Fans Corner SJ Sharks Spotlight (Philly and Vancouver coming)

Today on the Fan’s Corner Blog , the Sharks are in the spotlight. The Sharks are, of course, loaded with awesome forwards, led by Thorton and Heatley.  And of course Boyle leads a underrated defense.

So what is the deal with the Sharks? Why  are they a playoff hockey team? Why should I believe that they are a playoff team?

Charles

The Sharks are a playoff team because they are loaded at depth at every position; they have arguably the best 1-2-3 center combination in the league of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Pavelski. They also have deadly snipers in Devin Setoguchi and, of course, Dany Heatley. Then you add all the depth that they have in Ryan Clowe, Scott Nichol, Manny Malhotra, and Jed Ortmeyer. The defense isn’t too shabby either, with names such as Dan Boyle and Rob Blake. What is interesting about this team this season is that they will be continually rotating players in and out from the Sharks minor league team, so we expect to see good things from guys such as Jamie McGinn, Ryan Vesce (who has 3 goals in 3 games,) and Derek Joslin. These young players will gain experience with the big club, and will be able to contribute come playoff time. The Sharks have started out slow, but this was expected. Last season they came out and blew the entire league away, so expectations needed to be set a little lower. I am not concerned with the start at all. The defense needs to shore some things up, but I expect that after the Olympic break, the team will really start to hit on all cylinders.

A very insightful answer. I really like Joe Pavelski. He is a good solid offensive player loaded with offensive potential.  One of the most underrated signings might very well be Manny Malhotrahe.  Good job, Charles.

Who is your Favorite player on the Sharks.

Charles
My favorite player on the Sharks is Dan Boyle. This is a guy who is loved by all SJ fans, because he is so open with his opinions and lets everyone know about. When the Sharks were losing games in the playoffs last season, Boyle was the only guy to step up and actually voice his frustrations and actually call players out at the end of the season. This is something we have not seen from any other Sharks leaders, and it was a welcome change. When it comes to actually playing the game, Boyle could be considered a forward . . . he is always getting into the action, he sees the ice very well, and he is a terrific skater.

Dan Boyle was the defensemen the Sharks needed to get the puck to the forwards. The Sharks badly needed a offensive defensemen, and Boyle was the man that could do exactly that. Great choice again, Charles.

Okay, you told us why the Sharks are a playoff team. So why should we be excited?

Charles

We should be excited about the Sharks this year, because they are stacked on all four lines and have the ability to score 5+ goals a night with their talented offense. With a terrific goalie in Nabokov in nets, and a revamped lineup, the Sharks have a chance to do great things this season. Now I know….this is what we hear about the Sharks every season. They have the pieces, but will they actually perform in the playoffs? I cannot give an honest answer on this, because the Sharks’ third and fourth lines are so drastically different. I think we could see a much better checking team that can grind it out in those tough games, something the Sharks have not had in recent years. The way they are playing now may not be pretty, but I expect to see great things from the Sharks down the road, and hopefully into the playoffs.

I am glad you  mentioned Nabokov he is an awesome goalie who can carry a team all by himself. The third and fourth line forwards are very underrated and are very good, positional players.  They are great role players, and I am willing to predict that they give some support to the offensive powers on the Sharks.

I just wanted thanks Charles Richards for the interview, he gave some wonderful answers.

Until next time, take care.

Randy Workman.