There are certainly a few San Jose Sharks that have departed recently that I miss.
First is Steve Bernier. He was traded to Buffalo in order to get Brian Campbell. I felt Bernier was the textbook Shark. Bernier was a offensive threat all the time, knew how to throw his weight around, and always ready for a fight.
Bernier went through a bunch of trades and is now on the Vancouver Canucks, a good fit if you ask me. In a game early on in the season, Bernier takes on one the NHL's most intimidating guys: Dion Phaneuf. While the fight was anything but epic, the fact he had the guts to go against Phaneuf is something the Sharks are going to mess. (Shelly can't fight everyone...)
A more recent departure, Craig Rivet was the Sharks number one defenseman over the season he spent with the Sharks. Rivet was a lot like Bernier, physical, big, and willing to drop the gloves. The best thing about Rivet was that he was a smart D-man, making smart passes and plays. Anyone that gives Steve Ott a beating gets a A+ in my gradebook:
I was tempted to put Mark Smith, or Vesa Toskala in the segment, but since their San Jose departure, they haven't shown anything worthy of a return to San Jose. And whatever happened to Mark Bell?
If you've been a Sharks fan for the past three season, its been frustrating, you know...
Over the past three seasons the Sharks fell short of the ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup. The first short coming was against the Chris Pronger and the Oilers, with hopes that the new team with high scoring Jonathan Cheechoo with assist machine Joe Thornton would bring home the cup. No, a 5th game melt-down would postpone the cup arrival at San Jose.
Fast forward another season. Hopes are high as the Sharks retain the same dominating roster that tore through the previous season. Later on, the Sharks add players Bill Guerin and Craig Rivet for a Stanley Cup push. After eliminating the Predators, the Sharks fell short against the Red Wings. Repeat of another disappointment.
Third time is a charm right? The season once again starts out with incredible amounts of hope and determination, with a dominating roster, only losing Bill Guerin. The regular season went shaky, but at the trade deadline, the Sharks added a much needed puck crafty and proficient skater Brian Campbell. It wasn't long before Campbell impressed fans with his patented, spin-o-rama move:
It seemed everything was good. Sharks won the Pacific Division, they got a contributing defenseman, and were 2nd in points in the entire NHL. Sharks fans were left with an ultimately bitter taste in their mouth, as once again, the Sharks lost in the 2nd round in a heart breaking defeat against Dallas.
The Sharks ultimately fired head coach Ron Wilson, which was touted as a desperation move by media and fan sites. Indeed, Ron Wilson had worn out his welcome. Would Sharks fan miss Ron Wilson? After all, he did have a impressive regular season record with the Sharks, numerous playoff appearances, and experience to boot.
Ron Wilson who?
Game one of the 2008-2009 Season made us forget who Ron Wilson was. The Sharks hired Todd McCllelan as the head coach over the summer, and although it may be only 3 games he has been at the helm, he's already proving that what he brings to the table is what the Sharks desperately need.
Gone are all the complicated and overly drawn out plays that Ron Wilson brought on his power play, no more soft Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau, they're both ready to play hard and physical for the win. Most importantly, shots on net are plentiful with McLellan as coach. Todd really did put it best in a pre-game interview before his first NHL game: "Just go out there, and play hockey".
Another name Sharks fans will forget is: Brian Campbell.
It was a little bit disappointing to see Campbell go after the season was over, but Dan Boyle is the Sharks answer to our disappointment. In fact, Boyle had a spin move of his own in game two against the Kings. I overheard a discussion behind me at a Sharks game that perfectly describes Boyle: He has the skating ability of Campbell, but better puck handling and a better shot, and a Stanley Cup ring to boot.
How about Rob Blake? Head coach McLellan wants the defensemen to shoot the puck and be more offensively minded. On the power play, Blake will unload hard, accurate slap shots like he's packing a 12 gauge shot gun.
We can all honestly say, that this is truly Sharks Territory.
