San Jose Bike Party + Left Coast Live!

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Other Retail Openings in San Jose (Non-Downtown)

The Alameda Neighborhood Business District

New Retail Openings:
• The Usuals – 1020 The Alameda
• Elefante Blanco – 1343 The Alameda

Retail Under Construction:
• Beauty Salon – 1345 The Alameda - Opening 3rd Quarter 2010

North 13th Street Neighborhood Business District

Retail Under Construction:
• Apatzingan Mercado – 901 Oakland Road - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

Story Road Neighborhood Business District

Retail in Permitting Phase:
• Fox’s Pizza Den – 1698 Story Road #40 - Opening 2nd Quarter
• Nubi Yogurt – 1698 Story Road #20 - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010
• Metro PCs – 1698 Story Road #60 - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010
• Bank of America – 1107 S. King Road - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

West San Carlos St. Neighborhood Business District

Retail Under Construction:
• Moda Italia (expansion) - 350 Bird Avenue - Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

Winchester Business District

Retail Under Construction:
• Pho 24 Restaurant - 747 S. Winchester Blvd. (First Financial Plaza) – Opening 2nd Quarter 2010
• Game Place (retail/service) - 747 S. Winchester Blvd. (First Financial Plaza) – Opening 2nd Quarter 2010

Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Retail

Hoffman/Via Monte SNI Retail Under Construction:
• Whole Foods (Pueblo Plaza at Blossom Hill Road/Almaden Expressway) – Opening 3rd Quarter 2010

West Evergreen SNI New Retail Opening:
• Sonoma Chicken Coop – 1735 E. Capitol Expressway (former Bakers Square at Silver Creek Plaza)

Sharks Down 0-2 in the Conference Finals

I would like to begin by pointing out some simple facts about playing on the road by answering the following question: As an away team, what is the best way to silence an exuberant home crowd?

Score the first goal, and perhaps the second as well. As I was seated in the HP Pavilion for Game Two, that is exactly what had happened. Even with the extremely impressive pre-game display of Sharks highlights and the on-ice holographic display of swimming sharks and San Jose Sharks players, prompting fans to shake their pompoms and scream in playoff glory, it was not enough to curb the disappointment of the Chicago Blackhawk goals. Although my sister (who was seated right next to me) and I would sometimes start chanting, “Sharks! Let’s go Sharks!” and the video monitor scoreboard would display the “noise meter” with the “Get Playoff Loud!” text to get fans to scream and cheer on their home team, many of the fans around us remained quiet.

The solution, however, is clear, as the only way to get fans riled up and cheering is to score goals. No need for a noise meter, a screen prompt, or randomly starting to chant in support of the home team. Goals and maintaining leads are what make fans excited and loud. There is no doubt in my mind the Sharks love their home crowd, as one could easily see that the louder the loyal San Jose crowd gets, the better they play, which is why Sharks tend to score goals in bursts at home, building off of the supportive cheers after every goal.

Unfortunately, the Blackhawks used the silencing technique to their advantage in Game Two. Not only did they grab an early lead, they also (arguably) had the support of the referees, who through replays and reviews, clearly missed Blackhawks-executed penalties (such as the numerous interferences and the one jersey-grabbing instance) and called extremely questionable penalties on the Sharks. This did nothing but annoy the sellout home crowd, most of whom arrived with the expectation the Sharks would win. Who could blame them? The Sharks demonstrated in the first game that they were the better team as far as puck control and shots on net, despite losing by only one goal. Additionally, as the Sharks also demonstrated, they pulled off an epic playoff win against the powerful Detroit Red Wings, arguably a better and more dynamic team than the Blackhawks.

Even though the Sharks lost again at home, there were select members of the team that played very well (namely the Sharks’ second line of Pavelski-Malhotra-Setoguchi). Unfortunately, like Game One, shots tended to miss the net, players would hold on the puck too long, and there were several passes that either missed completely or sailed directly to the other team. Again, the Sharks outshot the Blackhawks, and rightly so, further pointing out that although 27 shots on net were recorded, I would surmise that several rebounds had not been counted in the Sharks’ favor. Blackhawks’ goaltender Antti Niemi again stood on his head, making unbelievable saves to help stun the Sharks a second time. On the other hand, Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov showed his anti-clutch performance side by allowing some weak shots into the net, notably Andrew Ladd’s wrist shot from the point with minimal screening as he entered the zone. Although I love it when Nabokov enters his hot streaks, it is unfortunate to sometimes see him crumble under pressure. With that being said, the Sharks really need to put focus on covering Blackhawk shooters and choking the front of the net to keep shots from getting through. Besides defenseman Dan Boyle, who seems to always have a solid performance, the Sharks’ defensemen did not have a stellar game, although it was nice to see veteran Rob Blake make a few nice breakout passes.

