08-09 Sharks Review: Forwards Pt 2

Forwards Part 2

Jeremy Roenick – Probably JR’s final year in the NHL.  I think he has done something really good with the team.  But it wasn’t enough to get them over the hump.  Last year was better than this year.  This year 2 shoulder injuries really hurt his play.  But nothing can take away from the energy and leadership that JR provided for this team.

Tomas Plihal – Played a good defensive role.  When given his chances he did not mess up.  He excelled defensively and provided some scoring here and there. 

Jody Shelley – The Enforcer of the team. Lead team in fights.  He’s got someone behind him who is ready to push his way onto the team, in Brad Staubitz.  But Shelley provides an XFactor that Staubitz can’t (yet). 

Claude Lemieux – Another veteran leader that the Sharks brought in.  But unlike JR, he wasn’t able to do the same.  There must have been something that prevented him from making an impact.  But this experiment failed.  He only played when there was an injury, otherwise he wasn’t as effective as they would have liked.

Travis Moen – Brought in to be the Mike Grier type player: gritty, defensively strong, chip in some timely goals.  Perhaps he sabotaged the Sharks, but he didn’t show up in the playoffs at all.  Disappeared like Guerin did a few years ago. 

Torrey Mitchell – Missed entire season due to a broken leg, but makes a surprise appearance in the playoffs.  Plays his heart out to try to win games.  His presence was missed during the year.  If he stays healthy, he will be a huge factor next year.  He was a pretty big factor this year in the 3 games he played.

The Call Ups

Brad Staubitz – We will always remember Staubitz busting Jordon TooToo’s nose in a fight.  One of the best fights.  Provided energy, hitting, fighting.  A Shelley to be.  He will continue to learn what it takes to make it into the NHL. But while Shelley is there, he’ll have to wait his turn.

Jamie McGinn – The most improved player on the team.  Called up from Worcester multiple times, and every time showed more and more that he learned and is willing to do what is needed to stay.  His last demotion also coincidently was the beginning of the end of the Sharks season.  So maybe he’s got something to bring next year.

Ryan Vesce – Led the Worchester Sharks in points.  Got the opportunity to play with the Sharks.  The 2nd call up he improved and showed he was learning what it takes to be in the Majors. 

Lukas Kaspar – Struggled this year.  Made the team but did not impress.  Where has this guy gone?  He has not been a scoring threat.  Most likely a bust.

Tom Cavanagh – Some stints, but nothing to write home about

Riley Armstrong – did not impress, but is still young and will be given another chance

Logan Couture & Mike Morris - recent draft picks; still developing, but has 1 -2 more years to prove that he belongs