M. Lemieux Annouces His Retirement

The Monster Signs Elsewhere

WTC Update Regarding Clowe and Misc.

No News Is Good News

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!

ESPN Says Clowe Is A Done Deal And Back In Teal

*cricket cricket*

Free Agency, day 1 part 2

First freakout this free agency season

Technical Difficulties

Blake Back In Da'House

Player News

Potential Moves and the Danger of Disappointment

Worst Recap Ever

The Best Laid Plans. Draft Day 2009

NEWS!

Overheard At The Game, Summer (baseball) Edition

The Greatest Thing I Have Seen This Week

The Waiting Game

We Came, We Saw, We Didn't Fall Asleep

Meet Afropuff!

To Watch Or Not To Watch

cricket cricket