September 15th, 2003
The Sharks, just like in the title, are "doin' awsome" , as Gm The Goss would put it. He is quite happy with his team's performance in this past while. Since Ottawa blanked the Sharks 3-0 on "November 20th", the team has gone 8-3-4-1, well above .500 hockey. Games haven't come easy either, playing teams like Minnesota, Dallas, Los Angeles, Colorado, Ottawa, Boston and Toronto, and only losing to the Wild, the Kings and Bruins. "It's quite remarkable how much a team can turn things around, and make yourself a contender. Nobody thought we'd be in this position, francly, I don't even think I would seen us in this position we are in right now. However, we must keep this good play going, and not let down, as we are close to something, we didn't really think was possible, the playoffs. At the same time, we're always looking to better ourselves down the stretch, our game plan has changed quite considerably now that we're closer to that playoff spot." Appartently, the players named last week, have been thrown about quite more often to teams, for the simple reason, as The Goss said, "to better themselves". For reference sakes, the Sharks are only 9 points away from the final playoff spot. "I realize the playoffs are quite sometime away still, it's something to be excited about, we never thought we'd actually have a shot at making the playoffs, so we're gonna take it for what it's worth. Also, beating the top team in the league, gave us quite a confidence boost." The Sharks take on the Flyers tomorrow night in Philadelphia, where they will try to make it a 4 game winning streak.
September 7th, 2003
Almost a month since the last update, and, alot has changed. The San Jose Sharks, went through a 8 game undefeated streak, taking them out of the bottom of the South division. Since that time, the Sharks have been bouncing around, between ties, losses and a couple of wins. The Sharks' Win % was hovering at the high .400 mark for some time, during that streak.
Dafoe, Shanahan, Sullivan and Legwand are still the key players on this club, along with the help of Chelios and Lukowich, this team has strived on keeping every game close, and striking when the opportunity arose. Dafoe's numbers speak for themselves, his losing record, but hish SV% and low GAA have notched him the honour of All-Star game goalie, getting the most votes of any Western Conference goalie. Shanahan also named to the All-Star game, has carried this club to make it a tough team team to contend with game in and game out. His linemates Sullivan and Legwand, have created a trio of point getters, who seem to have no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Chelios and Lukowich have held down the fort on the Blue-Line along as put some points up on the board, these 5 players, at what nears the All-Star break, are the teams go to guys, but the supporting cast is doing their part to help, guys like Heinze, Pandolfo, Sedin and Nilson, have put in their share of good effort.
However, coach Ted Nolan and GM The Goss, have voiced their disappointment in certain players, and have been rumored to been throwing them around in deals here and there. "Yes, this is true, certain players, have been struggling on this team, and we would liek to move them, without it affecting our team's overall performance" The Goss said at a media day at the Pavillion. The names rumoured to be mentioned around to other teams are: Rachunek, Moreau, Mara, Laaksonen, Bartecko, Ronning and Esche. The Goss, wold not give an exact answer, but has hinted that, these were the players involved in trade talks.
The Sharks have also announced the acquiring of Yannic Perreault from the Maple Leafs today, for up and comer Simon Skoog. He is expected to start in the next game against Philadelphia.
Shark Day
The Sharks held their annual Shark Day, to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association, in the San Jose community. They held a basketball tournament, a BBQ, a signing session and a public skate, with the children of the Big Brother/Sister Association. All proceeds from Shark Day, will go to help the Big Brother/Sister Association unite many young children to adult mentors. Last year's Shark Day helped 206 kids meet their "new Big Brother/Sister". For more information on how you can help the Big Brother/Sister Association or to help the Sharks Foundation in any of their fundraising events, call (408) 999-5754 for any info needed.
Sharks, on an uprise.
