My Sharks Mid-Season Report Cards
Posted 6:07 PM ET | Comments 3
So here we are at the mid-point of the season (41st game is tonight), and the Sharks are tied for first place in the Pacific Division. I can't complain that they are in first in the division, but I think in the beginning of the season most of us were expecting them to be about where Detroit is these days.
Anyway, my first blog so I thought i'd give my report cards thus far on each Sharks player (except Ryane Clowe, since he's been hurt for most of the season), so here goes nothing:
Steve Bernier - When Big Bear throws his weight around, he is a very effective player. He has lit the lamp a few times lately playing alongside Joe Thornton, but what player doesn't? When he plays tough and gritty in front of the net, he's at his best. Otherwise he's virtually invisible out there. Grade: B-
Curtis Brown - Poor guy keeps getting benched as a healthy scratch. One of the most passionate, hard working and professional players the Sharks have. Wether he's in the lineup or not, he brings it every night. With the limited play-time he has been given, I thought he's been a great faceoff guy and penalty killer. Grade: B+
Matt Carle - Matt has been a bit of a scapegoat this season, but for good reasons at times. He's not expected to be a shut-down defenseman, but the kid makes a lot of mental errors. I think he'll develop into a solid d-man, but he has struggled this season. Since coming back from Worcester, he's looked a little better. Lets hope that incrased his confidence. Grade: D+
Jonathan Cheechoo - A bit of a mixed up story with Cheech. We all know the guy can score, we all know the guy works hard but this season it just hasn't come together for him. Personally, I give him the benefit of the doubt because he did come off of double hernia surgery in the offseason and is just now getting back to full strength. I think Cheech will have a good second half, but his first half has been very disappointing. Grade: D+
Rob Davison - The defenseman converted forward, Davey leaves it all on the ice. A real team guy and more of a lockerroom guy than anything. When he's on the ice, he bangs bodies and creates havoc with his size. He might not be the most skilled guy in the world, but I respect him for the role that he plays. He also earned bonus points when he answered the bell against Perros. Grade: B
Christian Ehrhoff - He's still the player that has the most assists without a goal thusfar this season. Ehrhoff is expected the put the puck in the net, and hasn't done so yet this season. The guy has a howitzer from the point, but it usually misses the net. He's a very fast skater and has gotten much better defensively. He's another one of those players I think will have a much better second half. Grade: C-
Marcel Goc - Since coming back from his back injury, Goc has probably looked his best all year. He looks like he's thriving playing alongside the speedy Captian Patrick Marleau, and is still a solid faceoff guy and penalty killer. And underappreciated player that is probably more important to the team than most people give him credit for. Grade: B
Mike Grier - Grier is another one of those guys that might not put up huge stats but is absolutely essential to the team. Blocks shots, kills penalties, bangs bodies and is a solid defensive player. At times he has been caught coasting out there, but for the most part Grier has been the solid two-way player we've come to expect. Grade: B-
Patrick Marleau - Patty has taken a lot of heat this season, and people seem to be divided on wether or not he should still be wearing the C. A player that leads by example that hasn't been doing much on the scoresheet, it's safe to say that he's been disappointing thus far. However, he's notorious for having strong second halfs and being a huge playoff performer. He is a prime example of how the Sharks have played so far this year, consistently inconsistent. Grade: C-
Kyle McLaren - One of the Sharks' only stay-at-home defenseman, Big Mac isn't expected to put up numbers, and he hasn't. However, he's been solid defensively and throws his weight around from time to time. He has been making better choices of when to go for the big hit, and overall I think that helps his game. Grade: B
Milan Michalek - Milan is one of my favorite players on the Sharks. He has tons of speed and isn't afraid to use it. Since being put on Thornton's line, he has thrived and has been rewarded by staying there with him. The kid has a nose for the net, but isn't too selfish to dish the puck to other people. The only knock i'd have against him is sometimes he isn't the most defensively responsible player. I'd like to see him take the puck to the net even more than he does now, he has some of the best pair of hands on the entire team. Grade: B+
Torrey Mitchell - Easily the surprise of the year thusfar for the Sharks, Torrey was originally expected to be a Michalek-type player but has emerged as a solid two-way player and a great penalty killer. This kid is gonna turn out to be good, really good. Grade: A