Despite heading to Chicago down by two games, the Sharks can still pull off a series win, but to do so, select players need to, quite literally, wake up and start acting like they are in the playoffs. So far, I have seen great plays and opportunities executed by the second line of Joe Pavelski, Manny Malhotra, and Devin Setoguchi, and they need to keep the pressure on. Although it was nice to see Patrick Marleau score the Sharks’ two goals, his line really needs to step it up if they want to continue their path of domination. In the case of star forward Dany Heatley, he really had not been on his game, and Joe Thornton needs to start shooting the puck instead of looking for passes. It is clear that more shots on the net will mean more goals, especially those that can go in but miss because either the player had bad aim or took to long to shoot.

I understand that shots need to be made from better angles, out of traffic (so the shot is neither blocked nor deflected by others in front of the net), and away from other players, which makes the Sharks’ in-zone passing game understandable. Additionally, I understand the game’s rules and how difficult it is to play hockey against the world’s best players. However, by watching some of the best teams, including the current Blackhawks lineup, shooting more when the opportunities exist (however momentarily) work to any team’s advantage. It does not need to take an Alexander Ovechkin or a Brett Hull to unleash wicked fast and accurate shots at the net. It takes focus, discipline, and the hunger to win.

To the fans of the San Jose Sharks: there is a lot of hockey left, as the series is far from over, so let us keep up our strong support and let us carry our team to eventual victory! Now that our Sharks understand how the Blackhawks play, it is time to execute our plan of attack and start winning games!

GO SHARKS!

SJ77 - New Creative Writing Site Focused on San Jose

Feeling creative today? A new community writing site geared around our favorite city is just about ready to exit beta. Each week contributors have a specific topic to opine about, with one requirement... has to be 77 words or less. Also, the more poetic the better. So why don't you head on over to SJ77 and give a piece of your mind on this week's topic, The Convenience Store.

San Pedro Square Market History

Sharks Narrowly Lose Game One

Game One of the Western Conference Finals is over and the Chicago Blackhawks emerge victorious, with the final score of 1-2 Blackhawks. The game may have been well played from both sides, although it was Blackhawks’ goaltender Antti Niemi who kept the Blackhawks in the game, and eventually in the lead. He allowed only one goal in 45 shots, many of the shots well placed and almost in the net. Only the shot from Jason Demers during the San Jose Sharks’ second power play was the lone goal that had been able to escape Niemi’s grasp. Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov too made some fantastic saves for the Sharks, although allowed what some would say easier shots, into the net. There is no question the goaltending had been outstanding during the game, further evidenced by Niemi and Nabokov becoming first and second stars of the game, respectively.

The Sharks may have learned the hard way the speed and powerful offense of the Blackhawks during Game One, however it was also clear the Sharks, when they wanted it, had an all-around more solid team, from offense to defense, and not simply weighed upon either the forwards or the defensemen. Sharks forward Joe Pavelski had been able to make some great plays and turnarounds during the game as well as defenseman Dan Boyle and the Marleau-Thornton-Heatley line. For now, it will be the matter of finding a way to beat goaltender Antti Niemi. While the Blackhawks played a powerful fast-paced offensive game, the Sharks made it clear they had been able to better control the puck, and that must be used to their advantage for the rest of the series.

Despite the stellar goaltending played by both sides, both teams played phenomenally well, showing off each sides’ offensive speed and playmaking abilities. Due to the relative evenness of the teams, a mistake made by either side could result in goals, as seen by the fans when the Sharks allowed the two goals against this afternoon. The Blackhawks’ first goal, scored by forward Patrick Sharp, resulted from a 3 on 2 where Sharp’s jittery shot had been able to sneak by the two Sharks defenseman and through the five hole (under the legs) of Nabokov. For the Blackhawks’ second goal, forward Dustin Byfuglien had been left wide open, and after receiving a nice pass from young star Patrick Kane, was able to comfortably sling a shot into the net from the slot.

Sharks fans need not be worried, however. This game looked extremely similar to the Sharks’ first game versus the Colorado Avalanche, the only other Sharks loss at home this playoff series, where they too lost 1-2. Additionally, the Sharks’ play looked similar, due to some highlighted puck giveaways, missed passes, and clear shots missing the net (without being blocked or deflected). Although the Sharks had the edge with puck possession in today’s game, they must, between today and Tuesday’s contest in San Jose, need to adapt and overcome the Blackhawks offense and start finding a way to get the puck past the Blackhawks’ Niemi, much similarly to the way they did versus the Avalanche’s Craig Anderson during the first series of the playoffs.

Remember, this is the playoffs, and only the conclusion to the first game this series. Anything can happen, as most of us have seen so far. Let us continue to cheer on our Sharks and lead them to victory!

GO SHARKS!

Ruffled Feathers Eatery Info!

A couple days ago I posted a list of new retail coming to Downtown San Jose in Q2 and Q3 of this year. An anonymous reader found the Ruffled Feathers Eatery Facebook page and suggested I take a look. Turns out Ruffled Feathers is taking over what used to be Asqew Grill (was Zing before that) in a heavily trafficked corner on First, right behind the Fairmont at 200 S. First St., Ste. 10. I asked a couple questions on Facebook and below was the response. Can't wait to try this place out!



"Hi Josh!
Ruffled Feathers Eatery will be serving delicious, nutritious, and affordable food. Our menu is filled with rotisserie chicken, salads, and pitas with a few pastas and pita pizzas to mix it up. We will also have an amazing dessert bar with treats ranging from fondue to cupcakes and frozen yogurt.

An important part of the restaurant will be that the produce will be locally grown when ever possible. This will ensure that it is always fresh as well as helping our local community.

We chose San Jose because it is the best city around, isn't it? After countless hours of searching for the right location, our corner spot had us jumping with joy when we found it. We are looking forward to meeting the locals, having a party, and eating that bird with you on the patio!

Please let us know if you have any more questions and we will be sure to keep you posted on our progress as we get closer to opening!"

If you guys have any questions, post em in the comments or head over to their Facebook page!

Sharks’ Weeklong Rest Ends Sunday

After the Sharks’ deciding victory against the Detroit Red Wings last Saturday in San Jose, Sharks players were able to take some time off to rest and prepare for their next opponent in the next stage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (As seen here to the left, here is my friend pictured with Sharks star forward Dany Heatley at the Santana Row Starbucks earlier this week. From what I hear, he is very kind and personable, so thank you Dany for being such a good sport – now let’s see some continued dominance this series!) On Tuesday, NHL fans discovered that their opponent is to be the Chicago Blackhawks, after their victory over the Vancouver Canucks in Game Six in Vancouver. Although the Red Wings were arguably the strongest opponent for the Sharks in the playoffs, they should not underestimate the potential of the Blackhawks, the same team that had the upper hand on the Sharks during the regular season. This year, the Blackhawks have a young, fast team. Similar to the Sharks, the Blackhawks have powerful offensive lines with the ability to get the puck into the opposing team’s zone and position the puck well enough to score goals.

Rest aside, the playoffs are only halfway over, and eight games still must be won in order to achieve victory. Sunday begins the challenge against the obstacle that is the Chicago Blackhawks. Fortunately, the Sharks begin the series with two home games. It is time for Sharks fans to rally behind their team and help push them past the Blackhawks, another force to be reckoned with. Their forward line of Patrick Kane, captain Jonathan Toews, and Dustin Byfuglien have already demonstrated this playoff season they can score, and score well. Evgeni Nabokov must be completely on top of his game to defend against the onslaught of Blackhawks shots, Sharks defense must force the puck to go outside to keep the Blackhawks from shooting, and Sharks forwards must continue their dominant in-zone play by winning their faceoffs and using their speed to get around the Blackhawks defense and quick shots to score goals. We have seen some fantastic play by the Sharks this playoff season, and we need to see that continued against the Blackhawks.

Starting Sunday, when this next series begins, we need to see some continued pressure. Time for the Sharks to step it up again and win this series! We have seen this from their experience playing the Detroit Red Wings, and now we need to see the same dominance against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Good luck Sharks!