San Jose Mercury News – Sharks take early lead, hold off Canucks

San Jose Mercury News – Sharks take early lead, hold off Canucks:


“Last night was the best I felt yet,” Roenick said after Friday’s practice of his 9:47 on the ice against Edmonton. “My body’s actually really good. The hands are what have to come. It’s controlling the puck and making moves and holding onto it.”

Roenick took note of the fact he was on a line with two of the speedier Sharks.

“It’s kind of ironic how the oldest guy is on the fastest line. I don’t know where they get those jet-pack skates yet. I haven’t found them. I’ve just the old-time skates that weigh three pounds each.”

Roenick sure seems to have come into camp with the right work ethic and attitude. He’s definitely winning me over, not just because he’s played pretty well (unlike the game I saw in pre-season), but because he’s handling it with, well, the classic and good side of Roenick. After scoring his two goals, he was interviewed on TV by Drew, who more or less asked “two goals? What about that?”

To which Roenick replied “Blind squirrels and acorns”.

So far, the sharks actually look pretty good, and Roenick may make it tough to get Setoguchi back in the lineup when healthy. I didn’t expect that. I’m not going to complain.

One thing I’m enjoying — Thornton said he was going to shoot more this season, and he is. His goal last night is a classic of this; you could see the Canucks settle back and protect the pass a bit, leaving him a lane to shoot, assuming he was going to dish it off. He lasered it off the post an in; Luongo had no chance (he really had no chance on all three goals, IMHO). Teams are going to have to figure this one out and stop cheating on the pass — and when they do, expect Cheechoo’s goal numbers to take off, also.

I’m not exactly sure how you can defend someone who can shoot that accurately if you give him a little time, and pass as well as he does if you try to get in his face and pressure. I’m going to enjoy watching teams try.

OH, and sorry, Alanah. Really.

(heh)

You might also want to read:

  1. Picking up pieces and an update on Michalek – The San Jose Mercury News Sharks Hockey Blog - Picking up pieces and an update on Michalek – The San Jose Mercury News Sharks Hockey Blog -: No need to remind this group that...
  2. San Jose Mercury News – Sharks turn it around, top Wild San Jose Mercury News – Sharks turn it around, top Wild: It had been a bad 72 hours for the Sharks. There was that embarrassing...
  3. San Jose Mercury News – TV analyst Remenda returns to Sharks San Jose Mercury News – TV analyst Remenda returns to Sharks: TV analyst Drew Remenda is back with the Sharks. And this is a good...
  4. San Jose Mercury News – Ron Wilson to be back with Sharks San Jose Mercury News – Ron Wilson to be back with Sharks: Ron Wilson will return as Sharks coach, General Manager Doug Wilson said Tuesday....
  5. San Jose Mercury News – Predators top Sharks, even series San Jose Mercury News – Predators top Sharks, even series: This time the Sharks lost a player and the game. Right wing Steve Bernier needed...