Sharks Gameday: The Shoulders of Giants
by Megalodon on May 18, 2010 7:08 AM PDT
Email
Print"Sharks are as tough as those football fans who take their shirts off during games in Chicago in January, only more intelligent." -Dave Barry
The terrifyingly dedicated folks over at Copper and Blue analyzed the scoring chances in Game 1 far better than I could, so go there for actual hockey analysis. That's not why anybody comes to Battle of California, is it? God I hope not.
Anyway, piggy-backing off of the great work they did over there, it seems that the positive feelings I had after the game on Sunday were more than just blind optimism, and the Sharks' strong play was reflected in the scoring chances. The Sharks had the majority of the chances, with a slight edge at even strength and (obviously) big gains on the powerplay. This isn't the huge domination in numbers we saw in the games against the Avalanche but it's still encouraging; if the Sharks play every game like this one, the odds favor them.
However, that's not to say the Sharks should play EXACTLY the same. A bit more screening of Auntie Emmie (I don't want to check the spelling of his name every time, so this is how I will refer to the Chicago goaltender) and a real focus on eliminating turnovers (Sharks had 20 giveaways to Blackhawks 9) would go a long way towards getting the victory the Sharks need.
This guy wrote an article on Puck Daddy about how the Sharks are too focused on forward-line match-ups, and I am confused. If you paid attention to the actual line changes instead of just listening to what the NBC analysts were saying, it was Chicago that was doing the quick changes to try and react to the Sharks' lines, not the other way around. This is backed up by the actual analysis at Copper and Blue, so I'm going to trust them and their numbers over some guy and what he thinks is going on. It's a fine article in general principles, but it doesn't make sense to call out the Sharks for something they aren't actually doing wrong.
Random fact: Chicago is a miserable place, and it's science.
It's awesome that the Sharks have taken so few penalties in this post-season. This shows that they've been moving their feet and playing active defense and have avoided doing stupid things, even during difficult stretches of play. That's great news and indicative of the mental strength the Sharks have shown throughout these playoffs.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-1, with goals by Heatley, Setoguchi, and Pavelski.
BONUS NON-HOCKEY CONTENT: I present to you a teaser for my upcoming hit film COKED-UP SHARKS, which I just made up in the comments for the last gameday post:
An exclusive tropical island resort in the Caribbean, a secluded retreat for the fabulously rich...and a hideaway for those who make their living outside the law. It is a place where movie stars mingle with underworld kingpins, beyond the reach of any government.
But now, a storm is approaching. A hurricane of epic proportions has disrupted the tourism and drug traffic around the island and has cut off any hope of communication or escape. The streets and buildings are rapidly flooding, but it's not the water that these people need to fear...it's the dozens of angry, bloodthirsty sharks the storm is bringing with it...sharks that are swimming in water full of powerful Colombian cocaine.
This summer, it's time to find out the answer to the question: what's worse than a bunch of hungry sharks?
COKED-UP SHARKS
You might as well just give me the Oscar now.
108 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Chicago’s going to have an early power play tonight, just for optics’ sake, I’d think.
"Ridin’ The Meat Train & Dreaming of Jack’s Johnson All Summer Long!"
http://www.battleofcali.com/
You know, we said the same thing during the Detroit series. We said the same thing during the Colorado series. It may happen, but I’ll believe it when I see it. The Sharks have just been pretty darned disciplined.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 18, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
GO SHARKS!
and if Copper & Blue is showing our scoring chances as greater than Chicago, why is Second City Hockey saying their Corsi was higher? Maybe I’m understanding this all wrong. I think I need to start all over with scoring chances and Corsi. ugh! Just when you think you understand something someone throws a wrench at you.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
Yeah I saw that too and didn’t think it made any sense. Regardless of who you think had the edge in play, it’s ridiculous to say that either team “mauled” the other, like they are doing on Second City. Since Copper and Blue’s numbers looking at scoring chances have the two teams really close, which seems more like what actually happened in the game, I give them a lot more credence here.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
yeah I think I’m with you on that. I was watching the game, there was no mauling going on. I would not be feeling this calm if we had been mauled to death (or near death). pricks.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
it’s ridiculous to say that either team "mauled" the other, like they are doing on Second City.
Hawks fans being overly and undeservedly arrogant??? I’M SHOCKED!!!!!
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.
by ZeroIndulgence on May 18, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Scoring chances(a shot toward the goal from below the top of the FO circle and between the FO dots) and Corsi (goals+saved shots+missed shots+blocked shots) differ in that scoring chances are measuring both quality and quantity while Corsi measures only quantity and is usually used as a proxy for zone time. Over large samples Corsi and scoring chances come together but in small samples the two measures can differ substantially.
