Apr 3, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) screens Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) as defenseman Trevor Daley (6) defends during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Sharks defeated the Stars 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the Sharks will wrap up their six game road trip with a final stop in the “Big D” to take on the Dallas Stars.  When these two Pacific Division rivals last faced one another, San Jose embarked on their last road trip of the 2011-2012 season.  In that contest San Jose ended up defeating Dallas 5-2.  The Sharks received scoring contributions from their big guns and depth players.  Their goal scorers on that night were Joe Thornton, Logan Couture, Ryane, Clowe, Daniel Winnik, and TJ Galiardi.  Tonight’s match up is the first of four scheduled meetings between these two rivals.  The next time they square off against each other won’t be until April 7th when the Dallas Stars visit the Sharks at HP Pavilion.

Last night the San Jose Sharks fell victim to the Chicago Blackhawks for the third time this season as they were edged out 2-1.  The only goal scorer for San Jose was Patrick Marleau who ended up sneaking one past Ray Emery.  His goal would make it the 11th of the season.  To add insult to injury on the matter, they also were on the wrong side of history as their opponent re-wrote the books and collected points in 17 straight games.  After going 7-0-0, the Sharks have a 1-5-3 record in their last nine games.  For the Dallas Stars they were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks this past Thursday by a 4-3 final.

Currently the Stars are 8-8-1 on the season with a fourth place spot in the Pacific Division and are outside the Western Conference’s top eight in ninth overall.  For San Jose, they are in second place in the Pacific with an 8-5-3 record and seated in sixth of the West.

Tale of The Tape Report:

Sharks

Games Played: 16

Wins: 8

Losses: 5

OT: 3

Points: 19

Winning Percentage: 0.594

G/G: 2.38

GA/G: 2.12

PP%: 18.0

PK%: 87.5

S/G: 29.5

SA/G: 29.2

FO%: 53.0

Stars

Games Played: 17

Wins: 8

Losses: 8

OT: 1

Points: 17

Winning Percentage: 0.500

G/G: 2.53

GA/G: 2.76

PP%: 15.0

PK%: 83.1

S/G: 26.4

SA/G: 30.8

FO%: 47.7

Apr 3, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Sharks defeated the Stars 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Who’s Hot: Sharks captain Joe Thornton and forward Patrick Marleau have points in back-to-back games.  Marleau scored San Jose’s lone goal in Chicago. Jamie Benn scored a goal in Thursday’s 4-3 loss to Vancouver and has 10 points in his last eight games.

Injury Report: San Jose forward James Sheppard is out.  Dallas is without Lehtonen (groin) and forward Ray Whitney (foot).  Defenseman Trevor Daley (neck) is doubtful.

***Who’s Hot/Injury Reports courtesy of the San Jose Sharks.***

Official Link: http://sharks.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2012020260&navid=DL|SJS|home

Tonight’s contest has a 5:00p PST puck drop and can be seen on CSNCA HD and can be heard on 98.5/102.1 KFOX.

LET’S GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!

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@KingShark49 @81Bayer

Blades of Teal: Tape to tape “WITH THE PASS” of expert analysis on San Jose Sharks, Worcester Sharks, and San Francisco Bulls hockey

2011-2012 Season Series Statistics: San Jose Sharks Defeats Dallas Stars 5-1

Mike (San Jose Sharks, Blades of Teal, @bluelineboomer): People might think I’d say the Kings or Coyotes, but I’m really terrified of the Stars.  The older bodies in San Jose should have a tough time with physical play in general.  I can’t STAND Brenden Morrow but think he has the potential to beat up our best players in the corners.  Him alone would scare me enough but whole roster Nieuwendyk has put together is a tough one and the offseason additions of Rome and Roy…egad.  If Jagr brings back his glorious hairdo from the 1990s we could be in for a long set against Dallas.

Dec 21, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Brenden Morrow (10) checks Philadelphia Flyers left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Flyers defeated the Stars 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Troy (Phoenix Coyotes, Howlin’ Hockey, Troy’s feed): First I will state the obvious then maybe not so obvious. Kings for sure. Gritty team that emulates our Coyotes pack mentality. Tough on the blue line and a lot of offensive fire power to keep you on your heels. When you do get it going and are able to maintain the puck….you still have Quick in net who can beat you by himself.

June 11, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) is presented with the Conn Smythe trophy by commissioner Gary Bettman (left) after defeating the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in game six of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals at the Staples Center. The Kings won the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Not so obvious is Anaheim. Hiller also has that Mike Smith/Jonathan Quick ability to take over a game. The Ducks are so talented they can win 10 in a row. Same team can lose 5 in a row. Just look at the top 10 names on their stat sheet. Looks like an All-Star bench or an Olympic team.

