Conference Final Preview-palooza: The Sharks Forwards
by SamFels on May 15, 2010 3:55 PM CDT
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PrintAh, the final installment. The men who will be attacking us. Let's have a look after the jump...
Well, we've talked a lot about this group, and many would argue the whole series comes down to how much they produce. I should mention that Marleau has bounced between this line and the 3rd, with Torrey Mitchell occasionally skating with the other two. But when last seen the Magic Troika was assembled, and that's what we expect to see. When it's on song, this line has it all; size, speed, skill, finish, everything. Whereas the Sedins are big but don't play to it, they aren't all that quick. Sadly, Marleau is just about the fastest skater the Hawks have seen, and Heater isn't exactly sloth-footed either. If Thornton cares, he's impossible to move off the puck with that land mass of a behind he has, and then he picks you apart from behind the net. Keith especially can't get caught trying to fight around Joe or we'll be here awhile. That said, we saw in January what happens when Jonathan Toews sinks his teeth into Thornton. Not only does he nullify him in the defensive zone, but along with Brouwer and Kane they had numerous shifts where they kept these guys pinned in their zone. That will be vital this series. If Marleau, Thornton, and Heatley are 150 feet from your net, that's a good thing . While none of them are bad defensive players (though Heatley borders sometimes) they aren't dynamic backcheckers. One imagines that Q will try and fight fire with fire here, but in San Jose he won't always have that option. Whoever draws this assignment has to suffocate Thornton, because if he goes back to passenger-phase that ruins Heatley's game, as he generally doesn't create his own shot. Marleau can, but has depended on Thornton for the most part as well this postseason. Again, the Hawks have to make this line play defense almost as much as it does offense. No matter how good you think you're checking them, enough time spent attacking and they will punish you. And for the love of God don't give them too many looks with the man-advantage.
The trio that's getting all the pub, and after the first round, they well should. However, here's an interesting nugget, the last three games against Scum these guys managed only three points combined. When the Wings started keying on this line, they struggled. Sadly, this opened up space for the Thornton line, and that's what Thornton has needed forever, someone else to take the pressure. You're basically picking your poison unless you have the depth to counteract both of them. The Wings should have on paper, the Hawks think they do too. Either way, this line is made up of killers. The Big Pavelski is one of my favorite players in the league to watch, he's an absolute murderer. He plays in every situation, and there's nothing he can't do. Clowe is a house, and I fear for everything if he gets too many looks at Kris Versteeg or Patrick Kane across from him. Hawks d-men will know him well. Gooch is a very smooth player, not as physical as Clowe but knows how to get to the scoring areas. Again, coming at these guys will be paramount. Pavelski is a marvelous two way player, and was their checking center early in his career. But Clowe and Setoguchi are not Selke winners. I'm sure Q will want Sharp and The Slovaks against these guys, but we just don't know how much he'll get that in San Jose. The combination of these six will not be nullified all series. It's just a matter of limiting them.
Ah, this is where things separate. The Sharks 3rd line is compromised of grinders, and not the hybrid the Hawks will boast. There was a time when both Torrey Mitchell and Manny Malhotra were considered very hot prospects. Mitchell is still only 25 but injuries robbed him of almost two seasons and he'll need time. Malhotra was revealed merely to be an excellent checking center who's an absolute badger in the faceoff circle. He'll take a lot of big draws for Todd McClellan, and he's been a thorn in our side for years when he was in Columbus. The +17 is a career high for him as well, and he also boasts the highest Behind The Net Rating. He is going to be the shutdown guy, and look for him to be coming over the boards when Toews hits the ice in Games 1 and 2. Ryan Kesler was able to keep Toews at bay on even-strength for the most part, and Malhotra is no easier a chore. Toews cannot afford to be shut out. Couture had a nice rookie season, made all that much shinier by Jimmy Howard giving him the gift of the tying goal in Game 3 when he shot from the goal line. Decent size, boundless energy, but still raw. It's not that this line isn't effective, and may be more so if Marleau sneaks down here again. But they are more one-dimensional than the Hawks 3rd line, and as long as they aren't nullifying whoever they face, the Hawks have the advantage here.
