Sharks Gameday: Blake Returns Home

San Jose (2-0-0) @ Los Angeles (0-1-0)



I know I mentioned this earlier, but there is something gratifying about having someone hate the Sharks. In the past, the Sharks were a team that the casual fan could pick up and enjoy. Unfortunately, that posed a problem for us both on the ice and as fans.

There's something gratifying about being a team that people dislike. I know the Ducks have garnered the dislike (of many, including myself), but it's because of their success and skill that we hate them so much. To say "Ducks suck" is one thing- but to realize that a Stanley Cup was won eight hours down the coast is another, and an important distinction. That is what fuels my fire as fan. The fact that Chris Pronger achieved the ultimate.

Let me explain why I'm rambling about a team we are not even playing. Rob Blake was a legend in Los Angeles, and he is returning home tonight. No matter how you cut it, he screwed the Kings. You don't take a 5 million dollar contract for one year (Marian Hossa is that you?) to their rivals because you need a change of scenery.

The fact that Rob Blake screwed another franchise makes me happy. It makes me happy because I know the Sharks have a leader in their locker room that will bring an edge to the good-guy persona San Jose has adopted the previous few years.

The Kings are going to be really good in four years. Dustin Brown will develop into a Getzlaf-type; someone who is willing to play physical for forty minutes, then deliver two goals in the third. Kopitar has a vision along the lines of Joe Thornton and needs to put on more weight so he can create behind the net. His brand new seven year deal has the potential to turn this team around.

This is me throwing ideas around, but if I was Dean Lombardi I trade some prospects for Marian Gaborik at the deadline. Sign him for a huge deal- they have the cap room, and the publicity would put butts in the seat. Kopitar and Gaborik would work wonders on the power play, and as long as Marian works half as hard as he should/could, I would be scared to play the Kings.

Three years till I fear L.A.

Prediction: Sharks win 4-2. Goals by Pavelski (x2), Patty (who has looked fairly pedestrian the last two games) and Big Joe (who is in the same boat as Patty). Rob Blake gets booed by the thirty eight fans who show up for faceoff, and he flashes a smug grin.


Go Sharks.

[Mr. Plank Edit] Boucher is getting the start tonight- I like this. Rest Nabby early so he doesn't wear down towards the end of the year.