Douglas Murray - Dougie has really stepped up his game since last year. A much more responsible player on the defensive end, and he's absolutely huge. Runs people over like a train, and has a defense-first mentality which is good for a player of his size and abilities. He makes bad passes from time to time, and isn't the best skater on the team, Murray has been a teriffic surprise so far for the Sharks this year. Grade: B-
Evgeni Nabokov - Nabby has been a horse, a prize-winning horse. Arguably the MVP so far of the Sharks, he's done nothing but stand on his head, all season. Leading the league in Wins (22) and in the top-10 in every other category, Nabby has a real shot at the Vezina this year. The only goalie left that has started all of his team's games, tonight Nabby is going to tie the franchise record for consecutive regular season games started, dating back to last season (48). Grade: A+
Sandis Ozolinsh - When I first saw the Sharks signed Ozo, I was a bit skeptical and I don't think i'm alone in that one. Looking back on it, i'm glad the Sharks have picked him up, because he has been very good for the Sharks so far this year. An offense-first defenseman, Ozo can skate, dangle and shoot. He might not be the Ozo he was in the mid-90s but I can't say i've been disappointed by his play so far. Grade: B-
Dimitri Patzold - Poor guy never gets to play, with Nabby getting all of the starts. The kid needs to keep watching and keep learning because Nabby has been putting on a clinic so far this year. The only time he's had a chance to play was when the game was already out of hand, so it's tough to judge how he's played. Grade: N/A
Joe Pavelski - Another underappreciated forward, Little Joe has been another very good two-way player so far this year. He hasn't put up a ton of numbers, but I don't think that his role on the team. He blocks shots, works hard, and is very good with his stick (both offensively and defensively). Grade: B-
Patrick Rissmiller - Playing alongside Mike Grier really fits Riss' game. He's a solid penalty killer, solid defensive forward, and a very good shot blocker. He needs to work on his skating and he almost never takes the puck to the net. Another one of the players that is good when he's physical and virtually invisible when he isn't. Grade: C+
Craig Rivet - Probably the toughest player the Sharks have (I don't think Douglas Murray would like that if he read that), Rivet is always in the face of the opposing team. Not afraid to pump shots to the net either, Rivet has been a very solid presence on the blueline. He occasionally takes bad penalties, but more than makes up for it with his physical play, grit, and all out heart that he shows out there on the ice. Grade: B-
Jeremy Roenick - I will be the first to admit that I thought bringing JR here was a bad idea, although for $500,000, he comes at a bargain. Looking back, man am I glad Doug Wilson brought him in. He's been one of the most passionate players on the ice night in and night out for the Sharks. Banging bodies (classic JR), and playing old-fashioned hard-nosed hockey, i've been very impressed with Jeremy so far this season. Grade: B+
Alexi Semenov - Semenov seems to be the odd man out when it comes to the blueline corps. He's not a great skater, and doesn't have a great shot but is a very big body and is relatively solid defensively. He hasn't been great, hasn't been bad, just OK. His presence hasn't really been missed since he's been scratched after getting a bit banged up. Grade: C
Joe Thornton - Where do you start with Joe? He seems to dominate every minute he's on the ice. A big body, Jumbo Joe uses his size to his advantage and probably uses it better than anybody else in the league. Joe is a world-class player, and I honestly feel privileged at times just to watch him in a teal uniform. The pass that he made in Dallas was one of, if not the best pass i've ever seen (disclaimer: Majority of Gretzky's career was before my time). I can make a tough argument between him and Nabby for being the MVP of the team so far this season. Grade: A+
Marc-Edouard Vlasic - Pickles hasn't been the standout he was last year, but maybe thats a good thing. As the old hockey addage goes, good (defensive) defenseman are rarely noticed because they don't make mistakes...sounds like Pickles to me. He's a surgeon with his stick and is almost always in perfect position to either take away a pass, block a shot, or stop a rush. One of the most underappreciated defenseman in the league. Grade: B+
Those are my grades so far this year, i'm happy with where the Sharks are right now, but not satisfied. They need to get better at home (badly), and need to turn around their power play. If they could cash in on the power play opportunities they get, the Sharks are very tough team to beat.
Team Grade: B+ The team has been unbelieveable on the road, and depressing at home. If they can turn things around at home, I think the Sharks are going to turn a lot of heads going into the playoffs.
