Cheechoo has been named the NHL's second star for the previous week, rewarding an outstanding stretch of 8 points (6 goals, 2 assists) in three games. Thinking back to his play earlier this season, Cheechoo has to be the Sharks' most improved player since October.
Remember how Cheechoo played earlier this year? He was incredibly hesitant, looking like an absolute shadow of the guy we saw last season. He'd often try to swing wide around defenseman, avoiding traffic and throwing harmless wrist shots on goal from 30 feet out. Well, he's a completely different player out there right now, driving to the net, fighting for loose pucks, and shooting with confidence.
Heading down the stretch, the Sharks have a lot of weapons, but I think Cheechoo is the most important forward for the Sharks' playoff success. With all due respect to Michalek, Pavelski and Bernier, Cheechoo is the team's only proven sniper, a one-shot scorer who can pose a serious threat and draw defensive attention wherever he is on the ice. He's playing his best hockey of the season at the best possible time, and he'll be the one everyone looks to in the playoffs when the Sharks are trailing by a goal heading into the third.
Obviously, winning a scoring title in the NHL is no fluke, and Cheech is a mjaor talent. I think he just feel into the trap most young guys do when they have a little success. They lay off and sit back a little, thinking the same results will come without the same effort. It's been refreshing to see him playing so well with Thornton and Michalek, and those days of fourth-line play are well behind him. Also, there are a few subtle differences in Thronton's play when he's playing with Cheechoo as opposed to some other players. The passes are a little sharper, plays get more creative, and you see much better chances. I think that was the difference in San Jose's 5-on-5 play earlier this season, they just didn't have the consistent scoring threat Thornton and Cheechoo provide. They've been able to build some confidence, and the results are scary.
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P.S. - If anyone else is catching the Tragically Hip tonight enjoy the show, it should be a great one. I'll be the pasty guy in the Pilsner shirt.
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