Here are some takeaways from the San Jose Sharks' dominating win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
San Jose Sharks hockey returned to the ice in a big way with a 5-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Here are some takeaways from the first game of the preseason:
1. Henry Thrun looks NHL-ready
Thrun finished the game with two goals and one assist. Although it doesn't count as his first NHL goal, having the puck go in the net could do wonders for his confidence.
"We'll see if I can beat any goalies this year," Thrun said before last night's game. "It's something I felt I'm usually pretty solid at, getting myself chances, but sometimes struggle to actually complete the chances."
During development camp in July, Thrun was with the "older group" and consistently worked with a skills coach to improve shooting techniques.
He also showed tremendous poise on the blue line. He quarterbacked the top powerplay unit and gave Tomas Hertl an impressive pass for his goal.
Thrun's spot on the NHL roster isn't guaranteed, but this only helps solidify his already high chances of making it.
2. Kaapo Kahkonen looks confident
After last season's struggles, San Jose Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen went home to Finland and worked with a goalie coach.
Last night, Kahkonen made 31 saves. He looked in control of the crease and did not allow many rebounds.
During the 22-23 season, Kahkonen would seem overactive in the net and attack the puck. Last night, he appeared to let the puck travel, making it easier for him to see and control it.
"I thought he was under control. I thought he was calm, feeling very confident," Sharks head coach David Quinn said after the game. "I thought there was an uptick in his play at the end of last year, and I think he's in a good spot mentally. I think he had a really good summer, and it was good to see that."
Kahkonen will need to continue this level of play into the regular season. Vegas did not dress any top scorers, i.e., Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, and Mark Stone.
3. Alexander Barabanov looks different
David Quinn has repeatedly said that he thinks Barabanov can take his game to another level.
"I liked his season last year, and he and I talked about that there's another level for him to get to. I think this guy is just scratching the surface," Quinn said last Friday. "He and I talked a lot about taking the next step as an offensive player, shooting pucks more, not holding on to it as long, and I think that will help him be a more productive offensive player."
Barabanov finished last night's game with one assist, but it was pretty.
The Russian winger has always had great edgework, but like coach Quinn said, not holding onto the puck as long could create even more offense.
"I thought he got off to a slow start, but I thought he got better and better as the game went on," Quinn said. "We've had three hard days too. I'm sure guys are a little bit legless and a little bit tired, but I thought we fought through, and I thought he got better and better as the game went on."
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier agreed with the head coach.
"He put a lot of time in, and I think Quinny asked him to work on a few things this summer, and he looks stronger and quicker out there," Grier said.
The upcoming season is significant for the forward as his contract expires. If he has an incredible season, the San Jose Sharks might be inclined to trade the forward.
Barabanov has said he would love to stay in San Jose long term.
"Of course, I want to stay here. My two babies were born here. I like the group here," Barabanov said last Friday.
4. Compete level
Although it can't be put into numbers, the San Jose Sharks displayed the work ethic and competitiveness that the coaching staff have been wanting.
Kyle Burroughs played his first game for Team Teal and was a physical presence all night.
Although called for interference, Burroughs introduced himself to Golden Knights forward Max Comtois.
The Sharks lacked a physical player who could win battles along the boards and in open ice.
"We certainly need to have a little bit more physicality in our game consistently. It's not just about hits like that," Quinn said postgame. "I mean, everybody notices that it's a big hip check, but it's about the subtle physicality of the game in the small area battles that a lot of people probably won't notice."
Filip Zadina showed that he came to San Jose with a chip on his shoulder. He was physical and effective all night for the Sharks.
"He's worked extremely hard even during camp," Hertl said postgame. "He wants to take the spot."
Zadina is working hard to be Hertl's right winger. Hertl is San Jose's undisputed No. 1 center. He is referring to the right winger spot on the top line. Zadina has gotten high praise throughout the organization so far.
The lineup should be vastly different on Tuesday when the San Jose Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks for game two of the preseason.
