Category: NHL

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Sharks Eklund, Granlund, and Benning listed day to day with injuries; plus more news

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San Jose Sharks William Eklund (72) seen here scoring against the St Louis Blues on Sat Apr 6, 2024 at SAP Center in San Jose. Eklund is one of three Sharks players in camp that are day to day as reported on Fri Sep 27, 2024 (AP file photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks have some minor injuries they incurred after their pre season game against the Anaheim last Tuesday in San Jose. William Eklund, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Benning are all day to day.

#2 Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini’s words ring like it was spoken by a veteran said that the Sharks should hate to lose games even if it’s pre season and that losing is not acceptable.

#3 Celebrini it should be noted that he’s the last player off the off after a practice. One of the reasons why he’s the number one NHL draft pick. Celebrini comes to work even in practice as the old saying goes practice makes perfect and he puts in the extra work.

#4 Mikael Gralund who is nursing an injury is day to day talked about what it’s been like in camp saying he could feel the energy and see the Sharks going somewhere this season. Granlund said having someone like Celebrini around is exciting and he brings a positive dimension to the team.

#5 The Sharks Barclay Goodrow said it’s exciting to be back in San Jose and he had a lot of good memories. Goodrow said he’s also excited about the new season coming up. Goodrow broke in with the Sharks in the 2014-15 season and left in 2019-20 and returned for this 2024-25 season and said he’s happy to be back in San Jose.

Join Mary Lisa for the San Jose Sharks podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Bruins Swayman looking for long term contract; Sens Ullmark will be a UFA after this season; plus more news

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Boston Bruins are hoping to have restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman in the line up by opening night. Both sides are still negotiating financial terms of Swayman’s contract. Swayman is seeking an eight year deal. (AP News photo)

On NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 The Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is a restricted free agent. Swayman is seeking a eight year contract. The Bruins are seeking a long term deal with Swayman as well. The only hang up is agreeing on the value price of the contract. The Bruins are hoping to get Swayman signed before opening night.

#2 The Ottawa Senators Linus Ullmark is about to become a unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Ullmark has had a great pre season and had his best game against the Buffalo Sabres last Thursday night stopping 28 out 29 shots.

#3 The Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is going through more testing after sustaining a lower body injury in pre season action against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. Doughty hurt his leg when he was slammed against the boards by the Knights forward Tanner Pearson in the first period.

#4 Matvei Michkov the Philadelphia Flyers top prospect performed as expected getting an assist and scoring an empty net goals against the New York Islanders. Michkov 19, had his best game of the three pre season game on Thursday. So far Michkov has two goals and three assists.

#5 The Edmonton Oilers goalies going into camp last season that of Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner battled for the starting job that was up for grabs. Campbell started opening night. Both Campbell and Stuart struggled that first month but later Stuart got on track and later became on of the NHL’s top five starting goaltenders. This season Stuart is the clear starting goaltender and that’s partly awarded after Stuart and Oilers had a successful post season.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Win in Preseason, Beat Ducks 3-2 in OT

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San Jose Sharks left wing Colin White (16) chases the puck against the Anaheim Ducks in pre season action at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Thu Sep 26, 2024 (photo by nhl.com)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks won their first game of this preseason, 3-2 over the Anaheim Ducks in overtime on Thursday night. Tristen Robins, Klim Kostin and Luca Cagnoni scored for the Sharks. Georgi Romanov made 32 saves for the win. Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson scored for the Ducks. Lukas Dostal and Calle Clang shared the Anaheim net. Dostal made 12 saves and Clang made 4.

After the game, Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky talked about Georgi Romanov’s performance:

“I thought he was awesome. I thought he was tracking pucks, he just looks more of a completed goalie as far as structure. He’s not flopping, he’s very square to pucks, he’s tracking pucks. He’s trying to just be a little more calmer in the net. I think [Goaltending Director Evgeni Nabokov] and Thomas Speer have done a really really good job.”

The Ducks scored the lone goal of the first period. Mason McTavish tipped a shot from Trevor Zegras at 19:42. A secondary assist went to Tristan Luneau. The teams finished the first period very close in shots, 9-9 Anaheim. There were a smattering of penalties, two for Anaheim and one for San Jose.

