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Thornton, Marleau miss optional Sharks skate

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07:12 AM ET 04.26 | On the morning of what loomed as their last game of the season, the San Jose Sharks held an optional skate Saturday at HP Pavilion -- and Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau opted not to participate. There are two ways to look at that. They were just being consistent, since neither had shown up for most of the first four games of their playoff series against the Ducks, which the Ducks led, 3-1. Or they were falling short at being what Coach Todd McLellan calls a "core player," a player so important that his success is vital to the team's success. Many players choose to rest instead of skate as the season goes on, and Jeremy Roenick, Douglas Murray and Dan Boyle also were absent. But Marleau is the team captain and Thornton is supposed to be the cornerstone of the franchise and the Sharks were facing elimination. Wouldn't it have made a statement if they'd gone out even for a few minutes and banged a few shots off the boards just to wake people up?

Los Angeles Times

Joe Thornton, AP Joe Thornton, AP
April 26, 2009  09:35 AM ET

I guess the plan worked.

April 26, 2009  09:55 AM ET

Uh...okay.

Comment #3 has been removed
April 26, 2009  12:11 PM ET
QUOTE(#3):

They played pretty good last night.Is anyone watching that series? Niedermayer is playing better than any other defenceman I have seen play all year, he is unbelievable.

The guy is simply unbelievable.

He has been one of the most underrated defenseman of all-time because he spent his first half of his career in the stifling Devil's system, and now plays out west, far from the east-coast media glare.

He skates like Orr and has unbelievable composure.. always makes the plays look easy. Effortless breakout passes, joins the rush, great vision and is an underrated defender.

He could easily play another four years with his legs. Hope he doesn't hang them up after this season.

April 26, 2009  02:25 PM ET
QUOTE(#4):

The guy is simply unbelievable. He has been one of the most underrated defenseman of all-time because he spent his first half of his career in the stifling Devil's system, and now plays out west, far from the east-coast media glare.He skates like Orr and has unbelievable composure.. always makes the plays look easy. Effortless breakout passes, joins the rush, great vision and is an underrated defender. He could easily play another four years with his legs. Hope he doesn't hang them up after this season.

I like your post except for the part where you said he skates like Orr. Sorry, but Bobby Orr was not just a smooth skater like Neidermayer, he had power that was virtually unmatched in his era.

Comment #7 has been removed
April 27, 2009  12:14 AM ET
QUOTE:

Niedermayers awesome. He's won everything a defencemen could win. I'm pretty sure he's the most decorated defencemen in the game today. He should be good for at least 2 more seasons.

Um....The most decorated defenseman in the game today huh? Hes won one Norris Trophy, and four cups. Niklas Lindstrom has won 6 Norris trophies which puts him in a tie for second all time and he is a finalist again this year. Lindstrom has also won four cups. Ill guarantee you if you polled coaches in GMs on best defenseman of all time Lindstrom would come in at number 2 behind Orr. Neidermeyer doesnt crack top 5...He wasnt even the best defenseman on his team in New Jersey that would be Scott Stevens.

April 27, 2009  05:50 PM ET

The only flaw in Neidenfuher's game is his comb over solar panel.

But I've never thought him Orr worthy by comparison. Very good but not that good.

The guy who I love to watch play too is Pronger. You may hate the guy but I'd take him over most any other defenseman in the game today come playoff time. He is just plain ornery.

 
April 29, 2009  01:20 AM ET

I just got back to this post after the Ducks send the Sharks packing early.... again.
That post just sums it up for the Sharks.... Your leaders (and Captain) ss an optional practice says it all.... Lack of C O M M I T M E N T! The Ducks have the guts it takes to win, the Sharks don't. Marleau or Thornton will be traded this summer. A new Captain will be named. Mark my word.

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