This time last year I just wasn’t that interested to tell the truth.
The Sharks had lost in the second round of the playoffs (again), the
defense still looked too young / inexperienced, and the coaching staff
hadn’t changed. I went in to the 2007-2008 season without the sense of
expectation and hope that I’ve had in previous years. Sure, the fanboy
in me picked the Sharks to finish pretty high and to make the playoffs
but down deep I knew that the cup was going to elude them once again. I
was right; the Sharks were bounced in the second round. They were lucky
to get that far and I was sensing a pattern.
The first bit of fallout for another early playoff exit was GM Doug
Wilson firing head coach Ron Wilson. There was much rejoicing at my
house. Hell, I wanted Ron Wilson fired before the blockbuster trade
that sent Joe Thornton to San Jose for Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm, and
Wayne Primeau in 2005. Optimism was starting to return.
Brian Campbell took the big payday with the Chicago Blackhawks instead
of signing with a winner and I began to wonder if the Sharks would have
the same defensemen issues of the previous years. Add Rob Blake, Dan
Boyle, and Brad Lukowich to the mix and suddenly I’m not feeling so bad
about the blue line anymore.
Todd McLellan said all the right things when he was introduced as the
new Sharks head coach. He made all the usual comments about hard
working, high-tempo hockey that all new head coaches make. There must
be a class these guys attend so they can deliver content-free sound
bites. But he also pointed out some things I’ve been thinking for a
while and blamed on Ron Wilson. Basically, the Sharks power play
sucked. He wanted more shots from the defensemen and he wanted bodies
in front of the net. What a concept.
I attended both Friday’s game against the Ducks and Saturday’s against
Vancouver. Friday’s game cemented my optimism. Defensemen were
actually taking shots! There were bodies in front of the net! The
Sharks scored 5 goals.
Saturday, not so good. For a bunch of guys fighting for a roster spot
the team on the ice looked lost and not all that motivated. Marleau and
Thornton were invisible. Or they didn’t get all that much ice time. I
don’t know. In fact, the game was so boring that we left after 2
periods when the Canucks were up 3-zip. But you know, there were still
some shots from the blue line. Not great shots, but they existed which
is something we haven’t seen in seasons past. Apparently the team woke
up in the third and managed to score a couple of goals but we didn’t see
it.
For the first time in a while I’m looking forward to a new NHL season.
There’s a new coach, some ring-wearing veterans signed to the roster,
and a real chance to get past the second round of the playoffs.
Stumble it!