| Michael Sonday. 25th April, 2008 - 3:11 pm
 One way or another, Jeremy Roenick finds a way to be in the spotlight. On Tuesday night the veteran center played as if he were ten years younger, scoring two goals and adding two assists in the Sharks' series clinching game seven win over the Calgary Flames.
The often outspoken Roenick demonstrated his willingness to be a team player during their first round series against the Flames. After being a healthy scratch in game six, Roenick was supportive of his team and did not make a spectacle of the situation as he had done in the past. Roenick returned to the ice in game seven and let his play do the talking.
Perhaps Roenick has learned that running his mouth every time something goes wrong is not always the best approach. Roenick played game seven as a player who is hungry and desperate to win his first Stanly Cup. Father time is catching up to the 18 year veteran of the league, and it appears that this may be one of his last chances to hoist the coveted prize.
The Sharks victory over Calgary sets the table for a Western Conference Semifinal match-up against the Dallas Stars, who dispatched of the Anaheim Ducks in six games. The series will feature Mike Modano and Roenick, the top two American born goal scorers of all time.
The Stars and Sharks split the regular season series 4-4. The Stars won their last meeting of the season 4-2 thanks to 32 saves by Marty Turco. The game was intense to say the least, the two teams combined for 160 penalty minutes and four fights.
For the Sharks to have continued success in the playoffs, Roenick must play with grit and continue to be a factor in the offensive zone. When effective, Roenick's presence can be a major contribution to the Sharks lineup. The secondary scoring that Roenick can supply will be a must during the long and taxing playoffs.
To win the Stanley Cup teams must have players that can step up and play outside their limits. Jeremy Roenick is showing he can be that player for the Sharks. |