From there, the Sharks only use Scott Nichol and Jamie McGinn and dress 7 d-men. Nichol will kill penalties some times and take some draws, but they try and stay to their top 9 as much as they can. Another advantage for the Hawks, because the pace these games are going to be played at and the Hawks rolling four lines, their players should be fresher in the 3rd and any possible OT's (and I think there'll be a couple before all is said and done).
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he's an interesting nugget?
whodat? Carmelo? you lost me there.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
that is a lot of big guys up front
I hope the Hawks haven’t been neglecting their strength training
Confusion will be my epitaph.
by krome on May 15, 2010 4:08 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Q did rock the shit out of his matchups in Vancouver, getting Bolland et all out against the Sedin's a lot
so he might have that again in San Jose.
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
You keep saying you're looking forward to this series
Something you call “great,” for the conference. You’ve been repeating what you shouldn’t have been repeating, and now I’m scared that we’re going to end up with the same thing as last year’s WCF.
Anyone else remember the universal expectation of how great the Detroit-Chicago series was going to be? So, congratulations everyone, Sharks fans same as Hawks fans, by saying that this will be a great series, you’ve officially driven me to freaking the fuck out.
(Not that anyone in this post said that, but there’s been an undercurrent running since the Hawks clinched.)
(170 g) * (3x10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.5x10^16 J
No worries
Whoever wins will get an Eastern Conference cupcake. Or did I jinx everyone? I seem to remember someone on this site picking Philly-Chicago pre-season, but that’s probably another jinx.
by warrenjm2006 on May 15, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
if you look at the blogs from the East
most are all under the impression that no one in the West can beat the team that comes out of the East.
I went to a fight the other night and a hockey game broke out.
- Rodney Dangerfield
the 7/8 seeds have had to fight some battles
I’ll give them that, and just stop talking.
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
if you weren't freaking out
that would concern me more. Hell, even if we were playing the Oilers I’d be a little twitchy.
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
Of course last year was going to be a great series
It was Detroit/Chicago for the first time in forever. This will be good too. But it’s not last year, just like the Hawks aren’t the 2003 Cubs or whomever.
And you’re not superstitious? I call shenanigans!
by Katherine215 on May 15, 2010 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
i ain't superstitious
i’m just saying that last year, everyone was so sure that Detroit/Chicago was going to be a great series (and it was closer than the 4-1 score made it seem), but Chicago was totally blown out of the water. so, i get nervous when people start saying, “this series is going to be GREAT!”
(170 g) * (3x10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.5x10^16 J
the only game they were blown out in
was Game 4 and they pretty much did it to themselves. It was a great series, even if the outcome sucked.
it’s ok to admit that you’re superstitious. you’re in good company here, it seems.
by Katherine215 on May 15, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought being superstitious was a requirement to register to post here
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
Ah. I know
if I keep bouncing my legs with nervous energy at the games, the 300 will collapse from cracks in the cement.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
just so long as it helps the Hawks
…actually, it might. maybe we could move all of our home games to Vancouver
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
sorry, it was a carry over
from a previous conversation. he claimed he wasn’t superstitious and I politely disagreed.
by Katherine215 on May 15, 2010 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Is it a further superstition, to actually talk about BEING SUPERSTITIOUS???
I’ve been in Afghanistan since July 09, and nothing has made me THIS uneasy…
There’s so much I’d LIKE to say, but dammit, I just don’t WANT to say it. LoL
On that note though, just let me say this: Good Hockey Gods… Nice Hockey Gods…
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
It depends,
did you throw salt over your shoulder before writing this last post?
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
Damn! I did it just now. Are we good?
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
I'll allow it...this time
but only cause you’re in AFG. From now on, you must before you post, that’s a lawful order.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
ROGER that!
