Big Sticks, Small Pucks: NFL Ice Hockey and Other Sports Obsessions
Where Athletic Support Comes In Many Shapes and Sizes
Sharks Update: Boring Hockey, Ron Wilson Style, Still Delivers The Goods
It isn't edge of your seat hockey and there are
a lot less dropping of gloves or battles on the boards than fans might
hope for but slowly, game by game, goal by goal, the Sharks are skating
their their way to the playoffs. As of December 15th, the Sharks were
second in their division, right behind the LA Kings. In addition, the
Sharks beat the fearsome, Stanley cup runner-up Anaheim Mighty Ducks,
2-Zip, just the other night. This is a far cry from the we-can-only-tie
hockey that soured fans so thoroughly at the beginning of the season.
Watching some of the young guns; Ehrhoff, Korolyuk and McCauley, among
others, come into their own is offset somewhat by the disappointing performances
of crowd pleaser Mike Ricci and the once-promising-until-he-signed-his-latest-contract
Scott Thornton. Sure and steady work by defenseman Scott Hannan and Kyle
McLaren, provide the foundation the Sharks continue to require as offense
continues to develop the young talent. Were it not for the young guns,
the Sharks, would surely not be where they are today. The most notable
exception to this is the team's old man, Damphousse, whose skill and finesse
on the ice remind hockey fanatics that age isn't necessarily the most
telling aspect of a player's performance. Patrick Marleau continues to
deliver steadily and although he hasn't seen much ice time, Rob Davison
persists in leading the team in penalty minutes. A bit of a surprise considering
that Scott Parker is considered the team's enforcer (helpful hint to Parker:
a little more Motencore and a little less finesse would suit fans just
fine). Most notable thus far in the season is the continued, excellent
performance of goalie Vesa Toskala. Shut outs and heart stopping saves
are expected of goalies of Nabokov's ilk but the Shark's number two goalie
continues to deliver the goods over and over. It is to Ron Wilson's ever
lasting credit that he puts Toskala on the ice frequently; not just when
Nabokov needs a night off or is nursing an injury.
Given this continued level of execution, we urge fans to get back in the
saddle and support the Sharks by attending more
games. There is nothing sadder than a winning team, however
thoughtful and strategic that team might play, coupled with a stadium
checkered with empty seats.
The Sharks, and hockey, Wilson style, deserve better.
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