Game is solid indication of how good organization and bad organization compare. A few years ago it looked like both the Canucks and the Sharks were aging and heading into a period of decline. Both had had solid runs but now looked like lack of high draft choices and players just getting past their prime would have their effects. Well in one case these factors, aided by horrible management, dramatically did. The Canucks became a wasteland. But the Sharks remained a good team. In fact,the Sharks are in many ways are a team on the rise. They have great cap space and emerging building blocks in players like Hertl, LaBlanc, Meier, Karlsson, Donskoi, Tierney, DeMelo, Goodrow, et al. They are team that drafts and develops well something the Canucks really haven't done. Moreover, they do not misuse assets. The Sharks have excellent management who have got and retain their positions by showing good judgement and skill while we have alumni cronies who are in with Linden and Co.
One example is Baumgartner. What did he do to become defensive coach? Did he do a good job in Utica? Not really - there was no one who showed much improvement. Subban, for example regresssed. Much the same for Pedan. Sautner was doing terrible until this year after Baumgartner left. You might say he is better than the numb skull Lidster that helped chase Tryamkin off the team but I think it obvious that Baumgartner only got the job because he was one of Linden's ole boys. As long as hiring is done along these lines, the Canucks will wallow around in the out house of the NHL. Not pretty.
In this game, thought some of the younger player were better
Goldobin while still a good bit away from being NHL ready but showed some good offensive signs.
Leipsic is erratic and a bit all over the place, especially defensively, but made himself a factor.
Stecher raced into trouble a couple of times but his energy and speed was probably the most important factor in the spirited effort in the third. Thought del Zotto and Edler were also good.
Having Tanev in for Hutton was a positive but if you are into the tank (which seems to only sensible position) then you lose a key element to a complete tank when Hutton doesn't play.
Overall a good effort (admittedly against a injured and tired Sharks team) but there were negatives
- Markstrom sieved out on the winner and was not better than ordinary.
- Sedins want to take on the burden of righting the ship but can't do it. Just not there anymore. Overplayed their shifts, especially on the PP, as they tried to be the offensive leaders. All this does is take away the time from player who need time to develop. It is perhaps the the most depressing point about the Canucks that they still turn to the Sedins as their leaders. I really don't think the Sedins can fit the description of players buying time till some of the prospects are ready. They are not really buying time as they are simply players contributing to losses. They should not be retained moving ahead. Management continues to try to eke out enough from the Sedins to try to cover the embarrassment that the team really is. I mean can we finish any nearer to the bottom with or without the Sedins.
- Boucher hasn't really developed much. At least off this game - have been away lately so maybe a little harsh.
- Motte looks like a player who can skate miles and do nothing.
- Archibald looked more AHler than NHLer in this game.
Would say that I really mistrust any attempt to get Kane. There was the late play where on a Shark break in on a empty net, he put the play off side. That's the type of play that has dogged Kane and makes you wonder about his smarts. Don't see him as dressing room leader. Throwing big money at him as the potential to being a huge disaster. However, our management is desperate and prone to terrible signings so likely they throw big time money at Kane.