GDT: Game 27 Sharks @ Kings CSNCA KFOX 7:30PM "We are tonight's entertainment!"

[Pinkfloyd]

Vlasic and Braun were terrible. That pairing looked decent in the past.

I still think you are wrong, in that Murray is always the worst defensemen out there. It is just that we have become accustomed to his terrible play.

Murray is always the least likely to contribute the most to a game but he contributed more than Vlasic and Braun tonight. He is normally poor defensively in general...the exception being getting in front of pucks and non-existent offensively. Tonight he had a good hit or two and a good fight.

 

[WTFetus]

which affects what I posted how? I get that it's embarrassing for you that the refs called a phantom after you tried to downplay how horribly they called this game, but come on.

What are you even arguing? I think you need to take Nem's advice and just calm down. I didn't insult you or anything, I don't know what's your problem.
Yes the refs missed the a major, but what does that have to do with this game? The Sharks played horribly regardless. Their execution was just pathetic. Blaming the refs on every little thing like people have been doing this season is getting ridiculous. Especially this game, where there were no calls both ways. If the Kings got all the calls, then maybe people would have a point, but the refs weren't calling anything today.

 

[ChubbChubby]

I wasn't sold on Irwin being anything more than a #6 until the past few games. I honestly think he'll be a legit middle-pairing guy. True, he's being helped by Boyle. But it's not exactly like he's getting butter soft minutes.

KYLE CLIFFORD COLIN FRASER JORDAN NOLAN 26.09%
DUSTIN BROWN ANZE KOPITAR JUSTIN WILLIAMS 24.64%
DUSTIN PENNER MIKE RICHARDS JEFF CARTER 21.74%
DWIGHT KING TREVOR LEWIS JARRET STOLL 21.74%

Those were his opponents by percent of ice time against LA on Thursday. He played just as much against the Kings 1st line as 2nd line as 3rd line as 4th line.

DAVID BACKES JADEN SCHWARTZ CHRIS STEWART 28.21%
DAVID PERRON PATRIK BERGLUND TJ OSHIE 11.54%
DAVID PERRON PATRIK BERGLUND MATT DAGOSTINI 10.26%
DAVID PERRON PATRIK BERGLUND CHRIS STEWART 7.69%
CHRIS PORTER PATRIK BERGLUND CHRIS STEWART 7.69%

These are his splits against St. Louis on Tuesday. He played exclusively against top-6 players.

Also, he's starting in the defensive zone more than Boyle, which is strange because one would think that Boyle would play tougher minutes without the rookie, but it's actually the opposite and at least suggests that Irwin's trusted to play beyond the traditional sheltered rookie role and then some. He leads Sharks blue-liners in Rel Corsi at a MONSTER +24.4. That's a huge deal, considering he's starting about 50/50 between the offensive and defensive zone. He also provides much needed offense from the left point. Regardless, he's been extremely valuable whenever and wherever he plays.

I think he has a great chance to pan out to be a second pairing defenseman, but he definitely isn't there yet. His defensive zone coverage is still too green, and he's probably the worst defenseman to have back on a 2-on-1.

 

[OrrNumber4]

I wasn't sold on Irwin being anything more than a #6 until the past few games. I honestly think he'll be a legit middle-pairing guy. True, he's being helped by Boyle. But it's not exactly like he's getting butter soft minutes.

KYLE CLIFFORD COLIN FRASER JORDAN NOLAN 26.09%
DUSTIN BROWN ANZE KOPITAR JUSTIN WILLIAMS 24.64%
DUSTIN PENNER MIKE RICHARDS JEFF CARTER 21.74%
DWIGHT KING TREVOR LEWIS JARRET STOLL 21.74%

Those were his opponents by percent of ice time against LA on Thursday. He played just as much against the Kings 1st line as 2nd line as 3rd line as 4th line.

DAVID BACKES JADEN SCHWARTZ CHRIS STEWART 28.21%
DAVID PERRON PATRIK BERGLUND TJ OSHIE 11.54%
DAVID PERRON PATRIK BERGLUND MATT DAGOSTINI 10.26%
DAVID PERRON PATRIK BERGLUND CHRIS STEWART 7.69%
CHRIS PORTER PATRIK BERGLUND CHRIS STEWART 7.69%

These are his splits against St. Louis on Tuesday. He played exclusively against top-6 players.

Also, he's starting in the defensive zone more than Boyle, which is strange because one would think that Boyle would play tougher minutes without the rookie, but it's actually the opposite and at least suggests that Irwin's trusted to play beyond the traditional sheltered rookie role and then some. He leads Sharks blue-liners in Rel Corsi at a MONSTER +24.4. That's a huge deal, considering he's starting about 50/50 between the offensive and defensive zone. He also provides much needed offense from the left point. Regardless, he's been extremely valuable whenever and wherever he plays.

I wonder how much of Irwin's corsi is influenced by the fact that he shoots all the time. I mean, I would bet that his shots/game is one of the highest on the team, especially this time around.

Not a bad strategy, but eventually, he's going to regress.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Murray is always the least likely to contribute the most to a game but he contributed more than Vlasic and Braun tonight. He is normally poor defensively in general...the exception being getting in front of pucks and non-existent offensively. Tonight he had a good hit or two and a good fight.

Murray was the least of the problems. Vlasic and Braun just both had terrible games and have been struggling.

 

[SJSharks42]

It is so infuriating that Demers isn't being played. What the **** is the coaching staffs problem?

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Murray was the least of the problems. Vlasic and Braun just both had terrible games and have been struggling.

For tonight, sure. For the team and blue line in general, he is the biggest problem because he dramatically makes the partner he plays with worse while offering very little himself.

 

[Juxtaposer]

I think he has a great chance to pan out to be a second pairing defenseman, but he definitely isn't there yet. His defensive zone coverage is still too green, and he's probably the worst defenseman to have back on a 2-on-1.

I agree, he's no Vlasic on a two-on-one, but he's great at standing up guys at the blue-line, strong in front of the net, and has above-average positioning. I think he can improve steadily on that front. A sold #4 with a bomb of a shot is a realistic projection and that would be a huge win for us.

I wonder how much of Irwin's corsi is influenced by the fact that he shoots all the time. I mean, I would bet that his shots/game is one of the highest on the team, especially this time around.

Not a bad strategy, but eventually, he's going to regress.

*Casually points out that he has the best shots against per 60 at evens of any Sharks defenseman*

http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=29&s=38&rs=t&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f4=D&f5=S.J&f7=10-&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+29+30+31+35+36+37+38+39+40+47+48+49+50+51+52+53+54+55+56#

It's true that he also has a huge amount of shots on goal and that contributes to his huge corsi number, his shots against are just as impressive.

Also, Matty's PDO is only at 949, which is really low. Goalies are only stopping at about .900% behind him, and his on-ice shooting percentage is also really low at evens, 4.70. His counting numbers can only get better.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

For tonight, sure. For the team and blue line in general, he is the biggest problem because he dramatically makes the partner he plays with worse while offering very little himself.

Oh I agree completely. His game has just taken a complete nose dive.

 

[Juxtaposer]

For tonight, sure. For the team and blue line in general, he is the biggest problem because he dramatically makes the partner he plays with worse while offering very little himself.

Poor Stuart.

I defended Burns all off-season when people were complaining about him. I hope you all appreciate how amazing he did while dragging Murray around most of last season. Boyle was playing badly at the beginning of last season, when he was with Murray. They broke apart that pairing and Boyle's play took off playing with Pickles. But Burns made Murray look at least semi-respectable, which is an amazing, amazing feat considering he was just as bad last season as this season.

 

[WTFetus]

Poor Stuart.

His +/- took a huge nose-dive since being paired with Murray.

 

[Juxtaposer]

His +/- took a huge nose-dive since being paired with Murray.

Well, Stuey still has an unsustainable PDO, so that was bound to happen regardless, but Murray has sunk his Corsi. Poor guy. I can almost feel his frustration.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

I agree, he's no Vlasic on a two-on-one, but he's great at standing up guys at the blue-line, strong in front of the net, and has above-average positioning. I think he can improve steadily on that front. A sold #4 with a bomb of a shot is a realistic projection and that would be a huge win for us.



*Casually points out that he has the best shots against per 60 at evens of any Sharks defenseman*

http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=29&s=38&rs=t&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f4=D&f5=S.J&f7=10-&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+29+30+31+35+36+37+38+39+40+47+48+49+50+51+52+53+54+55+56#

It's true that he also has a huge amount of shots on goal and that contributes to his huge corsi number, his shots against are just as impressive.

Also, Matty's PDO is only at 949, which is really low. Goalies are only stopping at about .900% behind him, and his on-ice shooting percentage is also really low at evens, 4.70. His counting numbers can only get better.

Vlasic and Braun should take notes on how Irwin is aggressive at his own blue line and forces forwards to dump pucks. Vlasic and Braun both give up the blue line to easily and then just try and stick check and poke pucks away instead of playing the body and seperating the man from the puck. They are both 6'2 and 200+ and can skate. No excuse as to why they are so easy to play against.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Vlasic and Braun should take notes on how Irwin is aggressive at his own blue line and forces forwards to dump pucks. Vlasic and Braun both give up the blue line to easily and then just try and stick check and poke pucks away instead of playing the body and seperating the man from the puck. They are both 6'2 and 200+ and can skate. No excuse as to why they are so easy to play against.

