NHL Recognizes San Jose's 'Three Stars'
March 29, 2007

The San Jose Sharks have definitely been on the receiving end of
awards the past few weeks as Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and
Jonathan Cheechoo have each been named one of the NHL's Three Stars
during the past month.

"It can definitely be contagious," said Marleau. "When one guy is
playing well, you see them and pick up your game."

Thornton has an amazing 29 points (6-23=29) in the past 17 games,
Marleau has 10 (3-7=10) in the last 10 contests and Cheechoo has 16
(9-7=16) in 12 games and others such as Milan Michalek and Bill Guerin
are tearing it up as well.

"That's their job and they are delivering," said Coach Ron Wilson.

And the Sharks are picking up their game at the right time with five
regular season games remaining and the Pacific Division lead in sight.

"The team has been playing well the last few games, playing a playoff
style," said Marleau. "We have to get used to that."

And the three award recipients know that individual awards go
hand-in-hand with team success.

"I don't' think too many people are named to the Three Stars if their
team isn't winning," said Cheechoo. "It makes it a little more
special, but we're going for the big team award at the end."

The three feel that the offensive upswing is a partly due to the
addition of another veteran blueliner. While Craig Rivet may have
plenty of offensive skill, his reputation is based on being a
difficult defender to face.

"It takes the pressure off some of the young (offensive) guys," said
Cheechoo. "They can play more relaxed and it gives the forwards a lot
more confidence. It's nice to have the veterans like (Kyle) McLaren,
(Scott) Hannan and Rivet."

Rivet says there are others who make his job easier.

"I've got to throw it back to Nabby (Evgeni Nabokov) and Tosk (Vesa
Toskala)," said Rivet. "Both have been so strong since I've been here."

As for helping out offensively, Rivet appreciates the forwards who
still do the dirty work.

"We're scoring goals because we're big, strong and dominating in the
corners," said Rivet. "They make it easy on the defense."

GOALTENDER QUESTION
Wilson has not declared officially what he will be doing for the
postseason with the goaltenders. It is likely the every other game
rotation is quickly winding down for the regular season.

"Nabby will play three to four and Tosk will play one to two," said
Wilson. "Tosk missed so much time and Nabby played so well, I don't
want to mess with the team's rhythm. We're going to keep our options
open through the playoffs. If I decide to go with one guy, the players
know that Plan B is the same as Plan A. Both deserve to start."

As for his talented mix of skaters, Wilson will wait and see how the
Pacific Division race shapes up before he decides to rest any of his
forwards or defensemen.

"Everything will depend on Anaheim," said Wilson. "If we can finish in
first, we will play every game like the playoffs. It is a good rehearsal."

Wilson is glad his team is rested for the postseason this year, a
stark contrast to one season ago.

"I don't have to play (Joe and Patty) 25 minutes just to make the
playoffs," said Wilson.

SMITH A HIT
Mark Smith's performance with the Vinyl Trees at The Fillmore in San
Francisco proved to be a hit with teammates who attended the show.

"I've seen him a couple of times and I'm surprised how good he is,"
said Steve Bernier.

Smith's on-stage performance wasn't as nerve-rattling as what was
happening backstage.

"I met the band (The Tragically Hip) and gave them a couple of CD's,"
said Smith. "I was really nervous about that."

NEXT GAME
San Jose will tackle the Phoenix Coyotes Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at
HP Pavilion. Limited tickets are still available at the HP Pavilion
Ticket Office and at www.ticketmaster.com. The contest will be
broadcast on FSN Bay Area in high-definition, KFOX 98.5 FM, Sharks
Radio Network Affiliates and SJSHARKS.com.