In the second period, it was the Sharks’ turn to score the lone goal. Tristen Robins scored with a wrist shot at 2:31, assisted by Danil Gushchin and Ethan Cardwell. The second period shots favored Anaheim, 14-7. There were just two penalties in the second period, one for each team.

The Ducks took the lead again at 5:21 of the third period with a power play goal from Leo Carlsson. Assists went to Jackson LaCombe and Troy Terry. The Sharks tied it again at 17:19 with a power play goal from Klim Kostin. Assists went to Gushchin and Kasper Halttunen. The overtime winner came from Luca Cagnoni at 2:08. Assists went to Cardwell and Klim Kostin.

Each team took two penalties in the third period and the Sharks were outshot 11-3. Cagnoni’s shot and goal was the only shot of the overtime period.

The Sharks will play their next preseason game on Tuesday October 1 at 7:00 PM PT, in San Jose against the visiting Utah Hockey Club.

Sharks drop second exhibition game lose to Ducks 4-3 at SAP

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The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks battled at the SAP Center in San Jose in the second exhibition game for the Sharks Tue Sep 24, 2024. The Sharks face off against the Ducks once more this Thu Sep 26, 2024 (photo from The Hockey News)

San Jose started strong but could not keep the lead throughout the game.

By Fernando Abarca

The San Jose Sharks were back in action this Tuesday night after losing 4-2 over the Golden Knights. The Sharks hosted the Anaheim Ducks, the teal team was ready to brush things off and move on. During a horrendous 2nd period the Sharks could not find answers and added another loss at home and now go on the road for revenge at Honda Center next Thursday night.

San Jose and Anaheim shared the same experiences from last year as both teams ranked worst in the Western Conference. Both teams are undergoing a series of changes, and the team is being rebuilt around young talent. The significance of the game was to see whose team is doing better and has the best chance to do well in the regular season.

The Sharks scored two PowerPlay goals and a wrist shot during the first period. 

During the first period, the game started plagued with penalties as Anaheim’s Tyson Hinds slashed F. Zetterlund and Urho Vaakanainen received a penalty against Scott Sabourin for high-sticking. The Sharks did not fall behind as Colin White received a high-sticking penalty against Scott Sabourin.

During the periods, mitts were dropped on the ice as Travis Howe and Scott Sabourin got in a tilt on the ice receiving a penalty. 

The first period seemed like a dream for San Jose scoring two goals, the first coming when the clock ticked 11:59, Alexander Wennberg scored the first of the night assisted by F. Zetterlund and J. Walman.

San Jose’s second goal did not take too long as Danil Gushchin netted the second one making a margin of 2-0 for San Jose. The Teal team seemed to take care of business heading to the 1st intermission and relieving the pressure.

During the second period, San Jose netted the final of the night when, on a powerplay, San Jose scored less than a minute at the start of the second period when Jack Thompson sealed the 3-0 for the home team.

The night turned upside down and became a nightmare. Anaheim came in full strength and I took advantage of all the advantages to be able to come back epically and forcefully over San Jose

The 3-0 result seemed like something that did not bother the visitors. The mentality played a significant factor and they knew how to overcome adversity.

Anaheim’s Carson Meyer, Yegor Sidorov, Brett Leason, and Mark Pysyk were the ones who orchestrated the comeback against San Jose. Anaheim scored two power plays leaving San Jose’s penalty kill very frowned upon

The mood in the SAP center was very fleeting.

Entering the third period, the result was 4-2, a result in which San Jose could tie but the 20 minutes were not enough, and without much action, the Anaheim team maintained the victory and San Jose could not find the answers.

With this game, the team adds its second loss, and questions begin to arise about how the team will be looking as the regular season approaches. The Sharks will be on the road for their back-to-back games with Anaheim this Thursday night.

San Jose returns to home ice on Tuesday, Oct. 1st against the newly relocated Utah Hockey Club.

