How's that for an introduction? General Patton didn't have as much impact, and didn't get anything close to the same reception. Making his first appearance at HP Pavilion, Dany Heatley netted four points and a hat trick during San Jose's 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In addition, he won over a capacity crowd that was looking for every excuse to embrace the San Jose Sharks' biggest offseason acquisition. For Heatley, a player reviled north of the 49th parallel and ignored below it, Thursday was just the first of many prolific nights in front of the teal faithful.
After the first two games people were whispering about Patrick Marleau participating in a scoring race or taking home some hardware, but you can forget that. The Sharks' offense revolves around the first line, and it was absolutely dominant on Thursday night, chasing Steve Mason from the crease with a steady barrage of blistering shots. Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley have already put the rest of the league on notice: The Sharks' top line is right up there with the NHL's best.
Prior to the season, the most conservative estimates had Heatley scoring 40-50 goals, but he could break 70 if the dynamic duo keeps clicking. Thornton has always been a quarterback, taking his time and surveying the defense before striking with pinpoint accuracy. This season, he's finally joined by a superstar receiver, a big gun who can take every scoring opportunity and make the most of it. Joe is the playmaker, Dany is the play finisher, and lucky Shark fans get to watch them work their magic for at least another 78 games.
With Thornton and Heatley together, the hockey world might not have seen a more productive Canadian duo since Johnny Bucyk and Phil Esposito terrorized goaltenders in the 1970s. The Bruins also had Bobby Orr on the back end, and the Sharks have their own version in Dan Boyle. All three players - Thornton, Heatley and Boyle - are penciled in for Team Canada at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. After the last two games, Steve Yzerman can shade their names in a little darker on his projected roster.
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I had my doubts coming in, but I was extremely impressed by the Sharks' restraint during the unveiling of the Presidents' Trophy banner. It was simple and classy, drawing just enough attention to the achievement without celebrating it too much. The San Jose lineup was introduced and the banners descended, speaking for themselves. Honestly, when you consider all the ways the organization could have handled it, I thought it was perfect. Two huge thumbs up.
I was also extremely impressed by the Sharks' gesture at the end of the game, taking a page out of the New York Rangers playbook by saluting the crowd at center ice. I'm not sure if it's going to be a regular occurrence, but it should be. I've always felt it was a simple yet classy move, and it makes you feel good to be a hockey fan when you see the players acknowledging the people who sacrifice time and money to come out and support both the team and the game. The Sharks already have the best three stars procedure in the league, and this just adds another element to the postgame. Again, two big thumbs up.
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For the most part, the game offered an interesting look at the Sharks. It definitely strengthened people's confidence in the first line, while bringing up a few concerns about the defense and depth lines. The Sharks are a work in progress like every other team, and there's no reason to think the season is going to be won or lost in the first month. They're not going to dominate the way they did a year ago, and they have the horses up front to compete with anybody, although it is very disconcerting that a member of San Jose's first line has had a hand in each of the team's last 12 goals.
Three Studs
3. Dan Boyle - Just when you think he's playing too tentatively, the veteran comes out and displays why he's one of the best offensive defensemen in the game. He was jumping into the play effectively and looked like a fourth forward at times. He was able to because the Sharks were controlling the puck so well deep in the Columbus zone, forechecking hard and tilting the ice in their favor.
2. Joe Thornton - Just another night at the office. The final tally was four assists, although he earned another one springing Heatley and allowing him to draw the penalty shot. While Thornton only had one shot, he was the major reason his linemates combined for 11 of them. He now has seven assists in his last two games and nine points through the first four games of the season.
1. Dany Heatley - Heatley spent the first two games of the season waiting for the puck to come to him. He's been moving his feet during the last two games, producing four goals and silencing his critics with some inspired play. Heatley's shot is just so hard, his release so quick, it's hard to imagine how he only scored 39 goals last season. Just like Thornton, he has nine points through four games. Oh, and he finished with a tidy +6 on the night.
Three Duds
3. Ryane Clowe - Clowe was a little better than he was on Tuesday night, but he still looks uninterested and unable to keep up with the play. He's swatting the puck around like a rookie, he doesn't look confident on his skates, and he's shooting without any conviction or accuracy. On a positive note, he did perform well in a one-sided scrap. Still, the gritty winger's play is a huge concern after four games.
2. Rob Blake - Defensively, Blake has been the worst San Jose player each of the last two games. Take a look at the Blue Jackets' first goal. Once again, he was victimized by some quick puck movement and was standing still at the side of the net while Vlasic tried to pull double duty on two forwards in front. The Sharks captain has to lead by example and he's setting a bad one consistently in front of his own net.
1. Manny Malhotra - Malhotra is supposed to be the most capable player on San Jose's depth lines. Instead, he was turning pucks over left and right, missing assignments and failing on outlet passes or clearing attempts. The Sharks' third and fourth lines look bad enough as it is; they don't need their only proven two-way veteran holding a random giveaway each time the puck finds his stick.
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