(Note to self: Keep salt shaker in an ammo pouch, due to ridiculous levels of snarky and superstitious crap that I talk.)
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
If anyone questions it,
it’s ok, I just recently went over to the “dark side” after 8 years.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
(Of course, its already been 19 for me.. We'll see how the powers that be feel about that)
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
I will get there one day
tolerance of great stupidity willing
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
Patience young Padawan... LoL..
You’ve already figured out the secret to getting there.. Now you’ve just got to execute.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Actually, I thought the benefit to being an officer
was making others execute for you?
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
To a degree, yes...
You can’t really have someone tolerate great stupidity on your behalf, though.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
I can only hope
that I never get to the point of failing to realize if I’m that source of stupidity.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
I'd say that you are ahead of the game..
But I know that you made the move after 8 years. LoL
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Ahead of the game, but did it at the right time.
I was only e5, and I’m only 27, so plenty more time left to go.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
True...
If it had been a brand new LT making statements like that though (Brand new as in – no prior service) I’d nominate him/her for command somewhere at a high level, immediately.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
But that's why
they don’t make those statements.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
Dunno how that will stand up to PCI
Hossa's Attorney says:
TAKE OFF THOSE CLOWN SHOES OR I WILL SHOOT THIS DOG!
by BigCSouthside on May 15, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Its all in the presentation...
Sir, I’ve noted that with the excessive heat in the theater that we will be operating in, the likelihood of depletion of esential nutrients during extended patrols increases exponentially with the duration of the patrol. Keeping the salt shaker on hand is one more level of insurance for the safety of your Soldiers, and ensures further success for your operation. We are in a dangerous environment, Sir. We can’t leave these kinds of things to chance.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
when in doubt
use phrases like “your soldiers” and “your operation”…you gotta be an E-6 or above
Hossa's Attorney says:
TAKE OFF THOSE CLOWN SHOES OR I WILL SHOOT THIS DOG!
by BigCSouthside on May 15, 2010 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Am I looking at 3 rockers and some salad in the middle,
or did you move up to an O designation?
Hossa's Attorney says:
TAKE OFF THOSE CLOWN SHOES OR I WILL SHOOT THIS DOG!
by BigCSouthside on May 15, 2010 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Just barely above that 6 level... 2 rockers
May be making the jump to a WO designation – we’ll see – not up to me. LoL
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
What does three up and three down mean to you?
Rock Over London
Rock on Chicago
Diet Pepsi
Uh-Huh!
by Campbell32 on May 16, 2010 3:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
End of an inning.
All this talk of military rank structure reminds me of the fact that there’s a pretty solid and consistent network set up to keep any levelheaded dude who understands stupidity and knows how to identify/stop it from ever making command. Which is why I’ll probably end my career a terminal 04 with no prospects and a shit ton of fun life experience under my belt. Works for me. Keep rockin in that AFG. Hope you end up goin the WO route if that be your intent. Those guys always seem to have their heads on straight due to seeing that world from both angles.
Rock Over London
Rock on Chicago
Diet Pepsi
Uh-Huh!
by Campbell32 on May 16, 2010 3:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
LoL... End of an inning, indeed...
I’m counting days, and W’s right now.
I need to see decidedly more days, than Ws before I get out of here..
But the Ws will be done first, and the number I need is smaller.
I’m putting the WO packet together now.. Will finish it up when I return to Ft. Lewis in July/August for the board in Nov.
The shit tof of fun life experience can make up for some of those prospects that are MIA though.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Wasn't there 2-3 ot's last year?
That’s not a bad series.
Chewing gum?
"Alex didn't cause Campbell's injury, the boards did."
Not a great series =/= Hawks lose
I thought the Nucks series was gonna be great. Don’t think it quite met that expectation, but I ain’t complaining.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
by cliffkoroll on May 15, 2010 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions
anytime a team
completely falls apart and costs itself the series, it isn’t great. great, i think, requires either a huge upset, a huge comeback, or great hockey from both teams through at least six games.
