The San Jose Sharks finish off a back-to-back with a visit to Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.
The San Jose Sharks (16-43-7) finish off a back-to-back with a visit to Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks (18-44-5).
Devin Cooley is scheduled to make his NHL debut in goal tonight. He becomes the second player ever to play for the San Jose Jr. Sharks and the NHL Sharks.
Mackenzie Blackwood is still injured and isn't quite ready to return despite his participation in practice.
San Jose lost 4-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets last night, and head coach David Quinn adjusted the lines during the game.
Klim Kostin has played well since joining the Sharks. In four games, his ice time has steadily increased.
TOI V. Senators: 6:41
TOI V. Flyers: 11:14
TOI V. Penguins: 13:02
TOI V. Blue Jackets: 15:57
That trend could continue if Quinn runs with similar lines that finished last night's game.
Although Jan Rutta did not play last night due to his lower-body injury, reports have suggested that he is close to a return. He has been participating in practice and morning skate in recent days. Jacob MacDonald missed one game due to sickness but returned last night, allowing the Sharks to play with a traditional 12F-6D setup.
Tonight's game could have huge implications regarding the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. Chicago has 41 points to San Jose's 39, for 31st and 32nd place in the NHL. The projected No. 1 overall pick is Boston University's Macklin Celebrini.
While finishing last doesn't guarantee the No. 1 pick, it provides the best odds. San Jose has been playing competitive games but losing in regulation, while the Blackhawks have been 3-5-2 in their last ten games.
2023 No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard has ten points (3 goals, 7 assists) in his last five games.
Bedard put on a clinic against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12th, scoring one goal and adding four assists. He also displayed the hands that helped him become the No. 1 pick.
Sharks projected line combinations:
Zetterlund-Granlund-Kostin
Zadina-Eklund-Kunin
Bordeleau-Sturm-Bailey
Barabanov-Carpenter-Labanc
Ferraro-Addison
Thrun-Rutta* (Burroughs if Rutta is out)
Vlasic-MacDonald
Cooley
Chrona
Puck drop is at 3 p.m. and can be seen on NBC Sports California or the Sharks Audio Network.
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The Hockey News