JUMPED BY THE SHARKS: Sharks 5, Blackhawks 2
The Chicago Blackhawks came into San Jose, presumably rested and ready for a Western Conference Final rematch with the Sharks. They would also have the motivation of facing their Cup-winning backstop from last season, Antti Niemi. Instead, they came out flatter than the champagne left over from their Cup celebration and got pushed all over the ice by the Sharks, dropping a 5-2 decision that wasn't as close as the score indicates.
Let's get this over with:
THE GOOD:
The fourth line. Troy Brouwer, Jake Dowell and Jack Skille created the first goal, with Brouwer being strong with the puck and Skille and Dowell crashing the net. They played with a lot of jump tonight.
THE BAD:
Special teams. 0-4 on power plays, including a 44 second 5-on-3. They also allowed 2 Sharks power play goals on 6 opportunities.
Nick Boynton. Two giveaways contributed directly to San Jose goals. Blown coverages, overall brutal play. Even though he got an assist on Patrick Sharp's handsome deflection, he has no business dressing on Friday. Let Jassen Cullimore be QStache's veteran defenseman mancrush. There's no way anyone can say Jordan Hendry could possibly be any worse.
San Jose's fans still booing Brian Campbell? Morans. The fucking guy was a Shark for what, two months? Three years ago? For the love of all that is good and holy, get the fuck over it.
THE UGLY:
Overall lack of discipline. After spending last season preventing traffic from being in front of Antti Niemi's crease, they got no traffic in front of Niemi, except for Dowell's goal. The defensemen played like shit, the forwards got no slot presence, the Hawks just played shitty shinny all night. Thank God the Hawks didn't trade their first round pick away, since it's starting to look like they might wind up with a stud.
Bryan Bickell decided that taking 2 minutes for holding with just under 5 left in the game wasn't good enough. He yapped until he got another 2 for unsportsmanlike. No better way to help your team fight back than a double minor. He better be a scratch on Friday as well.
Next up is the annual Black Friday matinee in Anaheim against the Ducks. Join us in the Shoutbox, and look forward to our guest recapper, the Beautiful and grammatically correct LFork.
Posted by Forklift at 11/25/2010 1:26 AM 
Categories: Game Recap
Tags: Chicago Blackhawks San Jose Sharks
Categories: Game Recap
Tags: Chicago Blackhawks San Jose Sharks
This only thing worse than this game was listening to the SJ feed in the rain stuck on 65 for 5 hours. Damn you Sirius!
Reply to this
Well, we've all been patient with this version of Les Hawques. And we can assume The Brain Trust/Q-Staff have been as well.
Last night's non performance showed that buying $65,000 bottles of champagne and getting your name in the Vegas papers is not the way to defend your Stanley Cup Championship.
Just watch the way teams like Atlanta, Columbus and Tampa are playing, with committment and hunger far above their talent level, and you'll see exactly what is missing from this squad.
Zero execution has replaced zero defect execution.
At this rate, there will be golf in April. If not sooner.
Reply to this
Oh, and Dustin Byfuglien is looking like a steal next to Hjalmarsson.
Reply to this
Byfuglien's defect has always been motivation. Right now he's in a contract year. Let's see how he does once he signs an extension.
Reply to this
So what Hjalmarsson's defect?
BTW if your comment in the S-Box was correct about his possible exit, Ham Sandwich may be making meatballs in New Jersey soon.
Perhaps LouLam can be persuaded to send David Clarkson to CHI.
As for Buff, he's all growed up now dat he's in 'Lanta.
Reply to this
"So what's Hjalmarsson's defect?"
Apparently Garnet Exelby has been waived, presumably with the intention of having him shore up the D.
...which is BTW currently 22nd out of 30 teams. How time flies.
Brett Lebda is waiting for Stan to call Brian.
Reply to this
The Devils couldn't fit John Scott under their cap, let alone Hjalmarsson.
Reply to this
Fork, if LouLam wants the Ham Sandwich, he will find a way to stuff The Ham Sandwich into his already bulging jock strap.
BTW Clarkson's salary is less than Nikki's, but Lou will send Adam Mair down to make things right. Or maybe StanBow will take The Mairinator.
Reply to this
Anyway, we all know nothing will happen on the trade front, and LadyFork will have plenty to rip the Hawks about in Her Inaugural Recap. Which should be awesome.
Reply to this