Say what you will about the NHL having franchises in the Southern USA and how those teams are doomed to perpetual mediocrity, fine.

One thing that no-one can criticize is the way that two Ontario boys performed for their San Jose team in this year’s playoffs.  They carried their team as far as any two players can carry a bag of pucks, but eventually their team lost to a Vancouver bunch that simply wanted to win the series more.

By the time the Sharks were eliminated in the Conference final, Dan Boyle led all defensemen in points in these playoffs by a mile.  With 16 points in 18 games, the next closest defenseman for any team has only 11 points.  Aside from the points, he was a constant presence and everything you’d hope for in a #1 blueliner.

Jumbo Joe Thornton led all Sharks in points with 17, played through injuries, and generally carried the team.  Could he win a series all by himself?  No.  But since hockey is team game, that is not surprising.  Regardless, blame for San Jose’s loss can’t be pinned on their #1 pivot.

Other Canadians like Ryan Clowe from NFLD and rookie Logan Couture from Guelph also did a great job for their team.  Cheers for these Canadians who gave their all for their team, even though their team happens to be far from Canadian soil.

Imagine if these four were playing on a team North of 49…