11/30/07 SHARKS 3, colorado 2

A win? At home? Is that allowed to happen? Not that I'm complaining or anything, cause I'll sure take it.

On the 2nd anniversary of the trade that for the next 15-20 years will be known in San Jose as "The Trade", Joe Thornton once again showed Sharks fans why they spent all that money on #19 jerseys with his name on them. Leading the charge against a surefire HOF bound Joe who also wears #19 (Sakic), Thornton scored twice on the PP, and added a helper on a Mike Grier goal, sending the Sharks to victory on their ice for just the 4th time this season. Evgeni Nabokov, Sharks supreme goaltender and lord of the dance, made his 24th start in 24 games this season, stopping 18 shots in the winning effort.

For those of you new to the Sharks, on November 30, 2005, the Boston Bruins traded Thornton to the Sharks for Wayne Primeau, Brad Stuart, and Marco Sturm. Famously, Doug Wilson was quoted as saying that he called up then Bruins GM Mike O'Connell asking for Sergei Samsonov, when a deal for Thornton was proposed his way by O'Connell.

Friday's game ended a tough month for the Teal, a month that saw them post a 6-3-3 record (6 W, 6 L, for those of you keeping score at home), winning just 3 of 8 at home. We've heard that this team is headed for greatness, and the past few games, we've seen glimpses of what could be, but is not quite there yet. Thornton is supreme on offense, leading the team with 29 points. JR is second on the team with just 13, a less than great statistic as the likes of Jonathan Cheechoo, Patrick Marleau, and Milan Michalek are struggling with a lesser point total than a 3rd liner. On defense, Craig Rivet and Sandis Ozolinsh (2.0) are anchors, Matt Carle, Christian Ehrhoff, Douglas Murray and Kyle McLaren are solid but still prone to mistakes occasionally, and Alexei Semenov is still a bit shaky. Evgeni Nabokov has been the engine powering the Teal express. Without his performance thusfar, this team is more towards the outhouse than they are the penthouse. With 5 months left to play in the regular season, the Sharks are in an ok, albeit undesirable position. For a team picked by most to win the Cup, this middle of the road play is a bit unnerving, considering their expected success.

The Sharks begin their quest for a better month, and a strong end to 2007 on Monday when they take on the Avalanche again, this time in Denver (6:00). The season series is now even at 1, with each squad holding serve on their home sheet. The Avalanche played Saturday in LA, handily beating the Kings 5-2. Each team had Sunday off, resting up for what should be a good matchup Monday evening.

NOTE: Monday's contest is not on FSN Bay Area, but is still available for viewing on Center Ice, through the Altitude feed. Mike Haynes and shortly thereafter mute button, hello.

GO SHARKS (again I ask, Scott who?
-Jess