The San Jose Sharks will wrap-up their pre-season with a game against the Flames on Tuesday. So far, they've put together a less than impressive 1-2-1 record allowing 19 goals over those 4 games and scoring 14 times. Now I'm no math genius, but something tells me those kind of numbers aren't going to translate into W's for this club.
The last game was supposed to be the unvailing of three new Sharks: Wingers - Martin Erat and Darcy Tucker and Defenceman - Aaron Ward. Unfortunately, due to certain players prior engagements, only Tucker was able to suit up and so the recently departed Timonen stayed for one last kick with his short lived team. A kick in which he left the Sharks wondering if they had made the right decision as he potted two assists and was for the first time in four games, a + player.
The upcoming Flames game will now be the first and final opportunity to see the finished product of what has been a busy summer in San Jose. Payroll has gone from around $55 Million IIRC, to a staggering $79 Million in under 5 months. Staff and fans alike are hoping all the new faces pay off by putting on a good show and giving this city something to be proud of on the ice for once.
GM RT has decided to ice the best possible team he can for this one so expect Budaj to get the start between the pipes. Game time roster should be:
Erat 77ov - Forsberg 81ov - Satan 79ov
Bondra 75ov - Zubrus 77ov - Tucker 77ov
Afana 72ov - McAmmond 73ov - Vrbata 74ov
Sutherby 70ov - Svitov 70ov - Hilbert 71ov
Nieds 85ov - Klesla 76ov
Modry 74ov - Greene 73ov
Ward 73ov - Mezei 71ov
Budaj 77ov
Toivonen 73ov
RT is not expected to make any more significant moves before the start of the regular season but as always, nothing is certain and anyone could go at any given time. Still, he's quite happy with how things have shaped up thus far and is looking forward to seeing how this team can perform together. Of course a loss tomorrow would almost certainly force me to write an entirely new article saying exactly the opposite.
Sharks Pre-Season Wrap Up
