You Wanna Play Rough?

The Mercury News reports that Ron Wilson will be loading up the big guns on the #1 line: Marleau - Thornton - Cheechoo.

While surprising, especially considering Michalek's success as the #1 LW last year, I like the idea. Marleau can use some confidence points early on to establish himself as the captain and team leader. There's no better way to do that than with Thorton hitting him in stride on a breakaway, or having Cheechoo bury a tape-to-tape pass. Also, the Sharks are rolling 4 deep lines (as usual). The remaining 3 lines will not suffer from a lack of talent.

Speaking of the other lines, the above article had more interesting tidbits. Wilson's other confirmed line for opening night will be Rissmiller - Goc - Grier. Good to see the young, hardworking guys confirmed as our starting grinders.

That leaves just 6 forward spots open for the remaining 8 players. My thoughts on each heading into the season:

• Joe Pavelski - Little Joe broke out this preseason, leading the NHL in assists and points with 6 and 8, respectively. Whether he can keep up that torrid pace during the regular season remains to be seen, but Wilson will certainly reward him with substantial ice time.
  
• Ryane Clowe - Clowe brings a rare skill to the Sharks forwards - a left-handed shot. I still don't think this will salvage his starting role. Wilson is too impressed with the young kids and Clowey only had success last year with Joe as his centerman.
  
• Steve Bernier - Almost certainly an odd man out. Questions about his dedication and heart continue, and who knows if another trip to Worcester will wake him up.
  
• Milan Mihalek - The speed and left-handed shot continue to impress. If he can break out on the 2nd line, the Sharks will be in great shape. Self-confessed Alchomichalek.
  
• Jeremy Roenick - Apparently they brought him here to play, so play he shall. Wilson will likely stick him with 2 of the young guys to provide some leadership
  
• Curtis Brown - Dead quiet preseason - 0 points, 1 shot, and a -1 rating. Either a sign his spot is completely assured or completely in doubt.
  
• Devin Setoguchi
• Torrey Mitchell - They're the kids. Without televised preseason games, I couldn't get a good look. But judging from Wilson's resounding support and the quality of the other forwards on the team, they must be something special. Mitchell, a former 4th-round pick, has especially opened some eyes.

My guesses for the opening night lines? I'm glad you asked:

Marleau - Thornton - Cheechoo
Mihalek - Pavelski - Setoguchi
Brown - Mitchell - Roenick
Rissmiller - Goc - Grier

McLaren - Vlasic
Ehrhoff - Carle
Rivet - Davison

Nabokov
Patzold

RESERVES (10-15 min per game) - Brown, Clowe

Your thoughts?