October 21st 2024.
The San Jose Sharks were determined to bounce back after a disappointing end to their recent road trip. They had two lackluster performances and knew they needed to step up their game. So, they were eager to make a statement in their home game against the Colorado Avalanche at the SAP Center.
Although the Sharks showed some improvement, they were unable to fully capitalize on their numerous opportunities and ultimately lost 4-1. Despite a power-play goal by William Eklund in the first period, the Sharks failed to convert on four other power play chances, including a 5-on-3 for 70 seconds. This loss marked their sixth consecutive defeat at the start of the season.
The Sharks dominated the second period, outshooting the Avalanche 13-6. However, they allowed a goal from Joel Kiviranta in the third period and an empty-net goal from Cale Makar with 1:37 remaining. Ross Colton scored twice for the Avalanche, including a power play goal early in the first period.
The Sharks' goalie, Justus Annunen, made an impressive 25 saves, while Vitek Vanecek made 18 saves in his third consecutive start. After the game, the Sharks set off on a four-game road trip with stops in Anaheim, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Utah.
In an effort to break their five-game losing streak, the Sharks had both Eklund and Will Smith back in the lineup for Sunday's game. Eklund had been sidelined for Friday's game in Winnipeg, but had played in the first two games of the road trip. Smith, on the other hand, had an outstanding performance against the Chicago Blackhawks before being rested for the following game in Winnipeg.
Unfortunately, their return to the lineup was not enough to secure a win. As part of the team's development plan for the 19-year-old center, Smith was given a rest day, while Givani Smith and Klim Kostin were scratched. Jack Thompson also replaced Matt Benning on the third defense pair, playing alongside Henry Thrun.
After their lackluster performances against the Blackhawks and Jets, the Sharks were determined to get back to their winning ways. Coach Ryan Warsofsky highlighted the importance of skating, tracking, and physicality in their game. He emphasized the need to stop and start on pucks, something they lacked in their previous game against the Jets.
In other news, Macklin Celebrini has started skating again after being sidelined with a lower-body injury. Although there is no specific timeline for his return, this is a positive sign of progress. Celebrini had been kept off the ice since his NHL debut on Oct. 10 due to a hip injury he sustained in a preseason game against the Utah Hockey Club.
The Sharks also provided updates on other injured players. Forward Thomas Bordeleau and defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin are now considered day-to-day, whereas they were previously thought to be out for a longer period. Bordeleau sustained a lower-body injury early in training camp, while Mukhamadullin was injured in a practice session in September.
Warsofsky mentioned that both players are on a similar timeline for their return. Additionally, defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic is considered an injured/non-roster player, along with Mukhamadullin. The Sharks will have to wait and see when these players will be able to join the team on the ice.
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