In Game One, the Blackhawks won the Corsi battle at EV 73-53 which is a pretty big gap and suggests that, at EV, more of the game was spent in SJ’s zone than in Chi’s zone. However, many of those shot attempts were blocked shots (Chi had ten more shots blocked than SJ) which almost always get passed over when counting scoring chances. Beyond that, so long as you trust Derek’s counting (I do), the Sharks were able to get their shot attempts from higher percentage areas in Game One. Over time, that’s not the kind of thing that teams can do consistently.
by Scott Reynolds on May 18, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
eventually this will sink in … cause it really is very interesting … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
I object. This is actual knowledge and I question whether it has any place here
by GordonBombay on May 18, 2010 5:03 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I used to read his books all the time when I was in middle-school. Eventually I grew out of his style of humor, but I’m glad he didn’t.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
I just heard a radio interview of a guy near HP. He said, “Yah, Sharks in FOUR!!” (or something like that). He might have been drinking.
by GordonBombay on May 18, 2010 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I want some of what that guy was on
cause after last night…we’ll be needing that stuff for the rest of the series. I just hope I don’t have to smoke it…
"God save us all." - FTF Staff
by mssjsclowie29 on May 19, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
completely off topic ...
okay you guys would appreciate something twisted like this -
was talking to a friend of mine last night, she said a couple weeks ago she came home from the store and one of her dogs was bleeding alot. she took him to the vet and turned out he had a lacerated penis. she’s not sure how he managed that but she’s assuming it was while having sex with the other dog. so if that wasn’t bad enough, after they fixed him up as part of his treatment, she had to rub ointment on his penis three times a day.
after I stopped laughing hysterically she told me that he follows her around all the time now as if to ask “why dont’ you love me anymore”
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
DAMN YOU, COKED-UP SHARKS!
Doesn’t have the same ring.
Also, you totally stole this from the porn I wanted to make: “Cock Up Sharks.”
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
If I were a Hawks fan, I wouldn’t be declaring victory just yet. I really do think that the Sharks and Hawks match up pretty well. This is going to be a rough series for both teams.
In other news, I pitched the Battle of California series (among other things) to two producers this weekend. Honestly, to my surprise they were extreamly interested in The Battle of California idea. No offense. I think you guys are fucking hilarious, but I figured they would think it had a narrow audience. They said that if I could write a script that translated well to both hockey and non hockey fans, they would be interested in a web series or something like that. I emailed the script yesterday. We’ll see what happens. I got a positive response from one of them already, lets see what the other says. Actual producers would be nice. Not just one of my friends that I call a producer in the credits to make myself look more professional.
I think the first episode should involve a combination of Angy and Rudy’s comments right above yours.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
It’s a possibility. Rudy’s character in the script is a coach for a little girls hockey team and his “How Not to Play a 2 on 1” was a big inspiriation. I keep the website open when I’m writing the script.
This reminds me of the series “The League”
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
They can attract that coveted Nambla demographic.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
ummmm … damn this was the wrong time to post that huh? good thing I didn’t share the other comments I said to my friend … tho I’m sure you guys can guess them :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
That’s awesome — how are you going to find an 8-foot tall actor to play James Mirtle?
"Ridin’ The Meat Train & Dreaming of Jack’s Johnson All Summer Long!"
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Cool thing about having real producers is that it wouldn’t be my problem. All I would have to do is show up to casting calls and pick one. I’ve only had a real producer once and it was awesome. All I did was show up to the shoot and direct. That was it. Equipment, food, actors, and scheduling were all done by the producer.
Are these producers aware of this site? Plenty of stuff that goes on here seems like it would spell instant-death to any project if the producers were to check it out.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
They're producers
I think chances are small that they know how to do anything useful.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Remember to show Rudy as a man with a tough shell but really he’s just afraid to love again.
Dammit, I've run out of nipple glue! Always at the worst times!
tee-hee
2009-2010 Anaheim Ducks.."Hey at least its not crack!!"
"Happy Hour is the hour after everyone from Happy Hour has left"
From the awesome:Dos Equis Old guy...but most likely from some marketing person who never gets laid
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 18, 2010 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions
"Sharks are as tough as those football fans who take their shirts off during games in Chicago in January, only more intelligent." -Dave Barry
Are they as doughy? Ever notice it’s always the 5’5" – 240# guy that goes bare?
