The San Jose Sharks will start Los Gatos native Devin Cooley in goal tonight as the Chicago Blackhawks come to town.
The San Jose Sharks will start Los Gatos native Devin Cooley in goal tonight as the Chicago Blackhawks come to town.
This marks the third and final time these teams will play each other this season, with the Blackhawks winning both matchups. Chicago is four points up in the standings from the Sharks, meaning tonight's result could heavily impact the Draft Lottery results.
Cooley will be starting his second-ever NHL game and first at home.
"I think that's what I'm most excited for," Cooley said about being the first player through the Shark head. "I just hope I don't trip through the fog."
Cooley has been the backup goalie at home for one game. Tonight marks the first time he will face NHL shots for the team he grew up rooting for.
"A lot of excitement. I'm sure I'll probably get some goosebumps going out of the shark head and hearing the song, and the crowd go wild. It'll be pretty cool," he said.
Head coach David Quinn said tonight's lineup will remain the same as that of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Mike Hoffman told media members that he is dealing with a concussion, the first of his career. He was on the ice during today's optional morning skate.
Sharks projected line combinations:
Kostin-Granlund-Zetterlund
Zadina-Kunin-Barabanov
Bordeleau-Sturm-Bailey
Eklund-Carpenter-MacDonald
Ferraro-Burroughs
Thrun-Rutta
Vlasic-Addison
Cooley
Blackwood
Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on NBC Sports California or the Sharks Audio Network.
Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
- Follow Max on Twitter: @Real_Max_Miller
The Hockey News