(170 g) * (3x10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.5x10^16 J
My point is
that you are concerned with anticipating a “great” series here, for fear that not living up to this billing is bad news for the Hawks. Not necessarily so.
Unless I have misunderstood your original concern.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
by cliffkoroll on May 15, 2010 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions
not really
i’m just trying to figure out some reason to be worried about this series, because i’m not.
(170 g) * (3x10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.5x10^16 J
have you become the oracle again?
maybe deep down you just know what the outcome will be
I went to a fight the other night and a hockey game broke out.
- Rodney Dangerfield
Re: Sam's admonition from last GDT
What was the principal beef (don’t do GDTs meself)? Was it excessive jinx-awareness/policing?
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
by cliffkoroll on May 15, 2010 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
This is in bad taste - at least he's not Bertuzzi
Here he comes
Her comes Speed Racer
He’s a demon on wheels
He’s a demon and he’s gonna be crashin’ into someone.
He’s gainin’ on you so you better look alive.
He’s busy revvin’ up a powerful 0.015 [really, that’s all?].
And when the odds are against him
And there’s dangerous work to do
You bet Dan Snyder’s life Speed Racer
Will see it through.
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
He’s off and flyin’ as he guns the car around the track
He’s jammin’ down the pedal like he’s never comin’ back
Adventure’s waitin’ just ahead.
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
(170 g) * (3x10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.5x10^16 J
by meeshak on May 15, 2010 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
bad taste? probably
but I laughed. Of course, I’m a terrible person, so there’s that.
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
That really doesn't make you that terrible
You just appreciate wit and good humor
by warrenjm2006 on May 15, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
oh, this isn't what makes me a terrible person
I just am one to begin with.
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
it was your song
so I’m not sure that you have stones to throw, sir.
You coming out to BL tomorrow?
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
fair enough
hopefully we’ll have plenty of opportunities for meetups coming up.
(yeah, totally freaking out)
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
I wont be there
you should be good to go
Hossa's Attorney says:
TAKE OFF THOSE CLOWN SHOES OR I WILL SHOOT THIS DOG!
by BigCSouthside on May 15, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
wait, you're not roadtripping back out
just for the afternoon? that’s a lack of dedication, BigC
Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!
I know, Im a pussy
Hossa's Attorney says:
TAKE OFF THOSE CLOWN SHOES OR I WILL SHOOT THIS DOG!
by BigCSouthside on May 15, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Bad taste or not, that earns a rec
I was at the Thrashers/Hawks game in ATL after this happened, with a friend. We were sitting in the 10th row from the glass, and we were relentless about yelling at Heatley whenever we could. Granted, we lost the game 7-2 or something like that, but good memories none-the-less.
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
i don't feel bad for Heatley he was an idiot
I do on the ohter hand feel bad for the family of Dan Snyder.
He still is an idiot
"If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever." - Pat Foley
Section 324: We're on the list.
OT Trixie...
I see you’re an F1 and Ferrari fan, same here… That was a fun race to watch this morning, Alonso doing some hairy passing early on, starting dead last in the pits to finish 6th. I think he’d like to punch Schumacher in the face after that pass under caution. Good Stuff!
Go Hawks
I love Schumi
but that was a dumb move. However, I think the 20 sec penalty was dumb, IMO he should’ve gotten a grid penalty for next race. Then again, I’m also no fan of Alonso, even though I love how he drives. My fave is Massa. And Kubica, what a driver!
But I love Monaco, even without passing it’s such a great race to watch.
The sun never sets on a badass
LoL... Bad taste. Of course, but isn't that kind of our specialty?
(I’m just sayin.)
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Oh sweet Jesus...
Awesome.
In bad taste, yes. But I am an admirer of bad taste.
