The offseason sucks. And I know technically hockey isn't over yet, but somehow I'm scheduled to work during 5 of the 7 SCF games so i feel like it started. 

Anyway, now is the time that I go back to playing NHL 11 during my free time, and normally I'm playing be a pro. Now today I kind of got tired of playing every single game so I thought I'd simulate a couple months. 2 weeks into the simulation I got a message from my GM. He told me that he felt that I was "phoning in the games", so he sent me down the the minors! I had no idea he could do that. I was the leading goal scorer and plus/minus player in the league but whatever. So now I have to tear it up in the minors to get back to the NHL. I really wish you could demand trades. 

So what are you guys doing in your summer? 

With playoffs just around the corner, you all know what that means. It's time to hide your razors, hide your kids, hide your wife, because the scruff is coming out. This is actually the first year for me that I can grow out a beard because my previous job didn't allow, so I'm super pumped to do it this year. I'm hoping for our first SCF appearance so I can get a good lumberjack look going. 

That being said, I'm kinda interested to see how you guys, if you are, plan on doing your playoff beard. I have a friend who's already started his. Personally I'm gonna shave the day before  we play to see if I can grow a beard (I'm only 21). And what are the "rules" to growing a playoff beard. I'm assuming no trimming? 

One more thing, I was kinda thinking it'd be cool for those that want to participate to take a before pic and then post a pic of how your beard is doing after each round of playoffs. 

Hello everybody! I'd just thought I'd use this Fanpost to clear my head of some crazy (some might call blasphemous) ideas. Anyway, here they are. 

So I know that we had a really strong team last year, and we were oh so close to the elusive stanley's cup. And while I haven't been a devoted sharks fan for very long ('08 playoffs specifically), last year seemed like the strongest team in a while. So naturally, I decided to join this sports blog to help keep me connected to the team in the offseason as well as keeping me up to date on any trades and/or signings. This site has done wonders to my free time, effectively putting a stranglehold on much of my productivity. With each article, I learn about what the sharks need to improve and from where they can receive that help. Each day I get excited for a move from DW that'll blow my mind, yet so far (and I realize it's only july) we haven't seen big changes. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm fully confident that DW will do what's best from the team and will put a very capable team on the ice next season. However, knowing that we are in a huge need for a shutdown defenseman, and knowing that there is a very short supply from which to pull from, I can't help but speculate. In my opinion, it is very possible that we are not able to acquire another defenseman. I'm sure DW does not accept that at all, and will move mountains to make sure that doesn't happen, but that's his job. And (IMO) it's my job to be the realist and accept real possibilities.

Could this turn out to be a rebuilding year, so to speak?  While it may sound stupid, I'd like to think about it for just a minute. I mean, the Sharks have been a strong team for years, but for whatever reason have failed to really be a strong force in the playoffs. Maybe, and I know it's a big maybe, DW is taking a step back and thinking that maybe he should slow down for a minute. He's made huge trades in the past couple years as a way to kinda press the gas pedal straight for a cup win. But we've come up just short, and perhaps this year DW is going to try a different approach to giving this club its first Stanley Cup. 

Even as I finish it I'm kinda thinking how stupid it sounds, but there is a part of me that believes this could turn out to be fairly accurate. Anyway, I just wanted to post this so I could get some feedback from people who know a lot more about this team and hockey than me. (Sorry for the choppy writing, that's what happes when you go to a music school). Try not to flame too much. Thanks.