Sharks v/s Predators

by beta103 on Apr 24, 2006 9:47 AM PDT

Being an A's fan from Nashville and you being A's fans from the bay area, I thought there might be some hockey fans amongst us. I was curious if anyone would support a diary on the playoffs. I meant to do this before the first round started but I am too slow. It would be nice if this could be a running sound board. If this is unacceptable then I understand. Go A's and Go Preds!

Poll

How will this series end?

Preds in 5

0 votes

Sharks in 7

5 votes

Sharks in 6

35 votes

Sharks in 5

3 votes

Fire Macha in 7 days

1 votes

Fire Macha in 6 days

0 votes

Fire Macha Now

2 votes

Preds in 7

3 votes

Preds in 6

0 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

All i gotta say is

GO SHARKIES!!!!!!

SHARKS RULE.

RIDE THE CHEECHOO TRAIN (i'm sure this pun has been used excessively)

And lastly....

Joe Thornton for MVP.

www.hasidicreggae.com Check out Matisyahu. "I wanna be close to you, yes i'm so hungry. You're like water for my soul when it gets thirsty."

by ohad on Apr 24, 2006 10:00 AM PDT reply actions

AMEN!!!

I second each and EVERY emotion!!

GO SHARKS!!!

"Now, I'm not the guy who's in trouble, it's the guy on the mound who's in trouble.'' Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Apr 24, 2006 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Have a little love

Have some love for the Preds. We are the small market NHL team and we aren't that bad!!! We are missing our #1 Goalie and our #2 scoring d-man ( he would have been #1 if he didn't get hurt)

Gene Nelson and I have the same barber!

by beta103 on Apr 24, 2006 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah...

WHAT HE SAID!!!

GO SHARKIES!!!

"Baseball is reassuring. It makes me feel as if the world is not going to blow up." -Sharon Olds

by AsGirl on Apr 24, 2006 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Sharks fans

There are a handfull of us on this site.

Its gotten a little ugly in the series, glad to see the sharks take a split back home to the tank.

The only thing thats keeping the preds in it is Chris Mason, he has been playing outstanding, but can he be THAT good the whole series? I dont think so.

Even though the preds won game 1, they werent convincing from an offensive standpoint. The PP scored all their goals, but they were mainly screened shots, tip, etc, goals. The sharks seemed to have their PP figured out in Game 2 as they ran the EXACT same play every time.

They preds will try and grind it out, but the sharks have too many offensive weapons, and will take the series.

Sharks in 6

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Apr 24, 2006 10:27 AM PDT reply actions

I have one name for you

Jean-Sebastian Giguere. No one thought that he could keep up his performance all playoffs long and he did. He's never been that dominant since that one playoff year, but that's the thing about hockey more than any other sport. A red-hot goalie can take down any team at any time. And often it's the unknown entity that does it. If you're a Sharks fan, you remember Arturs Irbe and his remarkable playoff run with San Jose. Patrick Roy singlehandedly won Montreal the Cup in 1993 and 1986. He was unconscious.

That's what's so interesting about this year's playoff series. You have so many unknown quantities like Toskala, Lundquist, Mason, Niitimayki, Ryan Miller, Manny Legace, Ray Emery, John Grahame. These guys have very little playoff experience, if any. I imagine there could be quite a few upsets because of that fact. I'm not sure Mason is that good, but a goalie can steal games unlike any other sport. You can almost literally ride one player to a championship.

Then again, Kiprusoff, Brodeur, Turco are also there as well. These guys have significant playoff experience.

But I think the Sharks are probably the strongest team in the West because they have two very good scoring lines and they don't have significant age issues like Detroit and even Dallas. Youth counts in the two-month grind that are the NHL playoffs.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Mason

isn't what I am most worried. We need more offense. Oh and the Preds have ran that same PP all year. Some games it is great and some games not so great.

