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Sharks at Calgary preview

January 20, 2013, 2:37 PM ET [4 Comments]
Cam Gore
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The San Jose Sharks and the Calgary Flames start their season off this afternoon in Cow town. The puck drops at three and these two teams are in similar situations.

Both teams underachieved last season and the Flames didn’t make the playoffs. The Sharks found their way into the spring dance only to bow out in the first round. That was then, and this is now and a good start is imperative for both clubs if they are going to turn things around. If not both organizations could be blown up and the end of the season.

Last year the Sharks went 2-1-1 against Calgary and for a team that is not in their division there is a healthy rivalry between these clubs due to a number of exciting past playoff series.

This afternoon’s game will be the first of three meetings in this shortened season.

The Sharks will open the 2013 season with a fairly familiar line-up. The only two players who have never suited up for the Sharks are Adam Burish who will wear number 37 along with James Sheppard who will wear number 15 on his back. Frazer McLaren will represent the muscle on the team in jersey number 68 and Brad Stuart makes his return to the Sharks roster in his familiar number 7 jersey.

The return of Brent Burns is questionable after hernia surgery and Jason Demers is out with a sore wrist. Questionable for the Flames are Cervenka and Hudler. Jarome Iginla is expected to suit up after missing much of training camp with a groin issue and Anton Babchuk is out.

It is an exciting time for the NHL, because not only were they were able salvage a season but the playoffs, which is the most joyous time of year for hockey fans is a little over three months away.

The door is closing on these clubs because their best players are getting older, especially in Calgary. Mikka Kiprusof is thirty-six years old but he has played more games than any other goalie in the NHL since 2005. He is the ultimate professional who takes great care of his body but at some point the wear and tear will catch up with him.

Jarome Iginla is thirty-five but his numbers have hinted that he is beginning to slow down as he is entering the twilight of his career. Iginla is in the last year of his contract so we may see an extra push from him but the days of him winning the Rocket Richard trophy are in the past.

The Sharks season begins with the battle of Alberta. After the Flames this afternoon it is north to Edmonton for a Tuesday night game.

Keep your sticks on the ice,
Cam Gore
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