Anyway, my first blog so I thought i'd give my report cards thus far on each Sharks player (except Ryane Clowe, since he's been hurt for most of the season), so here goes nothing:
Steve Bernier - When Big Bear throws his weight around, he is a very effective player. He has lit the lamp a few times lately playing alongside Joe Thornton, but what player doesn't? When he plays tough and gritty in front of the net, he's at his best. Otherwise he's virtually invisible out there. Grade: B-
Curtis Brown - Poor guy keeps getting benched as a healthy scratch. One of the most passionate, hard working and professional players the Sharks have. Wether he's in the lineup or not, he brings it every night. With the limited play-time he has been given, I thought he's been a great faceoff guy and penalty killer. Grade: B+
Matt Carle - Matt has been a bit of a scapegoat this season, but for good reasons at times. He's not expected to be a shut-down defenseman, but the kid makes a lot of mental errors. I think he'll develop into a solid d-man, but he has struggled this season. Since coming back from Worcester, he's looked a little better. Lets hope that incrased his confidence. Grade: D+
Jonathan Cheechoo - A bit of a mixed up story with Cheech. We all know the guy can score, we all know the guy works hard but this season it just hasn't come together for him. Personally, I give him the benefit of the doubt because he did come off of double hernia surgery in the offseason and is just now getting back to full strength. I think Cheech will have a good second half, but his first half has been very disappointing. Grade: D+
Rob Davison - The defenseman converted forward, Davey leaves it all on the ice. A real team guy and more of a lockerroom guy than anything. When he's on the ice, he bangs bodies and creates havoc with his size. He might not be the most skilled guy in the world, but I respect him for the role that he plays. He also earned bonus points when he answered the bell against Perros. Grade: B
Christian Ehrhoff - He's still the player that has the most assists without a goal thusfar this season. Ehrhoff is expected the put the puck in the net, and hasn't done so yet this season. The guy has a howitzer from the point, but it usually misses the net. He's a very fast skater and has gotten much better defensively. He's another one of those players I think will have a much better second half. Grade: C-
Marcel Goc - Since coming back from his back injury, Goc has probably looked his best all year. He looks like he's thriving playing alongside the speedy Captian Patrick Marleau, and is still a solid faceoff guy and penalty killer. And underappreciated player that is probably more important to the team than most people give him credit for. Grade: B
Mike Grier - Grier is another one of those guys that might not put up huge stats but is absolutely essential to the team. Blocks shots, kills penalties, bangs bodies and is a solid defensive player. At times he has been caught coasting out there, but for the most part Grier has been the solid two-way player we've come to expect. Grade: B-
Patrick Marleau - Patty has taken a lot of heat this season, and people seem to be divided on wether or not he should still be wearing the C. A player that leads by example that hasn't been doing much on the scoresheet, it's safe to say that he's been disappointing thus far. However, he's notorious for having strong second halfs and being a huge playoff performer. He is a prime example of how the Sharks have played so far this year, consistently inconsistent. Grade: C-
Kyle McLaren - One of the Sharks' only stay-at-home defenseman, Big Mac isn't expected to put up numbers, and he hasn't. However, he's been solid defensively and throws his weight around from time to time. He has been making better choices of when to go for the big hit, and overall I think that helps his game. Grade: B
Milan Michalek - Milan is one of my favorite players on the Sharks. He has tons of speed and isn't afraid to use it. Since being put on Thornton's line, he has thrived and has been rewarded by staying there with him. The kid has a nose for the net, but isn't too selfish to dish the puck to other people. The only knock i'd have against him is sometimes he isn't the most defensively responsible player. I'd like to see him take the puck to the net even more than he does now, he has some of the best pair of hands on the entire team. Grade: B+
Torrey Mitchell - Easily the surprise of the year thusfar for the Sharks, Torrey was originally expected to be a Michalek-type player but has emerged as a solid two-way player and a great penalty killer. This kid is gonna turn out to be good, really good. Grade: A
Douglas Murray - Dougie has really stepped up his game since last year. A much more responsible player on the defensive end, and he's absolutely huge. Runs people over like a train, and has a defense-first mentality which is good for a player of his size and abilities. He makes bad passes from time to time, and isn't the best skater on the team, Murray has been a teriffic surprise so far for the Sharks this year. Grade: B-