Gene Nelson and I have the same barber!

by beta103 on Apr 24, 2006 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Thorton

is huge. He dwarfed 3/4 of our team

Gene Nelson and I have the same barber!

by beta103 on Apr 24, 2006 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

yes

In the past teams would only go as far as their goaltending could take them. The new NHL, things may be different, so far its hard to tell with only two games played.

Giguere was awesome in the playoffs, but he was also great the entire season. Mason is the backup, so hes only played about 20 games this year, but has been good in those.

Who knows though, you make a great point considering goaltending of the past.

Just hope the sharks keep peppering him early and often.

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Apr 24, 2006 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I am amazed

Generally I only watch the playoffs when it comes to hockey. I have heard this year about all the rule changes etc. But I am in shock at what they did to this sport.

It's arena football on ice. Seriously, I usually enjoy watching two different styles battle for dominance during the playoffs, now its let's see how score 6 goals. I am not sure what I think about it yet, it's early, but I am blown away.

"You know I don't like beautiful, well put together women, give me a nice nose break or a lazy eye." Johnny Drama

by rook on Apr 24, 2006 10:36 AM PDT reply actions

see I disagree

arena football on ice is unfair. The new NHL has created more scoring CHANCES, not just scoring. Getting rid of the two line pass rule has created a much more fluid entertaining hockey game. You actually see players drive to the net now, because they wont get clutched and hooked the whole time (unless they want to take a penalty). There are some crappy rule changes, such as the automatic delay of game penalty if a team sends the puck out of the rink in its own zone.

Its not perfect, but the changes were for the better.

You still have exciting playoff OT hockey still. Did you catch the Buffalo Philly game?

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Apr 24, 2006 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions

I missed that game

Someone who didn't miss was Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell. Wow, just wow.

"Did we save 15% on our shortstop insurance?" FormerHuntsvilleStar

by eamb on Apr 24, 2006 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions

That's a Scott Stevens special

Stevens...the greatest defenseman who ever played. Don't give me that Bobby Orr stuff either...he was the best offensive defenseman, but no one played the position as ferociously or as effectively as Stevens.

Check this video out. The best part is that I think six or seven of those hits came in the playoffs including two in the Stanley Cup Finals (Kariya and Kozlov). But the Willis, Francis, King, Lindros, Langkow hits were all playoff specials. Stevens won that series over Philly in 2000 by thundering Lindros and Langkow.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions

The Kariya hit

Is the best IMO.

"Did we save 15% on our shortstop insurance?" FormerHuntsvilleStar

by eamb on Apr 24, 2006 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm partial to the Kozlov

hit because it led to the Devils first Stanley Cup. But I also love the Lindros one because the Devils were down 3 games to 1 in the Eastern Conference Finals to Philly (who I hate just as much as the Angels) and that one was in Game 7 after the team stormed back. It pretty much sparked the Devils to their second Cup proving that 95 was no fluke.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

I didn't..

Looking forward to seeing some east coast team (Philly and NJ) in particular to see how they have adpated. It just seems too much, I was watching the Sharks game yesterday wondering when they will insitute an 8 second rule to cross the blue line.

Saying it's not like Arena football because they don't score as much but have as many oportunties is fair, it's still harder to get it in net, I agree.

I am not going anywhere, will watch the "new" game, but its does it kind of reminds me of baseball if they let the players do as many greenies as they want, and the pitchers could only throw those super rubber balls.

PS: I also like 1-0 baseball games that are well played on both sides, and I enjoy Pistons-Spurs finals. Call me an anti-christ if you will, but I like the D.

"You know I don't like beautiful, well put together women, give me a nice nose break or a lazy eye." Johnny Drama

by rook on Apr 24, 2006 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I must go with the Preds

I have a family member involved with the Nashville team.

"Bring Matt Watson Back to Oakland in '06"-The Committee is accepting new members. 04/18/06: G-11,AB-40,H-11,HR-3, RBI-11, OBP-.383,SLG-.575

by bigelephant on Apr 24, 2006 11:35 AM PDT reply actions

Whoo!

