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Why Sharks are eating NHL

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Todd McLellan didn't just bring a new system to town; he brought a new attitude as well. Players say the coaching staff understands that mistakes happen, and not every one needs to be pointed out on the spot or receive serious consequences. Case in point: In a game against Pittsburgh on Oct. 28, defenseman Douglas Murray coughed up the puck to Evgeni Malkin, the NHL's leading scorer. It happened right in front of the San Jose net, a goal waiting to happen. Luckily for the Sharks, the shot went wide. "It was an absolutely bonehead play, and I came back to the bench and didn't get yelled at," Murray recalled. "I think in the past they would have made a much bigger deal of it." That might sound as if players aren't held accountable, but Jeremy Roenick says nothing could be further from the truth. "There's more of a level of seriousness from the coaches this year," Roenick said. "Even if we're winning, we still get some heated meetings. Like, 'You guys better pick this up, because if we let it creep in now, it's going to hurt us later.' They don't let anything slide."

San Jose Mercury News

Todd McLellan, AP Todd McLellan, AP

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November 21, 2008  12:15 PM ET
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Letting things slide is pretty easy when you have the best record in the NHL. If the Sharks had TB's record I doubt it would be so accommodating.

November 21, 2008  12:59 PM ET
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McLellan was recently a part of the Detroit organization. I am sure he learned a great deal on how to let the players play while the coach manages the bench. The Wings have always been treated as professionals. It sounds like the last coach of the Sharks didn't.

November 21, 2008  01:38 PM ET
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According to Drew Remenda...after Murray???s giveaway to Evgeni Malkin in the Pittsburgh game, McLellan (rather than berate Murray for such a horrendous turnover) patted him on the shoulder and said ???The guys were pretty excited about that pass - they thought we had just traded for Malkin!???

Drew pointed out that obviously Murray knew it was a big mistake so no point hammering him about it. McLellan???s comment helped Murray relax and ???shake it off,??? especially since he???s such an important part of the defense.

November 21, 2008  02:34 PM ET
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There is no point in saying anything about San Josie until the playoffs. Hopefully they can get it done when it counts but who knows at this point. Caps will have their hands full with them Sat. night. Hope Semin and/or Federov can go in that one.

November 21, 2008  02:45 PM ET
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Todd McLellan = Winning tradition!

His days in Detroit didn't hurt him at all!

November 21, 2008  05:28 PM ET
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Well, what can I say. Bringing Todd McLellan in was probably the best move the Sharks have done in the franchise history. It's not a big secret that the Red Wings are one of the best organization's in any major sport. To get a hand on one of their assistant coaches would be a godsend for any team.

And I don't even support the Red Wings.

November 21, 2008  10:33 PM ET
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Speaking of Wings, I don't know why Babcock hasn't bumped a few defensive heads together, They're playing like 'whos on first'. But with their offence they can make a few mistakes. The Sharks look good right now, but you need depth to get through the eighty-two.

 
November 21, 2008  11:48 PM ET
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Todd Mclellan has won at every level and everybody who knows his resume isn't surprised, San Jose will be extremely tough to beat come april!

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