You wouldn’t catch Sleek doing that in Row B. That’s alls i’m sayin
by GordonBombay on May 18, 2010 1:37 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Hey, I’m here tonight — don’t really know what I’m rooting for, though.
"Ridin’ The Meat Train & Dreaming of Jack’s Johnson All Summer Long!"
http://www.battleofcali.com/
seems quite here…. FTF and SCH are really busy, i’m over there as well.
Nucks Misconduct contributor.
Also on Twitter.
you are rooting for the Sharks … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
thank you!!! :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
¡Viva Drama!
Best of luck Sharkies. Make sure the Hawks feel violated upon returning to Chi-town!
and on the 93rd postseason of the National Hockey League, the Slovakian-hockeygod Zeus commanded from high atop Mount Figueroa..."RELEASE THE MEAT TRAIN!" And it was good.
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 18, 2010 7:18 PM PDT reply actions
Oh Niesy…the exciting game tonight actually just ended a few moments ago
:-)
and on the 93rd postseason of the National Hockey League, the Slovakian-hockeygod Zeus commanded from high atop Mount Figueroa..."RELEASE THE MEAT TRAIN!" And it was good.
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 18, 2010 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
the bad guys
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
“Wallinian minor”
That’s some vintage Doc Emrick right there.
"Ridin’ The Meat Train & Dreaming of Jack’s Johnson All Summer Long!"
http://www.battleofcali.com/
WTB Corey Perry
We need somebody to run us some goalies
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Ooooooooooo damn.
Is it just me, or has Nabby been slow to get back on his feet in these two games? (Not that it was the cause of that last goal)
In Dinglebarn We Trust
It is his 84th appearance of the season, not counting Olympics.
"Ridin’ The Meat Train & Dreaming of Jack’s Johnson All Summer Long!"
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Hey, leave my hygiene out of this!
In Dinglebarn We Trust
by Niesy on May 18, 2010 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dear Hockey Gods, if the Sharks win this, I will continue writing my hit film, COKED-UP SHARKS, and I will make sure it features hockey prominently.
If the Sharks lose, then I guess the movie wasn’t meant to be.
Oh, and if I win the Oscar I will dedicate it to hockey.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
You should also go for a Grammy. Write a crossover hip-hop ballad to play during the credits.
I’ve got blood on my teeth, drugs in my reef
I’m a mothafuckin’ shark COKIN’ UP YO STREETS
In Dinglebarn We Trust
You are definitely on to something here. I’ll have to use my hip-hop connections to get something going.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
Strong end to the period – if Sharks can keep that kind of pressure up then they’ll get some results soon. Go Sharks!
Let’s get some goals from Ben Linus!
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
Dang it. Looks like the Sharks want to do this the dramatic way.
Prediction: Sharks win both in Chicago.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
I hope you are right. I was feeling really good bout this game before it started too. :(
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
well damn … :(
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
"It's getting harder and harder to differentiate between schizophrenics and people talking on a cell phone. It still brings me up short to walk by somebody who appears to be talking to themselves." -- Bob Newhart
Aw, poor Sharks and the WCF — now the franchise is 0-5 at home in round three.
Welcome back, Angry Joe.
"Ridin’ The Meat Train & Dreaming of Jack’s Johnson All Summer Long!"
http://www.battleofcali.com/
dooooh!!!
2009-2010 Anaheim Ducks.."Hey at least its not crack!!"
"Happy Hour is the hour after everyone from Happy Hour has left"
From the awesome:Dos Equis Old guy...but most likely from some marketing person who never gets laid
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 18, 2010 9:46 PM PDT reply actions
Post-game is up, for Sharks fans to reassure each other and you other people to gloat and be non-supportive.
The curse shall be ended.
Battle of California
you other people to gloat and be non-supportive.
woohoo!!!
2009-2010 Anaheim Ducks.."Hey at least its not crack!!"
"Happy Hour is the hour after everyone from Happy Hour has left"
From the awesome:Dos Equis Old guy...but most likely from some marketing person who never gets laid
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 19, 2010 5:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
* Thanks, Kevin Lowe!
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
5 years old and counting!
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Playoff Hockey Hugs: Ovechkin is hockey bird; Everybody loves Lundqvist; Shot Blocking: The Musical
- Delta Airlines offers Rangers fans 17-minute flight to New Jersey for Game 3
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Actor Dean McDermott on LA hockey; Kevin Allen on Tortorella; Game 3 preview
- Ryan Getzlaf’s controversial kneeing major leads to Slovakia’s elimination of Canada at Worlds (VIDEO)
- In defense of John Tortorella’s media misbehavior