Go Nashville A's fans!

by Benny @ Athletics Nation on Apr 24, 2006 12:02 PM PDT reply actions

Love'em A's

One day I will make it out to Oakland to watch my A's. Going to see them in Tampa Bay this year.

Gene Nelson and I have the same barber!

by beta103 on Apr 24, 2006 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Just imagine

If Scott Niedermayer had elected to sign with the Sharks instead of the Ducks in the offseason, i would feel like the Sharks were a shoe in for the title. Then again, they might not have traded for Thornton, because they likely would have been playing better....

www.hasidicreggae.com Check out Matisyahu. "I wanna be close to you, yes i'm so hungry. You're like water for my soul when it gets thirsty."

by ohad on Apr 24, 2006 12:22 PM PDT reply actions

They should've made a move for Rob

Niedermayer if that would've led to getting Scott. But I doubt the Ducks would've traded him if they knew he was such a bargaining chip for his brother.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

you see that goal he scored-

last game in Calgary. Yikes! The dude skated through the whole friggin' team!

"Bring Matt Watson Back to Oakland in '06"-The Committee is accepting new members. 04/18/06: G-11,AB-40,H-11,HR-3, RBI-11, OBP-.383,SLG-.575

by bigelephant on Apr 24, 2006 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Reminded me of his goal in

Game 2 of the 95 Finals when he went end to end and scored a huge goal on Mike Vernon after beating Paul Coffey.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Good memory,

I wonder if the fact the Devils beat them in four has anything to do with your "good memory"?

Devils look real strong right now. They beat the Rangers 4 straights I say. No Jagr and they're starting Weekes...they're done.

"Bring Matt Watson Back to Oakland in '06"-The Committee is accepting new members. 04/18/06: G-11,AB-40,H-11,HR-3, RBI-11, OBP-.383,SLG-.575

by bigelephant on Apr 24, 2006 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't like when the Devils

are heavy favorites. They're like the A's in that they play their best when people don't expect them to win. The only time I remember people really favoring the Devils was in 2000. But in 95 and 03 they really came out of nowhere to win it all. I'm hoping 2006 is a repeat performance of 95 and 03.

By the way, I still have the Sports Illustrated with the photo of Niedermayer scoring that goal in a frame. That would probably help explain my "good memory." ;-)

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions

don't ya just LOVE talkin' hockey..

...this time of year!!!!!!!!!!!

Nothing like playoff hockey.

"Bring Matt Watson Back to Oakland in '06"-The Committee is accepting new members. 04/18/06: G-11,AB-40,H-11,HR-3, RBI-11, OBP-.383,SLG-.575

by bigelephant on Apr 24, 2006 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I do

at some point I'm considering running the Devils blog for SBN. But hockey isn't on the list just yet.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions

You really have the best of both worlds

East coast hockey game at 4, A's at 7. Very nice.

Any way SJ trades one of the goalies in the off season? My Leafs will be looking for one. And send McCauley back too please. The Leafs will return Nolan and about 10 mil.

"Bring Matt Watson Back to Oakland in '06"-The Committee is accepting new members. 04/18/06: G-11,AB-40,H-11,HR-3, RBI-11, OBP-.383,SLG-.575

by bigelephant on Apr 24, 2006 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd say the Sharks would most definitely consider

dealing a goalie. If Toskala performs in the playoffs and they go deep, I could see Nabokov being dealt someplace like Toronto.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Nabokov

Here's what chuqui is saying on Teal Sunglasses:
<<<..... one of the goalies probably has to go during the off-season. Both guys like playing 60 games, both guys deserve a chance to do so; neither one will be happy being a 1A or second goalie. And in my mind, we have an asset here we SHOULD use to improve the club elsewhere -- and let Nolan Schaeffer come up and prove he's capable of being a #1, too. But Nabby also has a no-trade clause. He won't go without his approval.
But I wonder how he'd react if Doug Wilson came to him and said "you can approve a trade to X, or you'll have to come into camp and try to win the starting job back"? I think Nabokov would accept a trade to a decent team that needs a goaltending upgrade (like, oh, Vancouver).
This is the kind of problem GM's LIKE to have -- too many players.
But -- is Toskala 'it'? Or are we giving up on Nabby too easily?.....>>>

Thanks, chuq, that's what I'm thinking too.