Utah edges LA 3-2 in exhibition game for new NHL franchise

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Utah Hockey Team celebrate a win over the Los Angeles Kings in NHL exhibition at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Mon Sep 23, 2024 (@utahhockeyclub photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Five months ago the National Hockey League announced that the personnel of the Arizona Coyotes had been purchased by the Smith Entertainment Group and would operate as a new NHL franchise in Salt Lake City beginning with the 2024-2025 season. The Coyotes brand was retained by owner Alex Meruelo in the event Arizona is awarded a future expansion team.

For those who wondered whether or not Utah could support an NHL team in addition to the NBA Utah Jazz and MLS Real Salt Lake, both also owned by SEG, all doubt was immediately cast aside as more than 34,000 season ticket deposits were received in a matter of days.

Since that time, anticipation has continued to build as team colors were announced and fans began online voting to name the team for its eventual sophomore season. Though all manner of shirts, hats, and hoodies have made their way onto store shelves throughout the state, even at Costco, fans are looking forward to the arrival of inaugural season jerseys which are being expedited to potentially arrive in November.

On Monday, a packed Delta Center welcomed their new hometown team for its first-ever pre-season game with a loud standing ovation as they took to the ice to square off against the visiting Los Angeles Kings. Prior to dropping the puck, an emotional tribute video honored the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau who were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29. Following a 13-second moment of silence, fans were invited to remain standing for the national anthem, immediately followed by the moment everyone had been waiting for.

At 15:04 of the first period, Lawson Crouse gave Utah HC the lead on a power play goal, assisted by Sean Durzi and Matias Maccelli. At the ensuing faceoff, Utah’s Liam O’Brien and the Kings’ Jeff Malott immediately dropped their gloves, much to the delight of a roaring crowd. Moments later, Alex Kerfoot put Utah up 2-0 on another power play goal, assisted again by Durzi and Maccelli, which was the score heading into the locker room at the end of the first period.

The Kings came back in the 2nd period with goals from Jeff Malott and Alex Turcotte to even things up heading into what became a scoreless 3rd.

With the crowd standing and cheering the beginning of overtime, it took only 19 seconds for Clayton Keller to put the puck in the back of the Kings net for the unassisted game winner.

After the game, head coach Andre Tourigny noted that there’s still a lot of rust from the offseason to shake off, and that video from Monday’s game will immediately be used to determine the focus of the next practice.

Utah will now hit the road for their next four pre-season games against Las Vegas, Colorado, San Jose, and Anaheim. They will kick off the regular season with their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 8.

San Jose Loses Preseason Opener 4-2 while the Rookies Start Shining for the Teal

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San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (71) and the Las Vegas Knights forward Gage Quinney (72) face off in NHL exhibition action at SAP Center in San Jose on Sun Sep 22, 2024 (Getty photo)

By Fernando Abarca

Hockey is Back and the wait is over San Jose Sharks kicks off the preseason against Vegas Golden Knights but not as expected.

SAN JOSE – Six months felt like forever as a new chapter for this hockey organization began, all eyes will be put on the teal team as we go closer to real-time. The San Jose Sharks hosted the 2023 Stanley Cup Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, this Sunday evening.

After all the noise back in June with the NHL draft, the teams are getting situated and planning for a chance to hoist Lord Stanley. The Sharks are still catching up after getting the number one pick in the draft, Macklin Celebrinni the team teal expects a turnaround from last season.

The final score was 4-2 in favor of the visitors showing their dominance, especially in the offense where physicality and aggressiveness outplay a young and inexperienced but over time can provide support for bigger things, as they demonstrated by winning the rookie showcase a couple of days ago.

The figure of the night for the San Jose team was the number one prospect in the league, Macklin Celebrini, who scored a goal on the power play with his teammate Tyler Toffoli who last played in Winnipeg last season, it demonstrated chemistry and what can we see as the regular season unfolds.

FIRST PERIOD

During the first period,  the Golden Nights started strong and aggressive as I mentioned before trying to take all possible advantages. It was already known that the Vegas team was not coming with so many novelties.

One point to pay attention to in this game was the offense that cost dearly in the first period when only 7 minutes into the first period. Las Vegas forward C. Burke marked the first warning sign of the night for the locals assisted by Christopher Sedoff and Brendan Brisson where the unfortunate case was the deflection that gave the advantage to Vegas. 

The San Jose team tried to stay firm and try to look for an opportunity. In the 10th minute, spirits were raised with a shot at goal but it fell into the net for which the referee pointed out that it was not a goal. The first period continued without much news in which the home team began to be affected by penalties.

SECOND PERIOD

In the second period, the visitors had a clear mind and were to maintain the advantage on the scoreboard and this is how it happened. 

During the second period, the visitors scored two goals to leave the lead 3 – 0 over the locals who were looking to find answers to Las Vegas’ goaltending which was doing its job very well.

In the same way, as it happened in the first period, after 7 minutes of the period, Vegas forward 

Brendan Howden without complications and with all the time and space in the world scored the second goal of the night 

With a 2 – 0 lead The Sharks were beginning to look desperate and rethinking what their next move would be.

7 minutes later the third goal for the Knights came with a beautiful play executed by Mason Morelli and Jakub Brabenec allowing Thomas Uronen to seal his goal of the night.

THIRD PERIOD.

The moment that everyone was waiting for and for which expectations remained alive, was the moment to shine for the future promise of the Sharks, Macklin Celebrini scoring his first-ever goal for the Sharks which he was assisted by L. Cagnoni and by M Granlund.

Celebrini’s goal raised the spirits of the people at the SAP Center hoping that they could turn it around. The momentum did not stop there, the second goal for the Sharks came just seconds after Sharks Forward, Tyler Toffoli scored the second goal of the night for the Sharks, leaving the score at one point.

The most significant of those minutes was how the team performed in the powerplay, demonstrating the danger of this team, and the potential that San Jose can create, with team and preparation the PowerPlay can be seriously dangerous.

At the end of the night, an empty goal by T. Pearson buried any hopes of taking it to overtime for San Jose. The late reaction and errors cost the game for San Jose, but the defeat also shows the points to improve and refine the good things that can be salvaged from this game.

After the game, Tyler Toffoli and Macklin Celebrini addressed media to provide their take aways.

“I think there is a lot a good feeling, getting my first game, and go out there and play, like I said I have so many good things on the third and had a chance to tie

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Bedard says he’s ready for his sophomore year with Blackhawks; Utah’s Guenther thrilled about 8 yr deal; plus more news

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Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard (88) skates against the New Jersey Devils on Jan 5, 2024 in Newark NJ. Bedard says he’s excited about his second year and looking forward to the 2024-25 season (AP file photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 The Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard says he more than ready for this upcoming season. Bedard says he’s rested, relaxed and ready to go. Bedard says he’s ready coming in, he said the excitement was there last season and he’s more relaxed this season.

#2 Dylan Guenther was signed to an eight year deal with the Utah Hockey Team. Financial teams were not disclosed. Guenther a 21 year forward is entering his third season of his three year entry level deal. Guenther said this was a happy day for he and his family. Guenther who played with the Arizona Coyotes last season had 17 goals, 18 assists and 35 points.

#3 It didn’t take long for the Chicago Blackhawks number two draft pick defenseman Artyom Levshunov is slated to be out with a foot injury for the next four weeks. That could change sooner than expected it was reported that Levshunov could be skating soon. Bedard said it was bad that the season started like this for him. The Hawks are anxious to get a look at Levshunov.

#4 New York Rangers Igor Shesterkin is starting the season in his fourth season. Shesterkin says he has one more year on his contract and he doesn’t care about that he’s hoping to work out a four year contract with the Rangers. Shesterkin said that he hopes to stay in New York but could become a free agent after this season.

#5 The Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission announced that they are close to completing a deal in principal with a ten acre parcel in the LeBraton Flats District in downtown Ottawa. The Senators had been playing 15 miles outside of downtown and will relocate downtown. The new arena would be just 1.24 miles from the Canadian Parliament building. Len location, location, location finally for the Senators who have been in Ottawa since 1997.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Couture injury will keep him out, but will remain team captain; Thornton #19 sweater to be raised in rafters this season

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San Jose Sharks Logan Couture (39) future is not known as he battles an injury that he has had since last season. Couture could very well end up sitting out most or all of the season again this year. (@Logancouture X photo)

On the SJ Sharks with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks who play their first pre season game are concerned about all the injuries they’ve had in camp. But we’ll start with Logan Couture who missed a majority of last season. Tried to recover from an off season injury he had before last season and just couldn’t get tracked.

