Rollin’ the Dice with Greiss

Opening night at the Shark Tank. For the first time in his career, Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss will be between the pipes for the first puck drop of the season. The 3rd Round, 94th overall pick of the Sharks in 2004 will see action tonight because Antii Niemi is still recovering from a cyst removal. To make the goaltending situation even more precarious for the Sharks, regular backup Antero Niittymaki is recovering from hip surgery.

Greiss has appeared in 19 career NHL games, with an official record of 7 wins, 5 losses, 2 overtime losses. But if this year’s preseason is any indication of how sharp Greiss will be tonight, then we can start to breathe much easier. He looked pretty good this preseason, finishing with a record of 4 wins, 1 loss, with a goals against average of 1.71 and a .926 save percentage. You can about Greiss’ thoughts on his start tonight here.

Greiss has the tool-set to get the job done, but like any other person in any career, he is doubted because of his lack of experience. I have a feeling that Greiss is going to prove all of the naysayers wrong tonight, and he will outplay his counterpart, the Coyotes’ Mike Smith. Come to think of it, Greiss and Smith are in a similar situation. Both are being heavily doubted due to their lack of experience.

Let’s remember that Greiss will have the home fans backing him tonight at the Shark Tank. We all know how loud the HP Pavilion can get. Also, let’s not forget that the Sharks have an improved blue line this year that should help clear traffic in front of Greiss.

I’ll be cheering for you tonight, Thomas! Prove everyone wrong and put in a strong performance. Let’s send those Coyotes back to the desert with their tails between their legs! Go Sharks!

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