Rock Over London
Rock on Chicago
Diet Pepsi
Uh-Huh!
by Campbell32 on May 16, 2010 3:13 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Toews v. Jumbo Joe
Might be a decisive match-up. If Cap’n can exert his will here, well, it seems like a lot will follow.
My biggest worry is that I’m not so worried.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
My only problem
With putting the Toews line against the Thornton line, is that means Kane and Buff are going to be out there too. Is that really something we want?
Personally I would play our 2nd line against Thornton. Some good size with Hossa and Brouwer, and all 3 players are solid in their own end and hard workers. Then you get our 1st line out against the Seto and Clowe line…..shut them down and work off their weak defensive players.
I agree with this.
Then let Bolland have the big Pavelski.
Chewing gum?
"Alex didn't cause Campbell's injury, the boards did."
It'd be nice if we get these combos
But, will we, in San Jose? I don’t think they will experience the kind of coaching fail that led to us dominating the matchups as thoroughly.
But Sharp doesn't have nearly Toews size or defensive skill...
…if you bottle up Joe, you might get a 3 for 1.
Is Buff a cert for the top line here? Umm..Vancouver is done. Lowenbrau?
In terms of match-ups, Madden and Bolland are not slouches. It’s not like the Hawks have to hide a line. Plus, I expect large Marlboro minutes and good puck posession, so Q should be able to keep up (Edzo: long change in 2nd makes it a bit tougher.) Hasn’t been a problem yet in the playoffs.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
by cliffkoroll on May 15, 2010 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions
means Kane and Buff are going to be out there too.
Went back and checked out the shift charts for the regular season games against each other.
Kane and Toews played the HTML line exclusively during the last regular season game. They were matched with Brouwer. I forgot about Brouwer.
Before that the Hawks coach was matching Madden against them in the first two games.
In the Third all three centers were about equal.
Interesting to remember that Bolland didn’t play in any of those games…
If the Hawks coach wants to match ones against ones it might be Brouwer on the first line, Kopecky on two and Buf back to the fourth line. To be honest that’s my preferred setup when Brouwer isn’t in the doghouse…
Not for the faint of heart
I liked this insight, so I rigged myself a cross-mutual TOI chart to go along with the rest of my pretty pretty lights (er, charts).
Your description is more useful b/c of what happened in each game (thanks for checking that out!), but you can get some sense, overall, of what matchups might’ve happened from the chart.
Interesting how Meatball Soup drew the Pavelski assignment, and while he did quite well for the Sharks, Hjammer and Soupy were also the best D men of the season series, numbers-wise.
scotty nichol was first in faceoff percentage in the league this year, so yeah, he’ll “take some draws.”
Yes, I will concede that Scotty Nichol is a little puke. But now he's our little puke.
"Finally, a hooking penalty! I've been waiting for this all year. Don't do it Drew. Have to-- he just got called for being a hooker."--Drew Remenda
"Thanks"
I'm not superstitious. I'm just a little stitious.
by AirTrafficAJ on May 15, 2010 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe I'm not "the norm."
I’m not “camera friendly.” I don’t “wear clothes that fit me.” I’m not a “heartbreaker.” I haven’t “had sex with a woman;” I don’t know “how that works.” I guess I don’t “fall in line.” I’m not “hygienic.” I don’t “wipe properly.” I lack “style.” I have no “charisma” or “self esteem.” I don’t “own a toothbrush” or “let my scabs heal.” I can’t “reach all the parts of my body.” When I sleep, I “sweat profusely.”
by HungryHungryPanda on May 16, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Can we link this to Troy somehow?
Maybe I “pop my whiteheads with a compass I used in high school…”
Rock Over London
Rock on Chicago
Diet Pepsi
Uh-Huh!
by Campbell32 on May 16, 2010 3:22 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Take it for what it's worth, but...
Interesting, for a team that was #1 in the conference, Gooch, Pavelski and Clowe were 0, 1, 0 respectively in +/-? Was this line generally assigned to the opponent’s top line?
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