Sharks-Blackhawks: San Jose Outplayed by Chicago, but Wins Anyway

You could have billed this as a competition between the defenceman the Sharks acquired late last season, Brian Campbell, to put them over the hump, and the one who replaced him, Dan Boyle. Or a chance for the Sharks to get revenge on the player who bolted from the very house of his childhood friend (Joe Thornton) for a big contract. Or a chance for Chicago to avenge the 11 straight losses they have suffered at the hands of San Jose. Ultimately, all of those storylines were in play, no matter how much everyone denied it. You listen to the fans bellyache about their team's struggles against a particular opponent, and as a human being who appreciates those who pay your ample salary, you want to make it right. When a player leaves, you understand it's a business and even the reasoning that a player wants to be closer to home. But you also feel at least a little betrayed. If you are that player or his replacement, you want to show you were worth that contract or your new team is better off than with ... (link)