Bleacher Report - Articles by Steven Baird

Why the Los Angeles Lakers Are Like the San Jose Sharks

Steven Baird — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:56:13 -0400

I have been in a writing funk, ignoring emails from certain BR admin dudes, but now I'm back, thanks to KB24.

Here's the deal: I love sports, and I am obsessive about the teams I follow. When the Sharks lost their epic quadruple-OT game, I was crushed, soooooo crushed, like ice for a cocktail.

Now, I am cubed again, my flow is ice cold, like the cold blood that runs through KB24-MVP. But I haven't forgot about my Sharks. Here's my point:

Big Joe is like KB24: oft criticized, yet ready to dominate. It took KB24 a while before he hit his true stride, and Big Joe's ceiling is frickin' vaulted. Just wait, its not him, its the role players who will answer the call. He'll be the one calling. He's Joe F'in Thornton!

Once apon a time, the Lakers were an obscenely talented team, much like the Sharks, who underachieved until they brought the right coach into the fold.

This sounds like the next move by a Sharks front office who recognizes the fact that maybe a strategy of dump and follow hockey isn't what the Sharks needed. Maybe the Sharks just need their own Phil Jackson. Who might that be though...

So this euphoric feeling makes me so positive that I can't help but already be checking out season ticket packages to the mothaf'in Shark Tank, knowing that winning a championship isn't easy, that it takes time to break through. For the Sharks, that time is now.

I haven't lost faith. I know some have, some people whose name busta-rhymes with Rat-Oh. Time and time again he/they bring into question the combination and quality of the talent on this lovable Sharks team.

I'm sure next season he/they/me will be extolling the virtues of this same talent. Ryan Clowe's full season of injury-free excellence, Patty Marleau's and Jon Cheechoo's early re-emergence/40-goal seasons, and of course, the man Evgeni Nabakov going back-to-back for the Vezina trophy. Oh, obviously, Big Joe's next MVP award.

And most importantly Lord Stanley's Cup. The sweet, sweet Cup.

In my heart, I know the Sharks are getting their own P-Jax.

Titles will be won.

Much like Doug Wilson, and some Hall of Fame/logo GM's in other sports, he knows recognizing talent is where the game starts. And he knows, much like P-Jax and the next Sharks coach, maximizing that talent is where it ends. In championships.

Diamond crusted hardware. Precision engraved as well.

Who wants to go in on some Sharks season tix? (seriously, hit me up)

'Cause they are still my favorite for next season. And I want first crack to watch them win the Cup on home ice. Which they will.

I'll be the guy in the Shark Tank wearing the Lakers gear, cheering like hell for next year's Stanley Cup Champions...the San Jose Sharks.

Oh, by the way, screw all you doubters, you all probably hate Kobe too. And just like the Lakers beat the Spurs, the Sharks will beat the 'Wings next year!

Being a fan rules. Writing about it is even better.

Please don't edit this post.

PETA Protests in Dallas Mark Start of "Save the Sharks Campaign"

Steven Baird — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:32:34 -0400

Dallas, TX—The Dallas Stars returned home today after defeating the San Jose Sharks 5-2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best of seven playoff series.

Instead of cheering fans though, they were met by rabid PETA protesters and animal rights activists.

On Monday, PETA officially kicked off their “Save the Sharks” campaign by targeting the Stars, and more specifically, center Mike Modano.

“We are tired of Mike Modano's repeatedly driving stakes through the hearts of the Sharks going unpunished. Our efforts will hopefully turn the spotlight on this brutality and end Modano's season,” read the press release sent out late Sunday evening.

It was following what PETA characterized as Modano's “both participating in, and even leading, another Shark killing.”

Festivities started an hour before the Stars’ charter was scheduled to arrive. It included spirited walking in circles while chanting, waving of crude homemade signs, and even the burning of various Modano jerseys.

Protesters on the scene expressed excitement about joining the “Save the Sharks” cause.

“I'm really glad PETA has chosen to finally step up and say something. Things on the activist front have been pretty slow since Mike Vick went to jail, so it’s nice to get out again. I've never vilified an NHL player before either, so this is a fun first for me,” remarked self described “full-time animal rights activist” from Arlington named Chad Chadlington.

When the Stars’ plane did arrive, the team filed off as usual, despite insults and catcalls from the unruly mob of protesters that had gathered.

Modano appeared the most relaxed. He could be seen laughing heartily and pantomiming scoring an easy goal with Captain Brenden Morrow and defenseman Sergei Zubov as they made their way from the plane, inciting rage among the activists.

“See that,” screamed one protester clad in a jersey wearing Shark outfit who called himself Sharkie. “He enjoys killing the Sharks!”

PETA has promised to have a visible presence at Tuesday night’s game at the American Airlines Arena. Many of the gathered protesters expressed sentiments that they hoped Partick Marleau and Joe Thornton would also be visible in game three.

“When dealing with the likes of Modano, sometimes you have to give a taste of his own medicine,” commented Ronnie Wilson, who traveled from San Jose for the chance to support PETA's effort to save the Sharks. “Timely goals by the Sharks would also go a long way toward ending Modano's savage reign of Shark Killing. As would winning face-offs and not turning the puck over in their own zone. Converting power plays and killing theirs would be good too.”

The Dallas Stars and Mike Modano declined to comment for this story.

Rookies Torrey Mitchell and Devin Setoguchi Make Some Noise for the Sharks

Steven Baird — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:09:26 -0400

After Sunday night's come-from-ahead loss to the Calgary Flames in Game 3, San Jose Sharks' head coach Ron Wilson had to shake things up. And shake he did, like a desperate gambler at a craps table.

Wilson played 7 defencemen in Game 4.

He switched the lines up, even running Big Joe Thornton, Jody Shelley and playoff superstar Ryan Clowe out to take the opening shift of the game.

He scratched venerable penalty killers Patrick Rissmiller and Curtis Brown to get a dinged up Christian Ehrhoff and rookie Devin Setoguchi in the lineup.

After Big Joe's goal won the game for the Sharks in the waning seconds of the third period, Wilson's moves look brilliant.

His team, whose heart had been questioned by the fans and media alike, played inspired and determined hockey in a come-from behind-win. All World net minder Evgeni Nabokov only faced 10 shots, including a stretch of 24 minutes in which Calgary failed to muster any shot toward Nabby at all.

As Jody Shelley said, "They've enjoyed their two games. Now it's our turn to go out and do it our way."

And do it their way, they did.

The change that stood out most was the addition of Setoguchi to the lineup. Setoguchi notched his first playoff point with an assist on Jonathan Cheechoo's goal that tied the game with 4:56 left in the third period. The rookie winger was a whirling dervish, playing just over 12 minutes and putting 3 shots on goal. He matched the Flames physicality and made them account for him every shift he was on the ice, making Wilson comment that Setoguchi “was huge. He kept competing.”

I wasn't surprised though. That's how Sharks rookies play.

Torrey Mitchell, another San Jose rookie, is a fast and gritty player who notched his first playoff goal in the Sharks game 2 win. Last night, Mitchell and Setoguchi played an integral part in game 4. These two players have entrenched themselves into the lineup of a team with Stanley Cup expectations, and they contribute. A rare thing for rookies.

Obviously Mitchell will continue to get some run, as his grinding line featuring Mike Grier and Patrick Rissmiller has consistently given Calgary problems.

On the other hand, it will be interesting to see if Setoguchi gets the call again. Rissmiller and Brown definitely proved their worth over the course of the season, and Wilson may have gone with Setoguchi for some fresh, young legs in light of the coach playing with only 11 forwards.

With the series now tied at 2 games apiece and the sense around the team much less desperate than Tuesday, Wilson may go to his veterans and restore one of the leagues best penalty killing units.

Regardless, no one can complain about the play of the young guys this series, or this season. The Sharks have proven themselves to be an organization that is excellent at both scouting and developing young talent to contribute or be moved for needed pieces. It's no wonder that Miikka Kiprosoff, the stellar Calgary goalie, was once a talented young Shark.

That was the past, though, and Mitchell and Setoguchi are the future Sharks stars.

Based on their play this post season, it sure looks like the future is now.

Sharks-Flames: Can San Jose Get off the Mat?

Steven Baird — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:18:29 -0400

Did I speak too soon?

Maybe.

A loss like the San Jose Sharks endured last night definitely dents my confidence. I felt that the Sharks would come in and control the style of play, which they did, for all of 3:36 of the game. Then it was a slow and steady decline into am abyss of red clad fans chanting cultishly Go Fllames Go! By the time the score was tied I was hoping for overtime and a full intermission.

When you start hoping your team can make it to OT, you know what that means?

Game Over. Ding Ding Ding. TKO.

How will San Jose respond, what can they do?

Obviously, the Sharks need to play more physically and follow the lead of Patrick Marleau and compete every play of every shift. Brian Campbell has to start playing better, though so do most of the defence men. Ron Wilson needs to find a line to help Big Joe, though I liked how he put Jeremy Roenick too add another play maker out there with Big Joe and Milan Michalek. I think the more you hear Ryan Clowe's name the better off the Sharks are going to be in this series. I think San Jose is more than capable of winning the next two games in the Saddledome, ending the series there and crushing the hearts of Albertans far and wide.

The hard part for the Sharks is going to be playing up to their potential and not down to the Flames despite the pressure and expectations they are playing with. When the Sharks dictate the style of play, the Flames simply can't match up line in and line out personnel wise.

It's a simple plan. Or is it?

Much like Hanibal from the A-Team, I love it when a plan comes together, as was the case in game two. But, as former heavyweight champion and known head case Mike Tyson once claimed, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. We all saw how that happened in game two.

I sure hope the Sharks have good chins, like their captain, because Calgary is going to punch them in the mouth again.

In the end though, I'm calling the series Sharks in 6.

Or 7.

They can go the distance, as long as they get off the mat for game four.

San Jose Sharks Carry Title Hopes for the Entire Bay Area

Steven Baird — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:08:39 -0400

Few locales offer as much competition in the world of professional sports as the San Francisco Bay Area.

Pro football, baseball and basketball are all here.

Major collegiate athletics are here. As are fringe sports like the AFL and Pro Lacrosse.

Of course, the San Jose Sharks are here as well, and are the best of the lot.

Many of the Bay Area sports teams have proud histories that include championship seasons.

The San Francisco 49ers were the team of the 1980's.

Who can forget about the Bash Brothers, the Eck and of course Reggie Jackson with the Oakland A's?

Once upon a time, the Raiders had a "commitment to excellence."

The sports landscape can change as fast as the fog can move through the Golden Gate.

The A's traded away almost their entire core, except for Eric Chavez, of course, who is untradable—thanks to an inverse relationship between his pay and his performance.

The San Francisco Giants enter the post-Bonds era with a shortstop who hit below the Mendoza Line in the minors and half of the roster currently getting membership letters from the AARP.

The Golden State Warriors may or may not make the playoffs, and if they do its almost impossible they will see the Dallas Mavericks again, so a first round exit is more than likely—it's imminent.

The Niners and the Raiders. Ugh.

The Sharks give the Bay something to be proud of.

An amazing streak to end the season, multiple MVP candidates in Big Joe and Evgeni Nabokov, and stellar front office work by Doug Wilson are just part of the reason that fans have come out in droves to support their hockey team.

What is more is that the people of the Bay Area are ready for a championship. Their last sip of the sweet nectar called victory was in 1995—how many Steve Young concussions ago?

Now is the time and fans of the Sharks can feel it.

This is the year; if the Sharks can't do it, no one else is going to.

Ouch! Please Put the Fire Out Under My Seat!

Steven Baird — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:13:23 -0400

Head coaches and GMs, take notice.

If you are feeling a bit of heat under your seat, if reporters are asking more about when you plan on putting your house up for sale then your lineup, and if the players are laughing at you and saying things like “at least I'll be here next season”—the Sharks have given you a blue print to make sure those pink slips stays in the owners desk.

Courtesy of the Wilson boys.:

Step 1- Shore up your roster by picking up a needed physical presence (Jody Shelley), an offensive-minded defenseman who can quarterback an anemic power play (Brian Campbell), and grab an experienced netminder from the minor leagues (Brian Boucher) to back up your superhuman starting goalie.

Step 2- Stick with your guys, and they will reward you. Over the last month, for instance, Patrick Marleau has really turned it on. Marleau has scored six goals and notched three assists in the last 10 games, solidifying his line and proving why there is big “C” on his chest. Players respect those who battle through adversity.

Step 3- Win 11 straight games and lose none in regulation over the last month.

Its just that simple.

Unfortunately for both Ron and Doug Wilson, the good vibes the Sharks' recent stellar play has conjured will only last as long as San Jose's playoff run.

Fair or not, the San Jose Sharks are widely considered playoff disappointments. Annually considered cup Contenders, San Jose has repeatedly failed to live up to those lofty expectations, and when that happens change is usually made.

The cold reality of professional sports is that premier organizations compete for championships. The Sharks have become a premier organization in large part to the performance of their coach and GM, and have obviously battled from disappointment to contention, and they both deserve credit for that.

Their playoff record, though, is less than stellar. Inevitably, at some point a coach's and GM's job performance is based on their postseason production. They don't give out diamond-encrusted rings for doing well in the regular season.

I believe that both the Wilsons have more than proved their worth this season. Not that long ago the Sharks playoff chances weren't all that certain. They couldn't win at home, they couldn't score enough, they couldn't compete against the elite teams in their conference.

How quickly that has changed. The shrewd moves of GM Doug Wilson and steady hand of head coach Ron Wilson have once again moved the Sharks to the forefront of Stanley Cup contention.

That should count for something, regardless of how the Sharks' season ends. Too bad that it probably won't.

Sharks Analysis: San Jose Sparked by Dominating Defense

Steven Baird — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:40:38 -0400

Hockey can be a very simple game—score more goals than your opponent and victory shall be yours.

This season the San Jose Sharks sometimes have not been able to rack up the goals as much as they (or their fans) have liked, but they certainly have been able to prevent the other team from scoring.

Last night at home against Pacific Division rival and Stanley Cup champs the Anaheim Ducks, the Sharks continued that trend and proved that their defense is at a championship level.

San Jose held the Ducks to zero shots in the third period of a tight game that Anaheim needed to win in order to stay close in the Pacific Division race.

Of course, defensive dominance is nothing new for the Sharks. San Jose plays a physical and relentless brand of hockey when the puck is in their defensive zone. They outwork, outmuscle and outhustle their opponents, control the puck, and limit scoring chances. Throw in an aggressive fore-check that manhandles other teams and prevents crisp break outs for their opponents and creates scoring chances for themselves, and one can see how thier D dominates from blue line to blue line.

The Sharks also play smart, often the best defense.

This season the Sharks have racked up the fourth least short-handed minutes (284), keeping their opponents powerplay unit off the ice. In those rare short-handed moments, the Sharks kill 85.2 percent of powerplays they see making them the second best penalty killers in the NHL.

San Jose's control of their own zone and suffocating penalty kill are excellent, but the true key to the Sharks defensive success is the best defensive player in the NHL, goalie Evgeni Nabokov. Nabokov leads the league in wins, is third in shutouts, tied for third for goals against average, all while leading the league in ice time.

The All-Star netminder excels in all aspects of goaltending, even the ones that don't turn up on the stat sheets. He rarely mishandles the puck around the net. He is excellent at advancing the puck to create scoring chances and when needed comes up with the spectacular save.

Simply put, Nabokov has put on a goaltending clinic this season.

Add it all up and you have a team that dominates on the road, leads the Pacific Division and is poised for a long run through the playoffs.

After all, defense does win championships.

Jeremy Roenick Rocks, San Jose Sharks Roll

Steven Baird — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:34:53 -0400

“It's not so much me as it's Roenick. He's good.” -Trent Walker Of course, that quote comes from the 1996 film Swingers starring Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn that came out when Jeremy Roenick was playing for the Blackhawks. I couldn't help but dust it off last night out of recognition for his stellar play, and even more so for his veteran leadership.

Obviously JR has lost a bit over the course of his 18-year career, but last night he showed why this Sharks team has all the ingredients to finally hoist Lord Stanley's cup. He scored the opening goal of the night, had a pretty assist to Curtis Brown, and scored the decisive goal in the shootout. A productive line in the box score indeed, but his true impact was seen by those who watched the game and didn't just read the recap.

Throughout this season JR has played with passion and tenacity on every shift, just like he did last night. He throws his body around, works hard on the boards, and plays like a young kid trying to make his way up to the big time (see: Devin Setoguchi, Torrey Mitchell), but with the mental acumen and savvy that comes only with experience.

When Doug Wilson signed him in the offseason for a cool half mil there were some grumblings about him being a malcontent and a cancer in the locker room—washed up even. Financially it wasn't a great risk for the Sharks, but in terms of team chemistry and locker room make up it was a huge gamble to take.

It has paid off in spades.

Now the Sharks are rolling and threatening to catch Detroit. They have seemingly solved their road/home issues from earlier this season. Eleven-game win streak anyone? The Sharks have continually worked hard to get better as the season has progressed, and one has to think Roenick has had a lot to do with it.

Interesting to note: Not only did I drop the Swingers quote and predict JR would win the shootout (seriously, I did), but I also compared Roenick to the legendary Ray Borque and his stint with the hated Avalanche. After watching his stellar play last night, as well as the incredible professionalism and class he showed during the 12 minutes it took to triage Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster after a crash into the boards resulted in a broken leg, the comparison was obvious to me. The missing ingredient.

I sure hope it ends for JR and the Sharks the same way it did with Borque and the Avs: as champions hoisting the Stanley Cup.