Preview: Wild @ Sharks

Chardougla   5 January 2017

In the wake of some interesting news and rumors, the Sharks continue their 3 game homestand against the Wild of Minnesota.

Last 10 Games: 9-1-0

Playoff positioning: 2nd in the Central

The scoop: The Wild had their 12 game winning streak snapped on Saturday. Before you breathe a sigh of relief, it was snapped by the only team in the NHL hotter than them, the bizarrely good Columbus Blue Jackets. This is the first of their three game California road trip.

Why you should hate this team: The fuck is a “Wild” anyway? Their logo may be decent, but that might just be the dumbest name in professional sports. Also, Minnesota hockey fans think their shit don’t stink and that Minnesota is the only place in the US that cares about hockey. Seriously, they are insufferable about their stupidly named team.

Exciting player to watch: Charlie Coyle, C. The former 1st rounder of the Sharks was part of the trade that sent Brent Burns the other way. While I think most Sharks fans would agree the Sharks won that deal, Coyle looks to be having a breakout season, as he leads the team in goals with 12.

First Goal Watch: Nate Prosser, D. The 8 year veteran defenseman has twice gone an entire season without a goal, including last season. It hasn’t happened since I started this, but prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Meanwhile, in San Jose: Oh baby, where to begin? It’s been a wild 24 hours for the Sharks. First, they put Long Beach native Matt Nieto on waivers, and he was picked up immediately by the Colorado Avalanche. Good luck in your future endeavors, Mr. Nieto. You will be missed. Then they called up Tim Heed who is eligible to avoid waivers when he is sent down, because he was an emergency call up. Then, changot97 of our distant cousin FTF reported that Doug Wilson was working on a trade that would reportedly send Braun, Boedker, 1st, 2nd, and a prospect to Colorado in exchange for Matt Duchene and Jarome Iginla. Adding a little credence to this is the fact that Boedker will be scratched tonight. Personally I believe that a first, second, and a prospect to be a bit much, but I do like the idea of trading for Duchene to groom as Thornton’s eventual replacement. In addition to all this craziness, Timo Meier will start with the Joes tonight.

Go Sharks!