San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers, Game 69 Breakdown

So You're Saying There's A Chance... - Fear The Fin
Also, with all due respect to Mr. Botford, I think he may have accidentally miscalculated the numbers on Anaheim-- by my count they went 18-14 after the All-Star Break during their Cup winning year in 2007, and while that's no sterling record, it's a far cry from losing 17 of 25. They were also 25 points ahead of the 9 seed on March 9 of that year.

How Zonestarts Prevented the Stars From Falling - Fear The Fin
The link between offensive zone starts and performance is well-established - it made very little sense for Gulutzan to start his offensively-inclined talents in their own end of the ice as frequently as his defensive stoppers rather than give the latter a larger share of the defensive responsibility, allowing the likes of Ryder and Ribeiro to spend more time in the offensive zone where they're less liable to cost the team defensively while doing what they do best - generating offense.

Second period implosion leads to 3-0 loss - Fear The Fin
Despite a dominant first period, poor defensive coverage by the Sharks in the latter half of the middle frame cost them the game, as well as the oh-so-valuable two points, against a divisional opponent directly ahead of them in the standings. It was one of the team's weakest efforts of a stretch that's been filled with losses.

Sharks scratching heads as they try to claw for wins - Fear The Fin
It comes with getting the first goal, and even though the Sharks tried their darndest to get it against Phoenix, it didn't go that way. Against Edmonton, that can't be the case. The Sharks aren't even starting at square one right now, they're at about square -3. Getting the first goal of a game would do wonders.

Oilers vs. Sharks – Putting on the Foil
I think if we picked up a GOOD goaltender (perhaps Harding can do it?) in the off-season, and a few better bottom six guys, this team will look a lot better. Another solid d-man would be nice too. But this line up is looking a little closer to an NHL line up. It still has issues though, so don’t worry, I’m not too clueless. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Oil pulled off a win tonight.

G69 Sharks at Oilers - Lowetide
Patrick’s record isn’t perfect, but it’s a huge upgrade from Howson. As hockey empire builders go, this is kind of David v Goliath when we compare Patrick to Tambellini. We know Columbus will be offloading their best player (Rick Nash) and there are rumors the club will also deal their #1 overall pick. One of the reasons is probably the presence of Nail Yakupov at the top of the player charts–the Jackets have had enough of the hammer and sickle for a lifetime.