Sharks Goalie Rewarded for Strong Preseason
San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn has given the opening night start to Kaapo Kahkonen, a well-deserved honor for the netminder.
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports - Sharks Goalie Rewarded for Strong PreseasonKaapo Kahkonen had his struggles for the San Jose Sharks last season.
Kahkonen played 37 games and had a 3.85 GAA and .883 save %. He showed flashes of good play in the second half but nothing consistent.
The Finnish netminder used his summertime to go home and reset. He told THN he worked with his trainer.
"After every season, you look back, and you want to find the things you can do that you can be better at," Kahkonen said.
The 27-year-old has looked completely different during training camp and preseason. He stopped 50/52 shots this preseason. He showed poise and confidence in the crease.
San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn has also noticed the uptick in play and rewarded Kahkonen with the opening night start.
"He looks more square. He looks more confident. He's not second-guessing himself. He just looks different," Quinn said. "A lot of great goalies have started their careers at 27 years old."
Looking back on his career, Kahknonen knew he was building something and would take time.
"It's gonna be complicated sometimes," Kahkonen explained. "I guess when they say when you try to learn a new skill or learn to do something, it takes 10,000 hours, right? So, learning to do something another way, a different way, obviously, it's gonna take time as well."
Kahkonen enters the final year of his contract. He must have a strong season protecting the crease to keep his career going.
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