Happy New Year, Everyone!

Here's to a awesome 2009!

Sharks v Wild

This afternoon, 3pm. Radio only. Fear the Fin will likely have the stream.

You ever get the feeling no one wants us to see the Wild this season? The last time the Sharks faced them it was Nov. 4th. The game was notably not a sell out and likely had poor tv viewership until the third period. Election Day games, gotta love'um.

The Sharks will be facing off against a Wild team that's had a bad month. They're on a two game losing streak so far and will likely be desperate and dangerous. The Sharks play has been less than holyeffamazing lately and they'll need to work to adjust and stay in control for a full 60 minutes.

Post Game:

Uhm, full 40 minutes?

Ok, so I missed 10 minutes of the first due to radio issues. Online feed was booching, I couldn't get the radio to give me anything but static, and my little FM radio didn't work even when I took it outside. Part of my dissatisfaction with the first comes from that, although, from what I heard it wasn't the strongest 20 minutes for the Sharks.

Sounds like it was a good first for the Wild.

Nolan got a goal. Semenov got a penalty.

I wanted to hear Jamie and Dan recap stuff, but my machine is lagging so bad I had to cut the stream.

Anyway, much better second for the Sharks. They were in control for most of it.

Was the second when there was that really quick whistle that cost Minnesota a goal? That was a bad call.

Third period was back and forth. Wild actually got two goals in the period but one came before the other and they didn't bother to stop the play until after the second. What?

After that got sorted out, the Wild remained up 2-1. One of those goals came on a really terrible call (balancing out the earlier quick whistle) on Joe Thornton for goaltender interference when really, not so much.

Someone how Milan scored with 23.6 left.

Sharks lose in OT though. But hey, point!

Can everyone please stop with the panic? Geez people, so Decemeber wasn't as great as October and November. It wasn't horrible. Relax.

Here's hoping 2009 will be even better for the Sharks than 2008 was! Now go out there and party it up!

Sharks V Stars

Tonight at 6pm, radio, tv, interwebs

(I was having blogger issues this morning. Let's try this again!)

Dallas has gone from slumping sucktasticness to not so bad. (still not very good, but...hey, they have more points than the Blues) That Sharks didn't play their best game of the season Saturday, but they didn't play their worst either. They are, however, playing terribly for the first time this season. So, what does this mean for tonight?

If the Sharks don't come ready to play, and they don't play with passion, Dallas has a very good chance of winning this game. The Sharks current play is concerning to me, enough that I had a dream about them losing to the Leafs last night. (seriously.) Let's not let that ever happen, ok gentlemen? The Sharks can start a trend towards more fantastic play by playing a solid 60 minutes against the Stars tonight.

Let's go Sharks!

By the way...
Hand wavey freak outery commencing in 3...2...1...

Post Game:

Fear the Fin was CRAZY tonight. Wow. Three game time threads, one Indiana Jones reference and a Hitchhikers Guide reference. Fantastic.

The Sharks play, however, was not so fantastic. It was a better game than the one against the Blues, but it was by no means great. It was a close approximation of good at times, and lacking passion at others. They need to get back into early season form if they want to stay head of Boston in the point race. Also a factor is the ever looming presence of Detroit. They currently have 51 points.

I'm not sure why the Sharks have been flat lately. All team, yes even the Red Wings, go through some periods of less than stellar play. Perhaps we're just in a down part of this seasons' cycle for the Sharks. Maybe they have some sick guys on top of their injured ones. Could be a lot of things. The question is, now that the Sharks have hit a slight bump and the rest of the league appears to be adjusting to their new style, how will the Sharks respond during the second half of the season?

Some chintzy calls, some non calls, I'm not sure what was going on tonight but the refs were ignoring things on both sides.

Semenov's glove scored a goal for Dallas. Boo. But then he blocked what was likely the tying Clowe to score an empty netter. yay!

Dallas played agressively all game. Sometimes a little too agressively. (stick to the back of Boyle's head) Though there were times when they seemed to collectively fade, they never gave up and kept themselves in the game even when they went down 2-0.

Cheechoo and Milan also scored. Milan's goal was amazing. Find it, watch it, love it.

Edit: Ask and ye shall receive.

Better Late Than Never (Vote!)

We enjoyed watching this when we saw it posted on Fear the Fin. Hopefully you'll enjoy it here too.

Sharks v Blues

Hope everyone had a good holiday. I got a stomach bug for Christmas, what did you get?

Onto business!

Tonight at 5:30. TV, radio, interwebs

Ok, I'm going to keep this pretty short. Sorry for the lack of post but I wasn't very engaged in this game.

After the quick score in the first by the Blues, I decided taking a shower would be a better use of my time. I came back in time for the last few minutes of the first. It didn't look like I missed much.

I kinda watched the second. It seemed better, but not great. The two goals by Cheech and Grier were awesome. The rest was...well it was OK.

The third was *shrug* I missed the second Blues goal thanks to some house related drama. Sharks had a lot of pressure in the Blues end at one point but nothing came of it.

And now, I'll be missing OT due to needing to get dinner.

Uh, so yeah, there's your weecap in all it's lackluster glory.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

It scanned a little funny, but much like those socks you'll be getting, it's thought that counts. Enjoy the Holidays, and for those of you who've already celebrated Solstice, hope you had a good one.

-The Couch Tarts

Awesome Holiday Funtimez With the Sharks

Thank you to whoever put this on youtube. Awesome.

Sharks V Canucks

Fin is, hands down, the most terrifying mascot in modern sports history. That bunny from Donnie Darko would be less frightening.

srsly

We were at this game last year, perhaps even the year before. This year? We'll be watching it on tv.

Canucks hit the Tank tonight at 7pm. That's SEVEN, not seven thirty. Set your tivos accordingly.

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As soon as my house is put back together, I'll have an overheard at the game for everyone's viewing pleasure

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Post Game:

Well, that was...awesome.

A few problems, mostly the second and the no goal on the 5 on 3. The Canucks controlled most of the second. The Sharks need to work on adjusting once teams figure out there game. Thankfully they have some time to figure that out.

Canucks looked much improved over last year, despite the score.

Yes, we did think that high stick to the face of a Canuck (who's name I don't know Alexander Edler) should have been a penalty. We assume it wasn't because the refs didn't see it. At least, we hope that's why.

All you "amg teh skies r fallin!" folks who bailed after the loss to the Wings, this game reminds you that there are 82 games in a season. (I'm looking at you, majority of hockey interweb denizens)

Sharks goals (all of which were beautiful) by Blake, Marleau(PP), Seto (PP), Joe, and Plihal all of which were scored in a record setting time for the team. 21 minutes, 5 goals. Booyah

Nabby gets the shut out. Wheeeeeee

I almost forgot! It was nice to see former Sharks Bernier (a Minako favorite) and Rob Davison again. (though we're glad neither got a goal tonight) While I feel like I mentioned him moving in the off season, neither of us realized Davison was playing for the Canucks. oops.

If anyone tivoed the game and has the Sharks trying to sing Jingle Bells at the end, please, please, please put it on youtube and send us the link. That was full of win. That kind of awesome should be shared.

Sharks v Rangers

Can anyone really own Walker, Texas Ranger? CBS & NBC, you guys fight it while we continue with the game day post

Tonight @ 7:30. Radio, TV or Tank

Number 1 team in the West vs the Number 2 team in the East. It's a clash of titans, folks. We're rooting for the Sharks to come out on top.

Post game:

Meet up plans met with fail. We think we walked right past Mr. Plank without knowing it.

Sharks, however, met with win (despite their best attempts to lose in third)

Post Game Recap, the short version:

Awesome first, in between second, terrible third, last 3 minutes were good though.

The Sharks showed how tired they were in the third and it nearly cost them the game. Luckily, Nabby was able to steal the game and get the Sharks the win.

Two quick goals in the first, both on the PP. Boyle and Clowe

Clowe gave up a puck that would later go in the net behind Nabby. It was also a shorthanded goal. sad times for everyone but the Rangers on the ice and the man who scored the goal, Zherdev.

Patty got a goal in the second, with assists from his top line team mates. Have YOU voted Seto today?

Rangers also got a second period goal from Callahan.

Rangers were quick and capitalized on many of the Sharks mistakes. Good game all around for them.

Cheehoo had both an assist and a penalty to get on the score sheet. We were hoping for a bit of a break out game from him but no such luck. Only a matter of time until he's off the schneid.

Air sharks had Christmas lights.

Sharkie came and entertained our section for a good hunk of the either the second or third. Hilarious good times.

Sharks v Wings, Round 2

rumble at the Joe

This afternoon, 4:30 pm Pacific. TV (holy crap, a game on TV!), radio, interwebs

Sharks are looking for the split, Wings are looking for the win. Last time these two teams met, the Sharks out winged the Wings. That came on the Sharks' home turf. The Wings will have adjusted and now, the Sharks will be in front of their home crowd. They might not be selling out, but playing in Detroit is never a walk in the park. Expect one helluva battle tonight.

Vote Seto: 8471682
Vote Marleau: 8466139
Vote Big Joe: 8466138
Vote Boyle: 8467096
Vote Nabby: 8460705
Vote Blake: 8445550
and for good measure, Vote JR: 8450978 and Vote Clowe: 8469622.
Why?

Because you can.

Go do it!

First period:
Until the last 4 minutes or so, the Sharks were out playing the Wings. Then, the Wings got two quick goals. The one beat Nabby glove side and he may or may not have been screened on the other by Cheechoo as he attempted to block the shot. Nabby really should have had both of those. Either way, that seemed to take some wind out of the Sharks sails. Detroit goes into the 2nd leading 2-0.

Conkblock in effect through the first.

Clowe = awesome.

Crabs eagerly await Sharks goals while sitting in buckets.

2nd period:

Drew Remenda, likes Sundin, over Sundin's saga. He is also over his signing in Vancouver. We'd long since stopped paying attention to Sundin Watch '08. This mention of it brought to you by the letters D and R.

The Sharks are playing like the Sharks of two years ago and not this year. It's the first tv game all week and we get less that stellar hockey. Sad times. I'd cry, but it'd ruin my mascara.

Conkblock still in effect though he hasn't had much work to do.

Nabby doesn't seem to be "on" tonight.

McGinn, we like him.

3rd Period:

We're not seeing a lot of Conklin this period. Why isn't he the starter? Conklin > Osgood
That's just my opinion.

That fourth goal was the result of two things: 1) A complete breakdown by the Sharks and 2) Mina asking for a goal and not being specific about for who. Details, they're important.

Ok, at goal 5, we're wondering why Boosh is still on the bench. Nabby's having an off night, that mistake by Goc didn't help. That last one was just bad. How do you let that go in?

Goal 6. Who did that bounce off of? Anyway, the hockey gods are mocking us. Did you make your offerings to Sharkie, Shark fans?

This was a terrible game by the Sharks. Good game for the Wings, though the Sharks made it easy for them after the 1st. Last we checked, no team wins all 82 games. We're looking foward to Saturday's game against the Rangers. The Sharks should definetly have some motivation going in.
We'll be there.

Sharks V Blue Jackets

I should totally add Nash's face in there

Didn't we just see these guys?

4pm this afternoon, radio & Stanley's. Check in with Fear the Fin's game day post for interwebby goodness.

We have travel + injuries+ a game tomorrow + a long game agains the Kings on Monday. Am I a bit concerned? Yep. Hopefully the Sharks will recall their last game against the Blue Jackets, ( I know I do. I was there) and adjust their play accordingly.

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In other news:

In case you, as a Sharks fan have been feeling a bit miffed that your team and its fan base (that would be us) is getting crapped on despite being fantastic so far this season, Mr.K (you guys have too many Misters over there. I get them mixed up) has vented for us all here. This is our ride, internet, and we plan to enjoy it.

One of our favorites, Ryane Clowe, is this week's "Ask the Sharks" featured player. Let's get some good questions to him, Sharks fans.

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And now for something almost completely different.


Post Game:
Sharks Lose 2-1 in OT. I'd write more, but I've been stuck in a cold (no heater!), cramped room all day. It makes it hard to focus after hour 9.

Mason stole this game.

Crabs in a bucket should be discussed at length next OT. (I enjoy the radio banter, don't you?)

I Have to Ask

Why, Sharks promotional department, perhaps marketing department, why, oh why did you give the Sharks All-Star campaign such terrible artwork to run with? I don't want to sound rude, but, did you guys look at it before you approved it? I only ask because compared to the other campaigns out there, it's terrible and judging by the vote totals, rather ineffective. (maybe it's scaring voters away? It's really kinda freaky looking)

Have you not seen the awesome that is the Blackhawks propaganda machine? Pensblog has, without fancy creepy vector portraits, managed to get some of their players over the Habs hump. The fan driven write in Seto push has worked, giving him the highest amount of write in votes. That's with fan created art and campaigning.

While I like the idea of running with the political tie in, seeing as how this was a major campaign year, it just wasn't done right. (see the above videos for examples of how to do it right and do it well) Next time, I suggest not using drawings that kinda freak fans out. Maybe try fun little flash games, cool video ads, awesome posters, and most importantly, flattering portraits of your players.

Seriously.

Sharks v Kings

7:30pm Radio, Stanley's, Interwebs

JR on IR

McGinn is up

I'll cover this as best I can. My house is currently a war zone of torn up carpeting and splintered wood.

This isn't the best game to post this during but, in case you still haven't voted for the all-star game, Devin Setoguchi has some advice for you below. (I'll adjust the stats later to match his current totals. Those are old stats folks! He's good! Vote for him!)



Post game:

Boom. Poke Check. Game ends 3-2 Sharks over Kings in the shoot out.

The Sharks now have 52 points on the season. Let that sink in for a moment.

Penalties were a tad one sided, in my opinion. The Sharks were 1 for 1 on the PP. Jamie Baker took credit for the lack of calls in the Sharks favor. Apparently he ran into the officials before the game and jokingly asked for a quick game, because the Sharks have a long flight to Columbus. He got what he asked for, although, I felt like the lack of calls in favor of the Sharks made the game feel a tad longer at times. Or maybe that was all the calls going against the Sharks. Or their slow start. Or all of the above.

Patty and Clowe have the regulation goals for the Sharks. Greene and Purcell had the two regulation tallies for the Kings. Clowe gets the shoot out winning goal.

Ryane Clowe is awesome.

Grier had another awesome chance and didn't quite connect. One of these games, he'll do it.

Three Stars: Boosh, Greene, Patty Marleau.

Super good effort by the Kings. In a few years, we're going to really dread games against these guys. They were dominate in the first. Pretty even second and a messy third by both teams.

Kings goalie Ersberg left after suffering a lower body injury while making a save. Get better soon, mr. goalie, sir.

Sharks v Blues

Please don't sue us. Jake and Elwood here are owned by their respective masters at Universal

7:30pm tonight. Radio, CSN+, Tank, Interwebs

Mina will be your recapper tonight, as I have to miss the game due to Christmas Party interference. She'll be at the game. Maybe if you're lucky she'll post some of the hundreds of pictures she takes.

JR is out thanks to lingering issues from his dislocated shoulder. Ducks, you're still on notice.

Kaspar is up.

They're selling Nabby bobbleheads at the game.

Legace is out thanks to a knee to the head he took on Wednesday. Mason or Bishop will be in.

Post Game Recap: Minako Style

That game was pretty insane in it's up and down nature. Or more like great play and epic suck. There were points in time where the Sharks played like the best team in the NHL and periods where they played like they should be in the cellar with Tampa Bay. The good news is that the 2nd period of suck set up a 3rd period of eventual epic awesome. Once again Patty Marleau picked up the team and carried them when they most needed him. I'm still not entirely sure I know how he was able to gather that puck to go in the net, but that is part of why he wears the C. For me, this is more evidence that whatever Ron Wilson thought was the right way to motivate Patty was completely wrong. He is a completely different player from last year and, on behalf of Sharks fans everywhere, I thank our cephalopod overlord. Also, God bless Ryane Clowe.

In terms of pictures, I took my photographer boyfriend to this game (Despite how that sounds, I only have one boyfriend who actually knows who I am. The rest are all imaginary.) and figured I would end up with some good ones cause he could help me. I did not imagine that he would end up borrowing my camera and taking some amazing pictures....on his own CF card. Needless to say, I need to steal those pictures and put them online. And also the ones he (and I) took using his super cool borrowed tilt-shift lens. Pictures which will be available someday. I promise.

Overheard At The Game, Dec 4th 2008

We hard a lot of great things at the game on the 4th against Columbus. The guys behind us were pretty amusing. We didn't hear the context for this one, in fact, all we heard was "...over the shoulder boulder holders." I just filled in the blanks.

Sharks v Ducks

Tonight at 7:30. Radio, TV, Tank, Interwebs

The Ducks always bring out dread in Sharks fans. The two teams are fairly evenly matched and yet, in past seasons the Ducks seemed to have the Sharks number. On opening night the Sharks bested the Ducks, much to my delight. The next match up, however, saw the Sharks lose on the road to the Ducks. Badly, I might add. What does this mean?

Nothing other than I'm going to be nervous about this game tonight. That's how it goes when the Sharks face the Ducks.

Thanks to the folks at shipbrook.com who took the screencap, this photoshop was possible

We might have to bust out Mr. Colbert again. Maybe by the time we need him against the Ducks again in March, we'll have figured out all those penalties at the end of the game.

From the official game summary:

1	1	3:50	40 K.HUSKINS	2	Hooking
2	1	11:04	15 R.GETZLAF	2	Holding
3	1	17:36	16 G.PARROS	5	Fighting (maj)
4	2	12:04	10 C.PERRY	2	Holding
5	2	15:32	8 T.SELANNE	2	Tripping
6	3	15:06	10 C.PERRY	2	Roughing
7	3	19:39	10 C.PERRY	2	Cross checking
8	3	19:39	27 S.NIEDERMAYER	10	Misconduct (10 min)

#	Per	Time	Player	PIM	Penalty
1	1	0:24	10 C.EHRHOFF	2	Holding
2	1	10:52	4 R.BLAKE	2	Interference
3	1	17:36	45 J.SHELLEY	5	Fighting (maj)
4	2	11:21	27 J.ROENICK	2	Hooking
5	2	11:21	27 J.ROENICK	2	Unsportsmanlike conduct
6	3	15:06	9 M.MICHALEK	2	Roughing
7	3	19:39	4 R.BLAKE	5	Spearing (maj)
8	3	19:39	9 M.MICHALEK	10	Misconduct (10 min)

We'll see what happens to Blake.

Was Nabby amazing or what? BOOM. Shut out.

The Ducks are learning, as everyone in the league is, that you cannot push around the Sharks this year.

After a relatively slow first, (ignoring those early penalties), this game got crazy. I think half of each team fought or shoved someone. Shelley and Parros got the fight party started and by the end of the third, it was bedlam.

Sadness is watching Grier just miss the empty net.

We're very glad JR was alright and able to return to the ice. Any time you hurt JR, you go on notice.

The Ducks put pressure on the Sharks all night. There were times when I could just feel a goal happening for the Ducks, but Nabby was brick wall and kept everything out. More time spent in the Sharks zone than I would have liked. This was not an easy win for the Sharks by any means. At times, it was down right ugly.

Goals by Patty and Seto.

My Internet Hockey Boyfriend

(Apologies to my actual boyfriend who is on the internet but not into hockey. Also Steve Dangle has no idea who I am. I just admire from a far. He's a little young for me.)

Have you seen Leafs Fan Reaction lately? You really should. No, seriously. Go now. I'll wait...

Isn't he fantastic? OK maybe I find him funnier than most other people, but I find him both smart about hockey and able to make fun of his team while still showing the love. Below are some of my favorite videos to give you a taste.

Greatest Hits
Getting Brodeur'd - Some of my favorite bits are the ones involving the player figurines. Nothing beats Brodeur. "Blocker side? More like NO GOAL SIDE!!"
Sundin's Hamlet - Just watch. Shakespeare + hockey = Win
Nuh nuh....nuh nuh nuh nuh.... - I'm biased. I love having seen the Sharks beat the Leafs twice in the last 2 seasons. But I also love watching the carnivorous Joe Thornton card.

There are more, but it's late and I should sleep. I suppose he's easier to like cause I don't often care about the Leafs and the Sharks only face them once a year. Give the kid a chance and at least you'll have a good chance of being amused.

Shark V Oilers

see what we did there?

7:30pm tonight, Radio, CSN+, Tank, or interwebs. (Our friends at Fear the Fin usually have the link)

Post Game:

Sharks lose 3-2 in OT. I'm not doing much of a recap for this one as I was either out or working for most of the game.

Roloson was the deciding factor in this game. He kept his team in it and helped them get the win. Shades of Ellis keeping the Preds to win in OT in it a few weeks back. The Sharks win streak ends at nine, but they have still yet to lose at home in regulation.

Sharks V Blue Jackets

7:30pm. Radio, tv, Tank, interwebs.

We'll be there.

Post Game:

Let's get straight to the point, shall we? The team that deserved to win tonight was Columbus. The team that won, however, was the Sharks. 3-2. This despite being out shot, outplayed and outworked in all areas, except maybe in goal where Nabokov stole the show. Don't get me wrong here, Mason was solid in net all night and should have had a star (in my opinion and Mina's, anyway) But seriously, watch the highlight reel. Nabby=Gold. He kept the game from being a blow out in Columbus' favor.

The Sharks looked slow, tired and downright crappy for the first. I could go into detail but basically, they played like crap and it showed. Also, lots of sticks broke.
Columbus took the lead into the dressing room at the end of the first thanks to a goal by Nash. Screen city. Sharks fans began to worry.

The second was better, but not until about half way through. The Sharks started to finally get some life and started connecting. Still lots of weird bounces, breaking sticks and just bad playing from the Sharks. Somehow, the Sharks, despite their best efforts through two periods, managed NOT to shoot themselves in the foot and tied the game on the power play. Sharks fans felt slightly better.

That better feeling rebounded to joyful proportions when, 44 seconds into the third, on the power play, the Sharks took the lead. Not only that, but it was JR goal. O frabjous day! Joyfulness was short lived as Columbus tied it back up about 3 minutes later. Tensions mounted. The guys near by us started to boo. We're not sure, but they seemed to be booing Ehrhoff. Why? We have no idea. They were Sharks fans, but apparently they were a little more disgruntled than the rest of our section. They became more incensed when the Sharks got a 5 on 3 and failed to do much of anything. Columbus did a good gob of being in the way.

Things had started picking up for the Sharks in the third, passes were connecting, things were happening, less craptasticness overall. The boo birds were still busy, but thankfully, somehow, Joe Thornton batted in a goal and gave the Sharks the lead. Callooh! Callay!
It was a lead they'd hold, despite some scary good chances by Columbus. Sharks fans rejoice.

Tonight's win gives the Sharks 45 points in 26 games. We're trying really hard not to get too excited by that record. There's obviously still work to be done.

Miscellanous:

Adversity, Dan Rusanowsky, they had it.

Ryane Clowe owes me a goal.

I, Gray, coined the term "Ehrhoffian" tonight.

Empty nets seem to have a magic force field that turns on only when Marleau shoots a puck at them.

Sharks promotions folks saw fit to sling shirts with this ridiculous image on them into the crowd. Unflattering doesn't cover it.

