(photo credit: Getty Images)
I'll admit it. When I first read that Jeremy Roenick was coming out of retirement to play one last season with the San Jose Sharks, I was more than a little skeptical.
Sure, his 20+ years of bone-crunching NHL experience and leadership skills would benefit youngsters like Torrey Mitchell and Devin Setoguchi, but how effective would he actually be on the ice? Didn't he retire for a reason?
I'm happy to report that all of my doubts about JR's ability to show up when it really mattered were put to rest in last night's do-or-die Game 7 against the Calgary Flames.
Now, I'm truly a believer.
In a dashing effort, Roenick tallied two goals and two assists to tie a Sharks franchise record for points scored in a Game 7. The Sharks prevailed in the game, beating the Flames 5-3. More importantly, they also prevailed in the series, eliminating Calgary and moving on to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Earlier in the week, Sharks head coach Ron Wilson scratched Roenick in Game 6, causing many to question whether or not No. 27 still had the goods to be the badass veteran who the team so desperately needed.
What seemed like a crazy move by Wilson lit a fire under JR. A text message from Wilson to Roenick stated that Wilson would be relying heavily on the seasoned veteran in Game 7.
JR responded. And responded. And responded. He truly played like a man possessed. Wilson didn't look so crazy after all.
And the great thing about a player that displays that kind of passion is that he makes his teammates rise to a higher level in the process.
Devin Setoguchi looked like he'd been playing in the NHL for years, despite the fact that his goal last night was only the first playoff goal of his young career. Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski also benefited from Roenick's superior efforts.
Up next for the Sharks are the Dallas Stars. This series promises to be a more intense and physical version of the one the Sharks just won.
If they intend to advance in the playoffs, every single member of Team Teal will need to take a note from Roenick's notebook and play that hard and with that amount of desire. As amazing as JR is, he can't do it alone.
Whatever the case may be, I'm excited to see just how much JR has left in the tank. So far, I'm totally impressed.
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2 months ago
unfortunately, without having the knowledge and expertise required for a rebuttal of any sort, I must say, with that kind of writing... how could I disagree? ha....
2 months ago
Amen. His leadership example and energy carried over to the others and got everybody involved when that questionable Nolan goal could have sent the team into free fall. Bring on the Stars
2 months ago
A nice look into a revitalized career for such a dynamic player. Roenick always had something to do or say that would stir up some interest somewhere. Nice job.
2 months ago
This is the most unforseen and shocking Bay Area sports comeback since Frank Thomas... so really not that long ago, but still, glad he's back and in charge! Go JR!
2 months ago
I too was surprised when Wilson scratched JR for game six. I am not surprised that he played so well in game seven however. JR is ten pounds lighter than last year and has passion for the game that unsurpassed by any other player in the league. That passion has infected the Sharks and it is a major credit for Doug Wilson to see that and offer JR a job at league minimum. I would have to guess that JR was kinda happy to go to a team that WANTED him. Good article, thanks for contributing!
2 months ago
in the first period of game 7 when the sharks were down i was wishing that roenick had retired already. that was the first game that i have been impressed with roenick all season. there was a reason he was benched the game before, he hasnt produced. Hopefully his leadership will shine and he will guide the young sharks lineup. As long as roenick shows up against the stars like he did in game 7 vs the flames, i have no problem with him. GO SHARKS
2 months ago
Good article, and I concur with all previous comments.
I also want to say, since on one of my articles you had said "Dear God, please not GOC!" that he had a pretty good game--check out the article I wrote last night on it when you get a chance.
2 months ago
JR!!! Out of his mind last night! The Sharks in the 2nd period.... out of their minds!!
Heading to round 2. Let's go Sharks!
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