The biggest difference tonight? Sharks hit all game long, and made it central to their game, and it slowed down Tampa Bay. Askarov should be rookie of the year, as he shows his form with every big save. It takes major hitting to win in the NHL, and no finesse team will ever beat hard hitting teams. This hitting truism is what is behind genuine defensive hockey, as using the body to dominate is a matter of will to power, not waiting for lucky bounces or favourable referee calls. First game this season that Sharks dominated in the right way. Celebrini will probably never win the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play, but he will eventually be in top points leaders (3 years from now). Vlasic tonight proved that knowing the d-game as a 19 year veteran matters, and he is finally playing healthy after years of chronic injuries. Older hockey players slow down and must use their hockey IQ more to keep up. Vlasic in healthy form will improve Sharks defensiveness and getting puck out of their end more. Sharks need to go on a long winning streak to regain confidence.
Coach is a breath of fresh air. I have really taken a liking to him.
ty for the super fast edits
The biggest difference tonight? Sharks hit all game long, and made it central to their game, and it slowed down Tampa Bay. Askarov should be rookie of the year, as he shows his form with every big save. It takes major hitting to win in the NHL, and no finesse team will ever beat hard hitting teams. This hitting truism is what is behind genuine defensive hockey, as using the body to dominate is a matter of will to power, not waiting for lucky bounces or favourable referee calls. First game this season that Sharks dominated in the right way. Celebrini will probably never win the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play, but he will eventually be in top points leaders (3 years from now). Vlasic tonight proved that knowing the d-game as a 19 year veteran matters, and he is finally playing healthy after years of chronic injuries. Older hockey players slow down and must use their hockey IQ more to keep up. Vlasic in healthy form will improve Sharks defensiveness and getting puck out of their end more. Sharks need to go on a long winning streak to regain confidence.
Sharks have been hitting all season. They are in fact 7th in the league in hits given. That was certainly not the difference tonight.