First off, I apologize for the lack of posts. I have not started off so well this season but I am back on board fully ready to go now.
As many of you are, I as well am excited at the start our boys in teal are off to. For me the most exciting part is that all of the guys seem to know what their role is. Everybody expected more of an offensive minded team with McLellan coming in but who would have thought it would be so clear. As I took my seat opening night I was not quite sure what to expect. I guess I figured it would take a little more time for the boys to get into this new system, I think I was very wrong. It looks as though everyone has bought into the new style.
Through the first 3 games nearly everyone stood out in some way, so here is what I took from the first 3 nights of Sharks hockey…..
Patrick Marleau is back to form. He looks very happy with the way things have panned out for him. A happy captain is a good captain and Patty is on his way to a very good season.
Joe Thornton looks to be a half step slow. But hey, J.T. at only a half step slow is better than 90 % of guys in the NHL. He will have another stellar year.
Jonathan Cheechoo looks like he knows where he belongs again. On the scoring sheet that is. He is moving his feet constantly and finding the spots.
Milan Michalek is now using his size to his advantage and not just his speed. He is a big kid and needs to play with a little more of that physical edge in my opinion. He has so far looked to be doing that and will benefit from it greatly.
Devin Setoguchi is a goal scorer. As long as he does not get lazy he will continue to put the puck in the net on the first line. I say he puts up 30 this year.
Joe Pavelski is probably the best two-way forward the Sharks have on the roster. There is so much hustle in this kid it is amazing. He can get pushed around from time to time but he always gives 110%.
Ryane Clowe has looked a little lost to me. He has fumbled the puck quite a bit so far. I believe he will get going, I just hope the style is not too fast for him.
Jeremy Roenick is my favorite vet. In my eyes no one exudes more passion for the game than this guy.
Thomas Plihal is showing he can do what it takes to hang in the NHL. He may be a little far from a solid NHL’er but he fills his role nicely.
Lucas Kaspar is another guy filling a role and doing it well. It will take a while for fans to fully embrace him but you will all come around.
Mike Grier has that hop back in his step and the thought of trading this guy away to clear cap space is long gone. Griersy looks like he is having a blast playing hockey this year and the team will reap the benefits.
I will be back tonight with my thoughts on the defense and the men in the cage.
Mark
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