Pregame Preview #1: Sharks Host Vegas to Start the Season
The San Jose Sharks regular season starts tonight as the Vegas Golden Knights come to town.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports - Pregame Preview #1: Sharks Host Vegas to Start the SeasonThe San Jose Sharks (0-0-0) host the Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0) at the SAP Center.
San Jose Head Coach David Quinn confirmed on Wednesday that Kaapo Kahkonen will start in goal. Logan Thompson will be in goal for Vegas. Both goalies will be playing their first game of the season.
"He stopped a lot of pucks in practice and in games, and his work ethic was outstanding, and his attitude," Quinn said yesterday about Kahkonen. "He put a lot of work in this summer, and I think he started off on the right foot this season. He just keeps getting better."
The Sharks have a hard start to the season, as seven of their first eight opponents were playoff teams last season. In just their first two games, they will take on the reigning champs and the 2022 champion Colorado Avalanche.
As for tonight's lineup, here is what to expect from San Jose:
Zadina-Hertl-Hoffman
Eklund-Granlund-Kunin
Barabanov-Bordeleau-Duclair
Smith-Sturm-Zetterlund
Ferraro-Burroughs
Thrun-Rutta
Vlasic-Benning
Kahkonen
"It didn't help that [Labanc] missed about ten days. So he got a little bit behind the eight ball there," Quinn said. "He and I had a good conversation today. He knows what he needs to do. Just continue to play at a little bit higher pace, a little bit more edge, a little bit more [of a] well-rounded game."
The Golden Knights will be without forward Brett Howden, who was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head. William Carrier is also unavailable for head coach Bruce Cassidy as Carrier is dealing with an upper-body injury.
Vegas goalie Logan Thompson will be getting his first start since March 23. Thompson was an all-star last season but was hurt in the second half and missed the entire playoffs for Vegas.
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