The Sharks have themselves a jam right now. They’re struggling defensively and they’re awful in goal. Not a great couple of attributes for a team looking to get to the playoffs.
Alex Stalock did not play well last night. He certainly didn’t look up to the task of even winning a junior hockey game last night. It’s hard to expect much from given how he’s used – and I stand by my season long claim that he would at least match Niemi’s numbers with a string of starts – but last night he laid a giant egg on the ice surface. The Sharks goaltending situation beyond this year is murky at best. With Stalock's numbers this year such a stark contrast to last year there's no way they can go into next season with him as anything more than the backup.
Turnovers and generally ugly decisions in the defensive zone killed the Sharks last night. Pekka Rinne was amazing – but that’s nothing new, he’s been amazing all year – and the Sharks couldn’t get any luck at all to go their way.
Nashville is a ridiculous hockey team and they’re easily the best team in the West right now. The Hart Trophy this year should go to a goaltender – either Pekka Rinne or Carey Price. Both of them are unreal.
#FreeMirco
Mueller was a scratch again last night. The Sharks are doing a fantastic job with the development of this kid (sarcasm).
Kill confidence – check.
Make him watch Hannan/Irwin play over him – check.
They should have sent him back to the WHL after the World Junior Championships so he could have actually played hockey if they don’t value what he brings to the Sharks. Even while he’s in developmental stages he’s still a better option than Hannan, Irwin or Tennyson.
He’s fourth among Sharks defenders in corsi for percentage with 51.6%. Scott Hannan (48.1%) and Matt Tennyson (47.6%) are far behind.
What about SA60? Yeah, he’s better than Irwin and Hannan in that category too. Mueller has a SA60 of 29.6 yet Irwin (30.1) and Hannan (31.0) are above the rookie on the depth chart. It’s not like Mueller is an awful defender who doesn’t deserve to play. He is legitimately the Sharks 5th best defender but he continually gets shunned by the coaching staff. It’s shameful to be honest.
Scott Hannan In Another Rumor
Pierre LeBrun dropped another Hannan-bomb on the world in his latest rumblings post.
I think the plan remains the same in Chicago: A quiet deadline, other than perhaps adding a depth, experienced defenseman -- like a Scott Hannan-type. I think the Blackhawks have five or six names on their radar as far as depth defensemen and Hannan is one of them.
I found it amazing that the Penguins were suggested in the Hannan sweepstakes – I’m wishful thinking – but now that Chicago is mentioned I’m even more confused.
If there is interest in Scott Hannan he should be dealt immediately. This might be the only way that Mirco Mueller draws back in on a regular basis. #FreeMirco
I think a lot of the Scott Hannan talk is centered around how cheap he is and how far up against the cap certain teams are. He’s a cheap depth option for a team that has their first 97 options go down with an injury. He’d be my very next call up after my neighbor’s friend’s cousin couldn’t play.
Standings Update:
LA, Calgary and Minnesota all play tonight – with CGY/MIN potentially a three point game. Things could get ugly for San Jose after tonight’s games as they could find themselves only a point ahead of Minnesota and tied with Los Angeles.
If the Sharks can’t find a way to steal some wins away from the tough schedule ahead they will be looking at missing their first playoff berth in a decade.
Thanks for reading.
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