*I'm running the Ottawa Marathon in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, if you have a spare dollar you should donate to the cause. My goal is $300 --> http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/timchiasson I've hit 93% of my goal already. I'm $20 away. To those who have donated, thanks for the support!
Chris Tierney has 13 points in his last 22 games after starting the season with two in 15. He played one game in November, three in December and none in January before finding his way into the lineup in February on a more regular basis.
His play has improved in nearly every category over the last 22 games versus the first 15. During the first 15 games he sported a CF% of 46.03, the last 22 he has a 47.2% number. His points/60 is up from 0.74 over the first 15 to 2.89 in the last 22. Now, that P60 number isn’t likely to remain that high but we can certainly enjoy his production while it’s there. Anything over the initial 0.74 is great.
Let’s take a look at the comparison for Tierney’s scoring chances for/against and shots/60 for and against for both periods of time.
Scoring chances for and shots for are up, scoring chances against and shots against are down. Isn’t it beautiful?
Tierney has given himself a significant leg up on anyone looking for the 3C spot in San Jose heading into next season with his solid play over the last half of his season. With (parts of) a season under his belt it’s hard for me to envision a scenario where he doesn’t start the season as the unquestioned 3C for the Sharks next year. That’s a benefit San Jose didn’t have heading into this season.
Playoff Chances
For those of you still holding on to the playoff dream, you still have one. 1.3 percentage chance to gain an invitation to the dance.
Winning all six games will be a requirement – among other things – and here is who the Sharks have left to tangle with:
Colorado Arizona @ Arizona Dallas @ Edmonton @ Los Angeles
They are all certainly winnable games, no question about it. To get in the Sharks will have to take all six games + Winnipeg finish 2-4, LA finish 3-3 OR win all six games + Calgary finish 1-3-1, LA finish 3-3. Are all of those possible? Sure they are, so there is still hope.
It’s been a few days, so Todd, Doug, you’re fired.
Thoughts on Fedun’s Debut
A few days late, but still relevant.
CF: 18, CA: 8. Quality shot attempt differential. Fedun had his uh-oh moments throughout the game but, generally, I enjoyed his play. Having the even L-R combination was great and he really looked comfortable on the power play when he was able to move around and do more of what he was doing in Worcester without worrying about making mistakes.
I really wish Fedun had played more, and earlier, in the season so we could have seen what he looked like after 20-25 games. I think it would have been a pleasant surprise.
With both Hannan and Irwin – potentially – not returning next season Fedun may get his chance to come back and play an actual role on the team. The Sharks will still need to pick up a top four defender, but perhaps that comes via trade involving Brent Burns – or someone else.
What did you think of Fedun’s debut as a Shark?
Thanks for reading.
*I'm running the Ottawa Marathon in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, if you have a spare dollar you should donate to the cause. My goal is $300 --> http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/timchiasson I've hit 93% of my goal already. I'm $20 away. To those who have donated, thanks for the support!