As the Calendar Turns to November

November probably couldn’t have started any better for the Sharks, especially going to Carolina for an odd start time and laying the lumber as they did in a 5-1 victory. This game points to a bigger trend as of late for the Sharks though, they’re finally putting things together for a complete type of effort.

The first evidence came about in Philadelphia in a 4-1 victory, where they not only scored first but also put the pedal to the metal on both ends of the ice. The Flyers are a pretty good team, and got better with the trade for Chris Pronger this past off-season. Then there was the last game of October against an Avalanche team that lost only once in 13 games before coming to the pavilion. No matter, the Sharks added another loss to that total also.

The Carolina game also showed complete in a different light also, getting scoring from more than just the big guns. Brad Staubitz scored his second of the season, Kent Huskins got involved, and even Douglas Murray made his way onto the statsheet for something besides penalty minutes.

As October has closed, it’s time for me to show one player who stepped up big, and one who would probably like to forget October altogether. Without further ado, here it goes.

Star of the Month: Patrick Marleau

This was probably the easiest one, because he has somewhat flown under the radar with Dany Heatley’s arrival. His numbers are impressive to say the least (11 Goals, 10 Assists, +6 rating), and they only tell a fraction of the story. Fans were looking at Marleau with great interest to see how he would play after having the “C” removed, and I think that question has been answered sufficiently. He seems to move faster than everyone on the ice, he gets after the loose pucks, and plays like someone with an axe to grind. The way he’s going, that axe should be plenty sharp by the time the playoffs come around

Write-Off of the Month: Ryane Clowe

This poor guy had the roughest go of it, and it pained me to watch because I know this guy can be a great goal-scorer. Coach Todd McLellan tried a whole host scenarios to get him opportunities to score, and it just never seemed to click. That is, until McLellan called his name for a shootout round against the Kings. The game-winner that night did not count towards his season totals, but nevertheless it lifted a weight off of his shoulders. He would then follow that up with his first official goal of the season against Colorado, so it appears that he has turned a corner which means another weapon for the Sharks to utilize. Something I am sure the entire league is absolutely thrilled to hear.

As far as November goes, it is going to be a good batch of barometer games to see how far things are progressing. The Sharks will take on the Stanley Cup participants within two days of each other, playing the Red Wings in Detroit then coming home to face the Penguins. The Dallas Stars will then make their first visit of the season, and there are even two games against the Blackhawks (ESPN the Magazine’s pick to be Western Conference Champs). And of course, another trip back to Anaheim to take on those pesky Ducks again.

So far, what I would have to say about the first month was that it was about what I expected it to be. Some adjustment period with the new faces, however it seems like the linemates are finding their chemistry now. Add to that with the imminent return of Joe Pavelski, and there is something special.

One final question, will we even see Torrey Mitchell on the ice this year? I’m starting to wonder, but that’s for another entry. See you next time.

Tags: Opinion