Hello hockey fans, welcome to the latest chapter of San Jose Sharks futility!  San Jose began the season on fire the first four games winning all of them by a good margin, the power play was clicking and Patrick Marleau scored nine goals in his first five games.  Oh for a return to the days of yore, when they could actually score a goal.  Since starting 7-0 the Sharks have lost six straight games because of… well several reasons.

It isn’t the penalty kill, they killed thirty six straight (yes I said 36 straight) before laying a huge egg in Columbus  last night, losing 6-2 in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.  Again, I digress…. the problem is a power outage with very few goals scored despite stellar play from Anti Niemi and his backup Thomas Greise.  Beginning February 1 the Sharks have scored 10 goals in eight games with three coming against Chicago in one game.  They actually won two games of the eight scoring only two goals and winning in the shootout against Anaheim and Edmonton.   What is the answer?  Todd McLellan sure as hell doesn’t seem to know, calling out his team yesterday after losing to the Blue Jackets.  I say he doesn’t know because they followed the blowout with exactly the same level of play we have seen for the last 8 games. It would be understandable if they weren’t getting good looks at the net, outshooting and outchancing the opponent most nights.  Their big line has been scoring, they upgraded the defense with the addition of Brad Stuart but they just keep finding ways to lose.  Like losing to the backup Steve Mason in Columbus

Fucking maddening to watch, so ….. I think we’ll talk about Anaheim and their resurrected play to begin the season.  Their rookie goalie, Victor Fahst, has stolen several games for them, has 1.72 GAA and they lead the Pacific Division.  Bruce Boudreau has these guys playing out of their minds!  We’ll see if it lasts.  In the East, New Jersey is leading the conference with 8 wins and 19 points to start the season.  Led by the ageless wonder Martin Brodeur they continue to play tough, in your face, opportunistic hockey.  Toronto is a bit of a surprise, as they are fourth in the conference and right behind the Big Bad Bruins of Boston.  Comeon, alliteration rules right??!!  I know, I know but hey its my first blog of the season and I need to get warmed up too!  More to come, please come back..