Vincent Damphousse exercises player option


Veteran center Vincent Damphousse exercised his player option to stay with San Jose. Damphousse scored 23 goals, 38 assists in 82 games last season, with a +/- of -13.

10 Reasons to watch the Stanley Cup finals
No one bid on an EBAY auction to write an article for FoxSports/NHL, so after it ended I thought I would give it a shot with my Stanley Cup Preview :: Top 10 reasons to watch the Stanley Cup finals.

After notching 3 game winning goals against Ottawa, Jeff Friesen has another 2 goals tonight against Anaheim. Here is a flashback of his return to San Jose after being traded to Anaheim.

Sharkspage notes

- Added a few things to the store. Also check out the EBAY NHL and Sharks auction listings.

- Mike Ricci's $3 million team option was picked up by the Sharks.

- Hulking 6,3 240 pound defensive prospect Doug Murray signed his first professional contract with San Jose.

- [Nonhockey note] Write in your vote for A's outfielder Eric Byrnes for the MLB allstar game. Vote often.

Sharks hire Doug Wilson as new GM
San Jose selected former captain and current director of pro development Doug Wilson to be the next general manager of the Sharks.

New GM to do list:
1. Prepare for the draft.
2. Trade up for a higher pick.
3. Sign Marleau/Sturm.
4. Make an offer for Luc Robitaille.
5. Make Teemu an offer he can not refuse.
6. Sign someone who can fight.

3rd round playoff predictions
After going 4-4 in the first round with consensus selections, and 2-2 in the second round picking all underdogs, now I will prognosticate on the conference finals. Like the Sharks, I am struggling with .500 .

EAST - Ottawa [1] vs New Jersey [2]
Ottawa has a simple plan for New Jersey, score more goals. New Jersey has a simple plan for Ottawa, rely on Martin Brodeur's playoff mojo. The Senators will utilize speed, a lightning quick transistion, and a compliment of gifted goal scorers. NJ will counter with physical play by the defense, capitalizing on turnovers, and once again, Martin Brodeur's playoff mojo. I have picked against the Devils every round, which seems to work out well for them.
Bottom line: Ottawa in 7.



WEST - Minnesota [6] vs Anaheim [7]
Jean-Sebastien Giguere is the MVP of the playoffs to date. Every toe save, or flying poke save gives his teammates opportunities to win. In the first two rounds, the Ducks eliminated the second seeded Wings, and the top seeded Stars. Minnesota spotted the Cancucks and the Avalanche 3-1 leads, and then snatched victory from the jaws of playoff elimination. I am looking for Giguere and the Ducks to shut out the Wild early and gain a 3-1 series lead. Marion Gaborik [9G,8A], Wes Walz [7G,6A], and Andrew Brunette [6G,6A] will spark a miraculous comeback for the Wild, which will end in game 7 disappointment.
Bottom line: Anaheim in 7.

Previous rounds:
second round predictions
first round predictions

Denmark World Championship hockey photos

Posted with permission from Ishockey.dk.





The 2 photos above posted with permission from ihwc.net.

Shark Notes
- Marcel Goc impressed at the IIHF World Championships in Finland. Strong on faceoffs, excellent passer, nice prospect.

- ESPN2 has a list of the most exciting OT games in Stanley Cup playoff history. My favorite would have to be the infamous triple OT non-goal to win the Cup for Dallas in 1999.

- Ouch, Dan Wood brings up a painful reminder of Sandis Ozolinsh's playoff legacy in teal.

- Fool.com examines the NHL's financial situation, Pro Hockey's in Trouble.

- The GM search in San Jose continues, and the NHL entry draft starts June 21st. My advice: Hire Doug Wilson and trade up to draft either Nathan Horton or Thomas Vanek.

Viva Danmark

Last year I posted about Demark's 47-0 loss to Canada in the 1949 World Championships. At the time, I said I would make this site Danish hockey central for this years tournament.

After stunning team USA 5-2, and shocking team Canada 2-2, Denmark has proven it can compete against the best players in the world.

Danish Hockey Links:
IHWC.net - Team Denmark
BT Online - Ishockey
Ishockey.dk
Hockeys Future - Danish prospects
Copenhagen Post
Eurohockey.net Denmark
Yahoo.dk - hockey photos