Shark fans are constantly trying to explain the unexplainable, wrapping their minds around dozens of questions about Ron Wilson's motives and Doug Wilson's intentions. Today, I'll attempt to answer all the questions that have left you scratching your heads and stamping your feet with curiosity.
How are the Sharks 4-1 this season coming off one day's rest, but 1-5 with two or more days' rest?
I've had to check and recheck this stat all morning, because it just doesn't make any sense. More days of rest and preparation should translate to a better record, but it doesn't. I suppose it's a result of losses, since the team is eager to get back onto the ice and make good after a loss. Also, the long breaks in between games could lead to complacency, since the team isn't a real close unit on or off the ice. It's a bizarre stat, that's for sure.
Why is Curtis Brown a healthy scratch while Patrick Rissmiller sees ice despite a single point and -8 plus-minus through 13 games?
Obviously the coaching staff sees something in Rissmiller nobody else can see. While he had a couple strong games early in the season, he's been completely ineffective lately and doesn't bring anything physically. Clowe's injury would have been a perfect time for Riss to step up and take on more of the load, but we haven't seen it yet. Brown should be playing, and not just because he's the nicest guy in the entire world.
Why are the Sharks 1-4 at home but 6-3-1 on the road?
Skating out of the Shark head in front of the home fans fires the Sharks up. Unfortunately, that only lasts for the first shift, where we see some playoff intensity. They just haven't been able to score on home ice, with only 6 goals through five games this season. Maybe it's the pressure of performing in front of the home crowd, or maybe it's all that booing that begins midway through the second period.
San Jose is playing a lot looser on the road so far, and they've been able to rally in a couple nice wins. It seems like they squeeze the sticks a little when they trail early at home, but they're able to regroup and stay patient on the road. Whatever the reason, the Sharks are going to have to be dynamite on the road if they keep stinking it up at home.
How is Jeremy Roenick tied for second on the team in scoring?
Quite simply, he's been the hardest-working Sharks forward this season. The offensive skills are still there, but he's also smart on the forecheck and showed some great physical play Wednesday night against Dallas. Of course, part of the reason he's tied for second also has to do with the play of Bernier, Cheechoo, Marleau, Pavelski and Michalek. Even Michalek, who has been one of the team's best forwards, only has eight points in 15 games, which is well below expectations.
Why has Evgeni Nabokov started 15 consecutive games, while Dimitri Patzold is still waiting for his first career start?
I have no idea. Clearly the Sharks have very little confidence in Patzold, and it's too bad because it only puts more pressure on him when (if) he finally does get a start. He has to be frustrated, and Nabokov is going to wear down if the heavy workload continues. I'm not saying he couldn't physically handle 70+ games, but he's not accustomed to that many games. If he has another performance like the one we saw Wednesday you're going to hear questions about mental focus and fatigue. What is about the Sharks? They go from one extreme (rotating goalies every game) to the other (Nabokov starting 82 games.)
How can Torrey Mitchell put 20 shots on net without scoring a goal?
Every single shot is directly into the goaltender's logo. Whether it's a backhand coming down the wing on the rush or a wrist shot from 30 feet out, everything is right into a goalie's chest. I'm sure he could hit an empty net, but he's not good enough defensively to see any ice time in the last three minutes of a game.
Why has Doug Murray been sitting in the press box lately, despite leading all blueliners in plus-minus and physical play?
The Sharks want to give Ozolinsh and Semenov some time to prove themselves, and they've done that at Murray's expense. Based on their play so far this season, I think the team should put Vlasic or McLaren in the pressbox for a couple games rather than Murray, but that would just make too much sense. Ozolinsh brought some toughness Wednesday night with eight seconds remaining, but Murray should be in there to crack some skulls, especially tonight against the rough-and-tumble Ducks.
What changes are on the horizon if things don't turn around?
You can rule out a coaching change. I just don't see it happening any time this season unless the team falls into a complete tailspin. If anything, a trade would take place to shake things up, but I don't think Wilson wants to move any of his key players. We'd probably see a minor deal involving Pavelski or Ehrhoff.
If I'm the GM I deal Marleau and Ehrhoff to the Habs for Chris Higgins and Jaroslav Halak. It might look like a move with the future in mind, but it would shore up the goaltending and give the Sharks a young, explosive talent who's going to be one of the best in the league for a long time. Higgins is known for a monster work ethic, and he'd fit well with some of San Jose's snipers. It's obvious Marleau needs a change of scenery, and he'd be a great fit with the Canadiens.
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