Let's not pretend that standing up at the blue line hasn't been a problem for Irwin in the past. He has to be consistent with recognizing the times to step up. The team as a whole is far too conservative at their own blue line.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Vlasic and Braun should take notes on how Irwin is aggressive at his own blue line and forces forwards to dump pucks. Vlasic and Braun both give up the blue line to easily and then just try and stick check and poke pucks away instead of playing the body and seperating the man from the puck. They are both 6'2 and 200+ and can skate. No excuse as to why they are so easy to play against.

Vlasic can sort of get away with it, since he's such an amazing stick-checker, but Braun, I swear man, hit the gym. Watching Kopitar push around him like a rag doll was depressing.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Let's not pretend that standing up at the blue line hasn't been a problem for Irwin in the past. He has to be consistent with recognizing the times to step up. The team as a whole is far too conservative at their own blue line.

But at least he will do it. If the Sharks iced a bunch of pylons on the back end..i'd somewhat understand it..slightly but they don't. Outside of Murray (who shouldn't be playing) they can skate and be more aggressive in all 3 zones. I know Irwin has made mistaked but hes fearless...hence why hes still in the line up.

 

[Juxtaposer]

“If you don’t have an A game, you have to have a B game. Tonight, some guys had their D game, and at this level, it just can’t happen against these elite teams,” Joe Thornton said. “Just too many guys didn’t have their A or B game tonight.”

Look in the mirror, Joe. This is the type of Matchup that he has to win. Last year, he could compete with the Kopitars of the world head to head, now, nothing.

 

[WTFetus]

“If you don’t have an A game, you have to have a B game. Tonight, some guys had their D game, and at this level, it just can’t happen against these elite teams,†Joe Thornton said. “Just too many guys didn’t have their A or B game tonight.â€

Look in the mirror, Joe. This is the type of Matchup that he has to win. Last year, he could compete with the Kopitars of the world head to head, now, nothing.

I thought Thornton had his B game today. Still not great, but not horrible. I was trying to think of who he and McLellan were talking about, but there are too many to count.
Pretty much the bottom-4 D, the bottom-6 forwards except Wingels, and Pavelski.

 

[JayP812]

Desjardins was noticeably bad today. Sit him next game, put Galiardi in.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Vlasic can sort of get away with it, since he's such an amazing stick-checker, but Braun, I swear man, hit the gym. Watching Kopitar push around him like a rag doll was depressing.

Kopitar can do that to anyone. Braun is getting outmuscled by guys like Justin ****ing Williams. Hes just gotten worse since his WC performance. Now Vlasic is a great stick checker and great positionally when hes playing well but he would be even better if he added a consistent physical edge. Just my opinion.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

I thought Thornton had his B game today. Still not great, but not horrible. I was trying to think of who he and McLellan were talking about, but there are too many to count.
Pretty much the bottom-4 D, the bottom-6 forwards except Wingels, and Pavelski.

Sheppard was involved, Burns was too. Pavelski..despite the Drew Remenda lovefest was not very good. Him saying the only reason that Marleau's goal was possible was due to Pavelski's change

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Desjardins was noticeably bad today. Sit him next game, put Galiardi in.

Burish can't recieve a ****ing pass. He needs to sit.

 

[Juxtaposer]

I thought Thornton had his B game today. Still not great, but not horrible. I was trying to think of who he and McLellan were talking about, but there are too many to count.
Pretty much the bottom-4 D, the bottom-6 forwards except Wingels, and Pavelski.

True, although everyone was on auto-pilot after the 4th goal. Still, he was outplayed by Kopitar, and last year Thornton could at least break even in a matchup like that. It's not like Couture and Burns are scrubs defensively or anything, although I'd say Marleau and Pavelski are better defensively.

Pretty much everyone was average, below, or terribad. Marleau, Couture, and Irwin were decent, Thornton, Burns, and Boyle weren't great, but not terrible, and the rest were plain awful.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

But at least he will do it. If the Sharks iced a bunch of pylons on the back end..i'd somewhat understand it..slightly but they don't. Outside of Murray (who shouldn't be playing) they can skate and be more aggressive in all 3 zones. I know Irwin has made mistaked but hes fearless...hence why hes still in the line up.

You know who else will do it? That #5 guy that keeps getting benched. lol

 

[WTFetus]

Sheppard was involved, Burns was too. Pavelski..despite the Drew Remenda lovefest was not very good. Him saying the only reason that Marleau's goal was possible was due to Pavelski's change

Yeah, I thought Drew's comment on Pavelski's change was weird too. And I was putting Burns in as part of the Top-6.