Associated Press
9/17/2006 12:39:49 AM
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Vesa Toskala spent most of the off-season on his new boat, peacefully cruising Finland's lakes.
The goaltender then returned to his day job this week in San Jose, where the situation isn't nearly as idyllic.
After leading the Sharks into the playoffs last season during the first sustained playing time of his NHL career, Toskala is back in competition with veteran incumbent Evgeni Nabokov for the starting job in San Jose.
The situation would be even more uncomfortable if the two goalies weren't longtime friends. Toskala and Nabokov both feel they deserve to be the Sharks' starter, and unless general manager Doug Wilson swings a trade, one will be unhappy when the regular season begins for the Sharks on Oct. 5.
"Everybody playing in this league wants to be a No. 1 goalie," Toskala said. "There are lots of rumours flying around, but it's not in my control what's going to happen.
TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader
9/17/2006 12:39:49 AM
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Vesa Toskala spent most of the off-season on his new boat, peacefully cruising Finland's lakes.
The goaltender then returned to his day job this week in San Jose, where the situation isn't nearly as idyllic.
After leading the Sharks into the playoffs last season during the first sustained playing time of his NHL career, Toskala is back in competition with veteran incumbent Evgeni Nabokov for the starting job in San Jose.
The situation would be even more uncomfortable if the two goalies weren't longtime friends. Toskala and Nabokov both feel they deserve to be the Sharks' starter, and unless general manager Doug Wilson swings a trade, one will be unhappy when the regular season begins for the Sharks on Oct. 5.
"Everybody playing in this league wants to be a No. 1 goalie," Toskala said. "There are lots of rumours flying around, but it's not in my control what's going to happen.
TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader