Erase all those nagging doubts and hop back on the Stanley Cup bandwagon! Okay, not quite, but that was the best game of the season, extending San Jose's current winning streak to four games. Ahh, ain't love grand? They're up, they're down, they're healthy, they're broken, they're all on the trade block, they're all untouchable. The only consistent thing about this Sharks season has been Nabokov between the pipes, but the team finally looks like the Cup contender they were supposed to be.
The injuries are mounting, with Michalek, Goc and Rivet sitting out Thursday's game with a variety of ailments. But even that isn't much reason for concern, because the team has an entire week off after Saturday night's game against Anaheim. It's not the best timing for a break because the team is playing so well, but it is nice to give the guys some time to rest up and recover.
The report card looks pretty good tonight. It reminds me of elementary school, before my adolescent mind was distracted by girls and hockey statistics.
Offense - A+
You'll always take six goals, but it was nice to see guys like Pavelski and Bernier find the score sheet. They'd both been struggling to create offense, and a night like this should give both players a shot in the arm. How about Marleau as well, finally dishing the puck like a playmaker. No assists coming off rebounds or deflections, but some nice setups that were cashed in.
Roenick's shot was perfect, coming down the wing and putting a shot on net with some purpose. That's how you fire a puck, not to create a rebound or bounce off the endboards but to find the twine. Anyone else think he could catch Modano for the most goals by an American-born player? It could turn into an interesting race if he keeps lighting the lamp.
Finally, how about Setoguchi? Forget the Calder, this kid might be a contender for the Richard once it's all said and done. Seven goals in his first nine career games? Wow. We've seen hot starts before, but this is no fluke.
Defense - A+
You can tell the defense played well when you don't have much to say about them. I really liked all the blocked shots. Ehrhoff had four of them and McLaren finished with three, and any time you only allow 15 shots you're giving the team a great chance to win.
Also, I have to mention Douglas Murray, who finished with +3 once again Thursday night. That's +10 his last three games, which has to be some kind of record.
Goaltending - A+
Nabokov recorded his 37th career shutout and second in the last three games. It was another easy one, with a light workload and very few saves that would even sniff a highlight reel. You have to think Patzold could have come up with a similar result tonight. On the other hand, he could have allowed 11 goals, perhaps we'll never know what he brings to the table.
Power Play - A+
Finally the power play starts moving the puck around, skating it around the zone a little and creating some holes in the coverage. Pavelski made a nice play on his first goal, and that little fake behind the net was great. His second goal was even better, with Marleau making a perfect touch pass for the one-timer. It was scary stuff, and the Coyotes were fortunate they were only shorthanded three times.
Penalty Kill - A+
San Jose kept Phoenix 0-for-4 with a single shot in eight minutes of PP time. You couldn't ask for anything more than that, besides a shorthanded goal or two. That's how you win hockey games, shutting a power play down and frustrating the entire team.
Turned My Head
I could probably list the entire active roster, but I'll pick out a couple that really looked impressive.
Patrick Marleau - Like a slow-moving raccoon, Marleau killed the slump Wednesday night and left it in the rear view mirror Thursday. That talent, brimming under the surface all season, finally made a strong appearance in a three-assist game and Marleau spoke to the media afterwards. Bravo.
Joe Pavelski - Don't write this guy off, because he's a gamer and can create a real offensive spark when his feet are moving. That hasn't happened often enough through the first 20 games, but he showed what he can do with a couple of beauty goals despite the least ice time of any Sharks forward.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic - We talked about this during the talkcast the other night, but Vlasic's expectations have become so high you forget to realize how good he is most nights. He led the blueliners in ice time and was steady the entire game, making some great, simple plays.
Turned My Stomach
No need for this one at all tonight, although that little pest Danny Carcillo needs a stiff shot upside the head.
Final Grade - A+
This winning streak has been really strange, and you can almost set your watch to some of the trends. Setoguchi will score a goal, Murray will be at least +2, Nabokov will start, and the Sharks will pick up two points. It's funny, because the Sharks still won't get much credit for beating Phoenix. They get torched for losing to teams they're supposed to beat, but can't get any appreciation for wins over lesser teams. I'll give them some credit, because their play over the last four games has been great.
Don't disparage the Coyotes too much, because one you look past the poor drafting record, the inept development system, the constant rebuilding, the lack of qualified goaltending, the defensive inconsistency, the streaky wingers, the frustrated coaching staff, and the worst arena name in professional sports (jobing.com?) this is still an NHL franchise.
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Tune in to the Sharks talkcast Friday morning at 10 a.m. Pacific time. We'll be discussing Thursday night's win, the injury situation, the recent winning streak, some keys to the turnabout, a little Barry Bonds, some prospect talk, the division, and preview Saturday night's game. Check it out or call in and let us know what you think by calling (724) 444-7444 and entering talkcast ID number 74909. Thanks everybody and I look forward to talking with you.
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