Along with unswerving devotion to our Athletics, I love the Sharks too. On Sunday at A's v Angels we picked the NHL game for our big screen big play snippet [what is that segment called where we yell to vote?]. I was happy to hear there are more than a few of us.

by LibrariAN on Apr 24, 2006 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah

I was bummed when he went to the ducks. I think the sharks pushed pretty hard to sign him. It all worked out for the best though, I doubt they wouldve traded for Thornton either. The only reason that trade happened was because you had two desperate teams looking to make a big shakeup.

Longterm, I think the sharks D will be good, not great. I like what I see so far from Matt Carle, hes a tough kid, and looks like a legitimate good young defensemen. No Jeff Jillson here. Erhoff is another good looking rookie who will only get better. The thing I love so far from their game is they arent soft. Guys like Jillson, Brad Stuart, and Rathje are huge but dont use their bodies and HIT PEOPLE!!

Speaking of Jillson. He was traded to the B's along with Jeff Hackett (I think) for Kyle McLaren. Talk about another steal trade from the Bruins.

Preissing and Gorges are mediocre. Other than that Hannan, McLaren, Erhoff, Carle are all pretty solid. If they signed a veteran blue liner this offseason, and I'd be pretty happy.

The sharks all have young talent who are approaching their prime. Its gonna be an exciting ride.

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Apr 24, 2006 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions

McCl;aren trade

in their defense McClaren was refusing to play for the B's and they were also desperate for goaltending.

Gabba Gabba A's?

by pbruins92 on Apr 24, 2006 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Jeff Jilson

hes from rhode island

Gabba Gabba A's?

by pbruins92 on Apr 24, 2006 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

And they will probably go out and sign a veteran defenseman. Or at least they should. I agree that they have been missing big hitters. Darian Hatcher comes to mind. Even though he's like 90 and has to eat through a straw.

Oh, i'm so happy. The days of relying on Owen Nolan are gone.

Side note: What's up with Evgeni Nabokov? (Or is it Yevgeni? I forget). He doesn't even have a starting job anymore. I'm just glad the Wilsons can continue practically pooping out goaltending (Nabokov, Toskala, Kiprusoff)

www.hasidicreggae.com Check out Matisyahu. "I wanna be close to you, yes i'm so hungry. You're like water for my soul when it gets thirsty."

by ohad on Apr 24, 2006 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Nabokov

He is such an enigma. The guy has an awesome 2004 playoff campaign then is crappy this year. He played well for the russians in the olympics this year. I think he has a nagging injury that is keeping him from playing at 100%

The huge success the sharks have had with goalies has to be credited to Warren Strelow, the goaltending coach. He hasnt been able to work hands on with Nabokov & Toskala this year as he is still recovering from a kidney transplant. Strelow is like the Leo Mazzone of hockey. So maybe this or a combination of these two things is whats going on. The sharks have signed both goalies through next year, so hopefully nabby gets back to his regular form.

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Apr 24, 2006 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe.

or like some other goalie are still adapting to the new hockey rules, and nabby is having a hard time.

by Mr Athletics on Apr 24, 2006 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions

It is curious to me

as to why they signed Nabokov to a long-term deal given him be relegated to bench warmer status. I still think GMs are learning how to work within the new cap. Even Lou Lamoriello, the best executive in hockey, has had his challenges in dealing with the cap.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2006 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions