4/1/08 SHARKS 5, los angeles 2

Well, I feel appreciated. In addition to the surprisingly nice blanket, free Togo's sandwich coupon, and the free Round Table pizza that comes with a 4+ goal Sharks effort, the Teal gave me a nice present last night, a win.

Last night was a sloppy effort, but since they won, and it was a game that really didn't matter at all, I'm willing to let it slide. Captain Patrick Marleau and Milan Michalek were the only expected goal scorers last night, with passy alotty (technical term) defenseman Brian Campbell, and grinders Curtis Brown and Mike Grier notching the other markers. Evgeni Nabokov was appreciatively good in net, making 16 saves for his league leading 46th victory.

Last night was the culmination of a great regular season for the Sharks, and the end of what is hoped to be just a preview to the long second season that awaits the Teal and their fans. The win is the Sharks 4th straight victory, and their 20th consecutive in which they earned a point. Despite the lack of importance, the fans were definitely into the game, including a 17,496 person standing O from 20 seconds remaining until well after the final buzzer.

Needless to say, the fans are ready. They've seen the Sharks play a stretch of hockey that has never before been played in San Jose, and has everyone rightfully excited. The playoffs are set to begin next week, and everyone at 525 W. Santa Clara can't wait to flip their calendars.

Unfortunately, there's two games left before the real season gets going, the first of which is tomorrow night at Staples against the same Los Angeles Kings (7:30). The Kings are still struggling, are still gonna miss the playoffs, and are still a big offensive threat. If yesterday's contest is any indication, however, the game will be a spirited, physical contest between two teams that just don't like each other, which makes for some great hockey. With Tuesday's win, the Sharks lead the season series 4-3, taking all three previous contests at Staples.

GO SHARKS (pretty damn nice blankets too)
-Jess