Evgeni Nabokov - Nabby has been a horse, a prize-winning horse. Arguably the MVP so far of the Sharks, he's done nothing but stand on his head, all season. Leading the league in Wins (22) and in the top-10 in every other category, Nabby has a real shot at the Vezina this year. The only goalie left that has started all of his team's games, tonight Nabby is going to tie the franchise record for consecutive regular season games started, dating back to last season (48). Grade: A+
Sandis Ozolinsh - When I first saw the Sharks signed Ozo, I was a bit skeptical and I don't think i'm alone in that one. Looking back on it, i'm glad the Sharks have picked him up, because he has been very good for the Sharks so far this year. An offense-first defenseman, Ozo can skate, dangle and shoot. He might not be the Ozo he was in the mid-90s but I can't say i've been disappointed by his play so far. Grade: B-
Dimitri Patzold - Poor guy never gets to play, with Nabby getting all of the starts. The kid needs to keep watching and keep learning because Nabby has been putting on a clinic so far this year. The only time he's had a chance to play was when the game was already out of hand, so it's tough to judge how he's played. Grade: N/A
Joe Pavelski - Another underappreciated forward, Little Joe has been another very good two-way player so far this year. He hasn't put up a ton of numbers, but I don't think that his role on the team. He blocks shots, works hard, and is very good with his stick (both offensively and defensively). Grade: B-
Patrick Rissmiller - Playing alongside Mike Grier really fits Riss' game. He's a solid penalty killer, solid defensive forward, and a very good shot blocker. He needs to work on his skating and he almost never takes the puck to the net. Another one of the players that is good when he's physical and virtually invisible when he isn't. Grade: C+
Craig Rivet - Probably the toughest player the Sharks have (I don't think Douglas Murray would like that if he read that), Rivet is always in the face of the opposing team. Not afraid to pump shots to the net either, Rivet has been a very solid presence on the blueline. He occasionally takes bad penalties, but more than makes up for it with his physical play, grit, and all out heart that he shows out there on the ice. Grade: B-
Jeremy Roenick - I will be the first to admit that I thought bringing JR here was a bad idea, although for $500,000, he comes at a bargain. Looking back, man am I glad Doug Wilson brought him in. He's been one of the most passionate players on the ice night in and night out for the Sharks. Banging bodies (classic JR), and playing old-fashioned hard-nosed hockey, i've been very impressed with Jeremy so far this season. Grade: B+
Alexi Semenov - Semenov seems to be the odd man out when it comes to the blueline corps. He's not a great skater, and doesn't have a great shot but is a very big body and is relatively solid defensively. He hasn't been great, hasn't been bad, just OK. His presence hasn't really been missed since he's been scratched after getting a bit banged up. Grade: C
Joe Thornton - Where do you start with Joe? He seems to dominate every minute he's on the ice. A big body, Jumbo Joe uses his size to his advantage and probably uses it better than anybody else in the league. Joe is a world-class player, and I honestly feel privileged at times just to watch him in a teal uniform. The pass that he made in Dallas was one of, if not the best pass i've ever seen (disclaimer: Majority of Gretzky's career was before my time). I can make a tough argument between him and Nabby for being the MVP of the team so far this season. Grade: A+
Marc-Edouard Vlasic - Pickles hasn't been the standout he was last year, but maybe thats a good thing. As the old hockey addage goes, good (defensive) defenseman are rarely noticed because they don't make mistakes...sounds like Pickles to me. He's a surgeon with his stick and is almost always in perfect position to either take away a pass, block a shot, or stop a rush. One of the most underappreciated defenseman in the league. Grade: B+
Those are my grades so far this year, i'm happy with where the Sharks are right now, but not satisfied. They need to get better at home (badly), and need to turn around their power play. If they could cash in on the power play opportunities they get, the Sharks are very tough team to beat.
Team Grade: B+ The team has been unbelieveable on the road, and depressing at home. If they can turn things around at home, I think the Sharks are going to turn a lot of heads going into the playoffs.
you know life isnt too bad when you insinuate the team is under performing and you say... well i really cant complain, while they are in 1st place
The fans have scrutinized the Sharks and see the flaws that need to be fixed to go all the way. A second round exit is unacceptable.
just noticed your pictureCyanide and Happiness is amazing!