Nabokov?

Posted 6:04 PM ET | Comments 7

I have been talking with my boyfriend about the goaltending situation where Nabby's the #1, and Boucher is an after thought, only really relied on if Nabby gets hurt. We both think that Nabby's become somewhat complacent in his role, and his drop off in production could be in part because he's not feeling challenged for the starting spot.

Think about it, back when Toskala was here, he was on fire, earning himself the Calder in the year he was competing for the staring spot. At that time, we had one of the best goalie tandems in the league, and the competition between them kept both goalies in top form. Soon after, Toskala was shipped out and Nabby was given the spot full time. Since then, nobody has really provided him with the challenge/threat of losing his home in the net. Boucher is a good backup, but really provides only support. But now, we have Griess down on the Worcester Sharks, and his numbers are starting to look pretty good at bringing forth the battle for the start, as suggested here:

Thomas Griess - Better than 50/50 that Greiss is backing up Nabby next year and this kid could be the future of the San Jose Sharks in net. His 2.02 GAA and .922% Save Pct in seven Calder playoff games is the type of performance we could have used against Anaheim…..

http://sharks.hockeyanaly...low-the-worcester-sharks/

A prime example of what I'm talking about happened in Chicago this past year. Khabibulin was thought of as a lost cause, and they brought in Huet as the new guy. However, Huet struggled, and Khabi stepped up his game, and in turn helped to carry his team to their current success in the post season. We think the threat/competition created between the 2 players caused Khabi to return to form. Do you think a similar situation could happen for the Sharks, by providing some healthy competition for Nabby by bringing up Griess and forcing him to battle to keep his spot?

Filed Under: Sharks Nabokov

Itlan

May 6, 2009 7:58 PM ET | Delete
Khabi also is in a contract year... Though as you say, competition is always a good thing. Unless Nabby then feels threatened. Could go sour.

blarneylad

May 6, 2009 11:32 PM ET | Delete
I agree with you Itlan, I think Khabi stepped up because of $$. The guy wins a stanley cup, then leaves for $$$, has been MIA ever since, then time for a new contract and the guy is lights out again. I wonder if Khabi has a set of ballz.

Pucked

May 7, 2009 7:49 AM ET | Delete
I also think that when the sharks dropped the defense first style of Ron Wilson, Nabby's holes may have been exposed. I definitely feel the competition is good. I think Boucher is more than capable if McLellan will give him a shot at the #1 spot.

Ryman

May 7, 2009 2:20 PM ET | Delete
I think Pucked may have it stated the best. The only thing I dont' totally agree with is Boucher taking the #1 spot. Boucher was really sharp for a few games then would have a fall off so having him come in for every once in a while. I personally would have liked to see him come in for one of the playoff games after we lost the first 2. Looking at the style they plaed with RW compared to this season wonder what the average number of shots on goal were and where they were taken from.

Pucked

May 7, 2009 5:28 PM ET | Delete
But, I thought everyone was supposed to agree with me all the time!!? Just kidding. Nabby needs some competition, whomever that might be. Greiss? Sexton.... Manny Ramirez? No he is suspended for drug use.... oh yah!

bear grylls

May 7, 2009 6:10 PM ET | Delete
Hey everyone new to hockeybuzz. This was a nice read. Any chance the sharks make a play for Michael Komisarek? I know they probably don't have the cap space for him but does any1 see the sharks maybe trading a few players to open up the space for Komisarek?

hockeyfan007