Jake (LA Kings, Rink Royalty, Jake’s feed):  I expect the Kings to be the class of the Pacific Division this year. In terms of worst matchup though, LA tends to struggle with Phoenix, and I expect that to continue this year. Dave Tippett always has his team prepared to play, no matter the disparity in talent that they face. Resigning Shane Doan was huge for them because they kept the face of the franchise as well as one of the best overall hockey players in the league.

Losing Ray Whitney might end up being a huge blow for a team that is always goal-starved, but getting Zbynek Michalek back from Pittsburgh and steady play from Mike Smith make Phoenix a really good defensive squad.  Having clarity in the ownership situation, something that has not been the case in the last few years, should provide an added boost to the Coyotes as well.

May 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) celebrates with right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Martin Hanzai (11) after scoring a goal during the first period of game four in the Western Conference finals of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs as Los Angeles Kings players Jarret Stoll (28), Trevor Lewis (22) and Rob Scuderi (7) watch at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Matt (LA Kings, Rink Royalty, Matt’s feed): The Coyotes always seem to give the Kings fits and Mike Smith had our number until the playoffs last year.  Also Phoenix will have a little extra motivation after being dismantled by the Kings in the playoffs (although to be fair, LA plowed through everyone).

As far as offseason upgrades, its clear the Stars made the most moves to improve their roster.  Although the additions look good on paper, you never know how the chemistry is going to come together especially with the lockout and players being situated all over the globe.  I bet it will take time for their acquisitions to mesh into a well-oiled unit.

Mar 20, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Michael Ryder (73) and defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and left wing Loui Eriksson (21) celebrate Ryders first goal during the second period against the Phoenix Coyotes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

If Quick can maintain his level of excellence then I think the Kings are in great position to go deep into the playoffs once again.  Sorry if this sounds cocky, but we are the champs until proven otherwise.

Missy (Dallas Stars, Blackout Dallas, @blackoutdallas): I am really scared of the Kings with them winning the Stanley Cup last season. The Anaheim Ducks will be a big force and they are also going to want to win for Teemu Selanne. The Phoenix Coyotes after losing to the Kings in the last around to make the Stanley up round will also be looking to try and make the playoffs again.

February 8, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne (8) controls the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Me being the editor of the Dallas Stars site, I see the Dallas Stars making the playoffs. It all depends on if they can have a great start to the season and not collapse at the end like they normally do. Also a healthy Brenden Morrow can also boost the club. With the additions of Cody Eakins and Derek Roy, the stars will have fire power. It will be interesting to see the club without Steve Ott in the lineup.

Mike: You guys are all real pieces of work for saying the Sharks will fair so poorly.  Not one of you thinks they’ll be tough to tangle with?  This is bulletin board stuff, I hope Coach McLellan is paying attention.

Missy: I also forgot to add the San Jose Sharks as they are going to be a big force with Logan Couture. The Sharks will also be looking to fight a playoff spot too.

Dec 1, 2011; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Ryane Clowe (29) celebrates with center Logan Couture (39) and right wing Martin Havlat (9) after Clowe scored a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at HP Pavilion. San Jose won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Mike:  THANK you.  For the love of Nolan I thought we weren’t going to get any praise over here.

Missy: hahaha I knew I forgot one team. Sorry about that, Mike.

Troy:  I almost forgot about the Sharks. We plan on making tuna fish sammiches!  That should give you some bulletin board. Coyotes are a hard working bunch. Now they tasted past the first round look for them to add onto that. The commitment from Doan and Jamison will resonate through the organization and there should be quite a buzz every time Brown, Morrow, or Thorton get squooshed into the boards.  Getzslapped too.

Gloves off boys. It’s Hockey season. I’m wicked excited and not even from Boston.

Kris Hill (Anaheim Ducks, Ducks Daily Blog, @thekrishill): As far as the Ducks are concerned, I say our toughest match-ups would be in this order: Stars, Kings, Sharks, Coyotes

The Stars will be toughest due to Morrow, the additions of Roy and Eakins and I see Jagr to be back to his old ways.  Our neighbors in LA are the defending champs and need to be given their due. There will be a bit of a hangover, but Brown and Co. will still be strong.  The Sharks will be tough but we can trap them.  As far as the flea bitten desert mutts, Mike Smith will slump and with Whitney gone, so goes the scoring.

Respectfully, Kristopher A. Hill

Troy: Coyotes on last? This obviously came from a Duck fan who stops following hockey at the All-Star break when their team is eliminated.  :)

Kris: Two words for my hatred: Raffi Torres

Mike: Everyone hate Raffi Torres. Raffi Torres hates Raffi Torres.

Feb 7, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Raffi Torres (37) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Coyotes defeated the Stars 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Missy: Hmm well I could see this division being very close like it was the past few years.

