"Over the years, the Sharks routinely stock their roster with players chosen late in the draft. Think Joe Pavelski or Ryane Clowe or Douglas Murray. And team history is not lost on prospects in that same position today. "No doubt about it. They give guys within the organization a chance and that's all you ask for," said left wing Tommy Wingels, a sixth-round pick in 2008. "Whether you're a free-agent signee or a late-round pick, that chance is still there." Consider: Wingels was one of nine players with little or no NHL experience in the Sharks lineup during Wednesday night's 5-2 exhibition loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Only three of those nine will be skating in tonight's rematch at HP Pavilion and the other two -- forwards John McCarthy and Brandon Mashinter -- weren't high picks either. In fact, Mashinter, also 22, wasn't drafted at all, but signed with the Sharks as a free agent in 2009; McCarthy, 24, was taken in the seventh round in 2006. All three could be considered long shots to start the season in the NHL, but the fact they are getting a second consecutive start is significant. "The more you're in the lineup," coach Todd McLellan said, "the better it is for you."" http://www.mercurynews.com/sharks/ci_16158708?nclick_check=1
