Player to Watch: Milan Michalek

The Sharks are starting to heat it up. But I think there is one guy that really stands out this first month plus: Milan Michalek. This is a guy taht people should be watching for. He plays on the Marleau line with Steve Bernier (burn-yay). Why do I like the guy? here's why:

1) SPEED. He is fast Fast FAST. So many times have I seen the guy go up the wing. and when he sees the defender is slightly off balanced, WHOOSH. Michalek has sped right by him, cuts to the goal and shoots it into the net. Whenever I see Michalek get the puck I think one thing: "Speed Kills." He's the fastest on an-already-fast line.

2) PlayMaking. With all that speed, people forget that he is a great passer. Already this year we have had a spinning 360 pass to Bernier for a goal. Then in the first game vs LA, Michalek was behind the net, ricochets a pass off the side of the net right onto Marleau's stick for a goal. Give this guy the puck, he's a highlight reel.

3) Defence. Definately not what people look for, but he is reliable on the D. Last year he played some Penalty Kill. But this year other players were brought in to take that spot. But as they say, when the coach puts you out, he knows he can count on you to do the job.

Milan Michalek, #9. Keep your eye on him, or he'll be by you in a second.


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In other news, the Sharks are going strong. Everyone is getting into the act. Marleau had a hat trick, Cheechoo 2 goals, Rissmiller 3 Assists. The Goalie situation is really competitive. Both Toskala and Nabokov take pride in what they do. Some friendly competition has excelled them both.

Powerplay is #1 in the league. Penalty Kill is #5 in the league. Even strength seems to be the problem. 5-on-5 is surprisingly struggling. But recently came back to score more goals. If the 5 on 5 plays well this team is extremely scarey.

If you look at the divisions only 1 division has more than one team with 10 wins. The Pacific Division. The Ducks, the Stars, and the Sharks all have 12 wins. This will be the most competitive division this year. At the end of the year, the 3rd place team is going to miss having home ice in the playoffs. The division winner is in the 1-3 spot, the 2nd place team is #4, and the 3rd place team is on away ice. Wow. It makes for some good Hockey.

The Sharks are going to be good for a long time. They are young, they are fast, and they are big. Other teams better watch out. the Sharks are coming through.