Indeed, Missy.  Indeed.

~BB

Be sure to follow all of your BoT staff on twitter!!!  

@KingShark49 @bluelineboomer @81Bayer

Blades of Teal: Tape to tape “WITH THE PASS” of expert analysis on San Jose Sharks, Worcester Sharks, and San Francisco Bulls hockey

Mar. 3, 2009; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks mascot S.J. Sharkie stretches before the game against the Dallas Stars at HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA. The Stars defeated the Sharks 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

If I told you about a sexy spy movie that was a thriller with a hint of romance starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, what year would you guess that it was filmed?  Wait, before looking, check out the movie poster here.  1996?  1997?  2000 at the latest, right?  Try 2010.  The movie’s called “Knight and Day.”  With Diaz pushing 40 and Cruise now post-couch, it fares about as well as you’d think.  That’s what I think of some of the teams in the Pacific Division and their offseason movies.  A lot of flash and flare, awesome moves if they’d happened 5-15 years ago, but they look to be a straight-to-DVD deal now.  A review of divisional moves:

Phoenix Coyotes

Feb. 21, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Phoenix Coyotes logo is projected onto the ice prior to the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Offseason adds: RW David Moss. G Andy Johnson, LW Rob Klinkhammer, F Steve Sullivan, F Joel Rechlicz, RW Nick Johnson, D Chris Summers

Analysis: A 3rd or 4th liner who may get promoted if Doan doesn’t resign?  An aged Steve Sullivan?  Someone named Joel Rechlicz?  I know the Coyotes were a formidible force last season, particularly in a playoffs dominated by their goalie Mike Smith, but I don’t see any of these moves as significant adds.  The Coyotes felt like they were a few pieces away last season and have done nothing to push their cause forward.  Incidentally, speaking of Smith, he’s a UFA at season’s end and is only 30 years old.  Think a team with a tenuous-at-best ownership situation has a snowball’s chance in Phoenix of keeping him?  This could be just them kicking the can down the road until the eventual departure of the ‘yotes from Glendale.    Roy Miller in Knight and Day said it best: “Someday. That’s a dangerous word. It’s really just a code for ‘never’.”

Los Angeles Kings

Offseason adds: D Andrew Campbell, D Andrew Bodnarchuck, F Thomas Hickey, F Stefan Lengein, D Jake Muzzin, F Tanner Pearson

Analysis: The Kings are loaded and were at season’s end.  No need for major changes, the returning champs look strong going into September camp.   Miller: “You’ve got skills.”

Dallas Stars

Apr 07, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Brenden Morrow (10) during the game against the St. Louis Blues at American Airlines Center. The Blues won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

Offseason adds: D Aaron Rome, F Jaromir Jagr, F Brett Richie, D Troy Vance, G Richard Bachman, F Colton Sceviour, LW Ray Whitney, F Derek Roy

Analysis:  Wait, and let me get this straight.  You sign a couple guys WAY past their prime (Jagr and Whitney), a not-the-same-since-his-injury Derek Roy, a marginal defenseman in Aaron Rome and Stars Fans are supposed to get excited?  Come on.  This almost sounds like the premise behind Knight and Day itself.  I don’t see the Stars posing a big threat here.  People have been praising the Stars’ moves, the guys at Bleacher Report actually gave their offseason an A-.  I normally agree with the Bleacher Report authors, they’re a top flight bunch.  This time we park our cars in different garages.  I look forward to booing them during the anthem.  Miller: “It’s just… one of those things.”

Anaheim Mighty Ducks Anaheim Disneys Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Anaheim Ducks

May 5, 2009; Anaheim, CA, USA; Statue of Anaheim Ducks mascot Wild Wing at the Honda Center before the game against the Detroit Red Wings. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Offseason adds: D Sheldon Souray, RW Brad Staubitz, D Jordan Henry, D Bryan Allen, D Matt Smaby, F Corey Elkins, G Frederik Andersen, C Nick Bonino, D Hampus Lindholm, G Marco Cousineau, C Daniel Winnik

Analysis: The Ducks made some of the best offseason moves in the division.  Souray is a nice scoring defenseman to add to their already decent D corps.  We all know Staubitz, and we had a brief flirtation with Daniel Winnik as well.  Really, though, no big moves.  Miller: “I’m sorry. Who are you again?”

Overall the lack of movement makes me like our chances.  Closing out with one final quote from Roy Miller: “Sometimes things happen for a reason.”  Indeed.

~BB

Best Offseasons

1. Carolina Hurricanes
2. New York Rangers
3. Minnesota Wild
4. Colorado Avalanche
5. Washington Capitals

Want to debate a list? Tweet me @bluelineboomer