Frank Vatrano played with fire and got burned.
Frank Vatrano played with fire and got burned.
EDMONTON -- Note to self, don't get Klim Kostin mad.
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The former Edmonton Oilers forward is playing for the San Jose Sharks to start the 2024-25 season. The Sharks have played two games this season, but last night was the first time he dressed for a game.
At the end of the first period, Kostin got cross-checked in the ribs by Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano. Vatrano was lashing out at a small hit that Kostin had just landed on him.
Kostin took exception and landed a left-handed jab to Vatrano's face.
He fell easily, and the pair were given penalties. Ultimately, Vatrano would get the last laugh as the Ducks defeated the Sharks 2-0.
Kostin finished the game with 11:44 of ice time. He mustered a single shot on the net in addition to the penalty.
Kostin can be an effective player when he is engaged. These responses show that he is present. However, he'll have to do a lot more than that to stay in the lineup.
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The Russian winger saw a large uptick in ice time when he arrived in San Jose through a deadline deal with the Detroit Red Wings. His ice time rose from just under nine minutes to 14:44 a game.
Time will tell if Kostin can keep his play at the right level for the entire season. With such a lovable personality off the ice, it's hard not to root for the guy.
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