#2 Couture in the off months went home in July to spend some time with his family wanted to rehab and start skating but has put that idea off for now as he tries to work his Osteitis which is giving him pain in the groin area.

#3 Couture 35 has two years left on his contract is not sure if he’ll play again and it’s a question if Couture can return and play at an NHL level again?

#4 Couture said that he would like to return to play hockey which he had done all his life but cannot in the last 15 months he could face the prospect of retiring. Sharks general manager Mike Grier says that Couture will remain team captain no matter what happens.

#5 It’s going to be a great send off for former Sharks Jumbo Joe Thornton. Thornton will have his #19 sweater raised and hung in the rafters at SAP Center in San Jose this season. It’s got to be a thrill and a moment for Thornton who played for the Sharks from 2006-2020.

Mary Lisa does the Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Let the showcasing begin; On display San Jose’s Celebrini and Will Smith; Pacioretty not giving up trying to make Leafs in tryout; plus more NHL news

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Macklin Celegrini of the San Jose Sharks (71) scored against the Utah Hockey Team in the third period in the prospect tournament game at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (Los Angeles Kings photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 No.1 NHL draft pick center Macklin Celebrini is expected to play a huge role in his rookie season. Celebrini will be joined by center Will Smith who was selected No.4 in the 2023 NHL draft.

#2 He’s not giving up the former Montreral Canadien superstar Max Pacioretty signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pacioretty last played for the Washington Capitals in 47 games, scored four goals, 19 assists, and 23 points. Pacioretty is 35 years old is he at the end of the line or can he help the Leafs this season?

#3 21 years old Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils injured his left shoulder during off season training. Hughes will be out from six to eight weeks. Hughes will not need surgery. Hughes is New Jersey’s lead defenseman who has 49 points, ten goals and 39 assists last season.

#4 It was the first time ever that the Utah Hockey Team took the ice in their inaugural season during the prospects tournament game in El Segundo. For Utah to land an NHL team came under the most unusual circumstances as the Arizona Coyotes just couldn’t land a permanent arena after playing at Arizona State University and the Coyotes were forced to sell the team to Utah Hockey Team owner Ryan Smith. The Utah Hockey Team lost in that first game 3-2 to the Sharks.

#5 The New York Islanders Maxim Tsyplakov is out to make a strong impression. Tysplakov signed a one year deal as a free agent on May 16. Tsyplakov 25 has stood out amongst the rookies, free agents and players trying to make the team. “It’s clear that he’s a little more physically mature than a lot of guys out there,” said Rick Kowalsky, coach of Bridgeport, New York’s American Hockey League affiliate.

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcast Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

First overall pick Macklin Celebrini officially signs with San Jose Sharks

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Sharks.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

The Sharks made some big news today by announcing that they have officially signed first overall pick Macklin Celebrini to an entry-level contract.

With the signing the Sharks have made the decision for Celebrini to join the Sharks right away rather than having him spend another year playing at Boston University.

Before the signing there was some thought that he may return to college but after impressing Mike Grier and others he has decided to go pro.

“Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off it,” said Grier (From San Jose Sharks).

Celebrini’s season at Boston University before he was drafted was extremely impressive as he put up 64 points in 38 games played. For his impressive play he was awarded the Hobey Baker Trophy as the best NCAA men’s hockey player.

The day before the Sharks officially announced Celebrini signing his ELC the Sharks held their annual prospect scrimmage. The event was held at Tech CU Arena and was the first time Sharks fans had the opportunity in person to watch Celebrini in action.

Not only is Celebrini making his debut next season, but so is Will Smith who went fourth overall in last year’s draft.

This offseason has certainly brought plenty of hope back to San Jose who now arguably has one of the best prospect pools in the NHL.

Sharks fans will have to wait till October 10th to see Celebrini play regular season hockey when the Sharks open their season against the St. Louis Blues.