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Points of
interest
All over the Sharks
spectrum
1/6/08 - By Mike Lee
In my
commitment to contribute more editorial comments on the site, here is the
latest set of content from yours truly. I touch on a number of topics this
week, not in any order, or completely dedicated to the Sharks. Be sure to let
me know what you think.
The Winter Classic
So I
actually ended up watching some of the NHL's latest gimmick to market the
sport, albeit on the day that most Americans are either sobering up from a long
night of drinking and revelry, or watching college football. I'm still not sure
I agree with trying to compete for American TV viewers during one of the
biggest sports television viewing days of the year, but by all accounts, the WC
did ok.
To be honest, I watched the first period, then found something
more important to do. The goal in the opening minute probably did a lot to hold
the interest of television viewers, but the game ending in a 1-1 tie after
regulation and overtime was a disaster. It said to the casual American viewer
that hockey is no more exciting than soccer. Now, before you lambaste me on
soccer, it's an exciting game if you understand the nuances. To the casual
viewer, watching Astroturf grow is more titillating.
JR Shoots His
Mouth
When reports of Jeremy Roenick ripping his teammates in
practice two weeks ago hit the rumor mill, my first reaction was that since is
was the rumor mill, it's probably BS. Then it was validated by the Sharks own
television broadcast team. Once I heard that, my reaction was, it's about time.
After all, isn't that the reason Doug Wilson brought Roenick to San Jose?
7 goals in 34 games is about what I expected from JR, but more
importantly, I expected this guy to kick some tail when it comes to leading by
example. At the midpoint of the season I have to say that Wilson knew what he
was doing when he brought the tired retread to fill his roster. I expected
Roenick to be a disaster frankly, but the guy has been nothing but a model
citizen…at least publicly. Since the tongue lashing Roenick dished out,
the Sharks are at least playing with some fire. Guys are starting to take
exception to anyone getting near Evgeni Nabokov, and there is a little more
jump in everyone's step. Keep it up JR.
Cheechoo's
Groin
Lest we forget, the Sharks are less than two years removed
from having a Rocket Richard Trophy winner, but Jonathan Cheechoo has been
nothing Richard-esque this season. His numbers suggest that he's not even close
to being recovered from the groin injury that he suffered at the end of last
season. The rigors of an 82-game NHL season certainly don't make it any easier
to recuperate.
It'll be interesting to see what the Sharks do with
Cheechoo's nether region. Once Ryan Clowe returns, do they try and rest
Cheechoo for the playoff run, so that he can really and try to recover, or do
they drag him along for the ride. With the recent influx in offense across the
board, here's hoping they rest him. Bringing Devin Setoguchi back also gives
San Jose some options.
All Stars?
The NHL All Star
Game is three weeks away, but ask anyone where the Sharks stand and they'd be
hard pressed to give you an answer. NHL.com makes it impossible to find out
what the current vote counts are for NHL stars. As of December 10th Joe
Thornton and Cheechoo ranked 6th & 7th respectively among Western
Conference forwards. Nabokov ranked 7th among Western Conference goaltenders in
fan voting.
Cheechoo has no business even being on the ballot after
his shaky 2006-07 season, and his first half has done nothing to warrant
consideration for the mid-season showcase of the NHL's best. Thornton has no
business being ranked behind Joe Sakic and Mike Cammalleri. Sakic has been out
of the Avalanche lineup for almost a month and a half and Cammalleri's Kings
are vying for the 1st pick in the NHL Entry Draft come June.
All Star
voting and voting results should be front & center on NHL.com, but alas,
its yet another sign of how ill prepared the league is at marketing itself. Go
figure.
Contact Mike at at sharknews@yahoo.com
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