Tonight's win gives the Sharks 45 points in 26 games. We're trying really hard not to get too excited by that record. There's obviously still work to be done.

And remember...

And Now, A PSA From Devin Setoguchi*

*Ok, so it's not really from him. But, vote Seto anyway.

Post Toronto Mini Facts

Last night was Joe Thornton's third anniversary as a Shark. He celebrated by getting a goal and three assists. Not a bad way to party.

Douglas Murray, aka that brick wall people keep trying to knock over and end up bouncing off of, is also celebrating three years in teal.

There was a tribute to RW and crew last night on the jumbo-tron. RW claims to have missed it. They didn't show it on TV, so we missed it too.

Sean Avery, Drama Llama

Sean Avery runs mouth, gets suspended

Awesome Drama Llama idea cannot be attributed to me, alas! Too good to pass up though.

Way to show a serious lack of respect and class for yourself, the game and your fellow players. Not to mention your ex. It's a stupid and entirely avoidable reason for getting suspended. Say something on the ice if you have to, but keep it about the game, not life off the ice. Or, keep it clean on camera. Don't be stupid.

I'm not sure what he said was worth a suspension. A fine, for sure. I figure the suspension is Bettman covering himself. You could make an argument for him trying to make the league look good too, by letting guys know not to run their mouths. You could also make the argument that he did it to protect Avery from on ice retaliation, though, I'm pretty sure Avery would have welcomed it. Talking is what he does. So, maybe not. Who he is likely played a roll in the decision to suspend.

I usually find Avery's antics mildly amusing, if only because, as one of Mina's friends said, it's impressive to watch a guy who really doesn't care. Even here, I laughed when I saw the headline. Avery, suspended. Not a surprise. Still, I think it lacks class. I'm not saying guys can't say how they feel, or take digs at other players, but talking about someone else's love life on camera is a bit too whatever for me.

Sharks v Leafs

I tried to capture RW in his natural state: exasperation.

These two aren't facing each other for a reason. I don't think we need to rehash the communication problems RW and Marleau, (arguable RW and the entire Sharks team), appeared to be having last season. The story line of tonight's game will be whether or not Ron Wilson's Leafs can defeat Todd McLellan's Sharks. Or, if you prefer, can Todd McLellan's Sharks defeat Ron Wilson's Leafs.

Who has to more effective style? Can the Sharks play against a version of themselves from past seasons? Nabby vs Toskala. Toronto media vs whatever the outcome is. RW vs Toronto media. It's a night of battles, and the most colorful will likely take place off the ice. Tune in because it should be a good game. You can read about the media frenzy tomorrow.

I wish I had tickets.

7:30 pm, Tank, TV, radio, and potentially here too.

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Shameless self promotion again. I still have shark covered holiday cards , and other assorted items of awesome for sale. If you think the economy is tough right now, try running a business in it.
Again, these are my own creations and not in any way related to the San Jose Sharks.

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Post Game:
Sharks Win! 5-2

Four of those five goals were scored in the first. Early pizza night in the Tank. Om nom nom

Sharks goals by: Seto, Joe, Boyle, Vlasic (PPG), Joe Pa (SHG)
Leafs goals by: Kulemin & Hagman

Killer first. Not so good second. Decent third. Good game overall.

Vesa, I <3 you, I do, but, I wanted to see the Sharks win. Sorry.

I really wanted Armstrong to get his first NHL goal. So did Armstrong. It almost worked out too. He managed to get on the score sheet, but it was a 2 min. penalty for hooking. Next time, Riley!

The Sharks tied the NHL record for points through the first 25 games with 43. If you didn't watch them game, then you didn't hear how they mentioned that possibility over and over and over.

Mina lets us know that last season, it took until Dec. 26th for the Sharks to hit 43 points.

The Sharls are also the only remaining team to not have a home loss in regulation this season. I'd like that to continue on Thursday, when I am at the game. Just saying.

Ron Wilson travels with his own Leafs background for press stuff. Awesome.