Pregame Preview #11: Sharks Host Erik Karlsson's Penguins

Erik Karlsson returns to SAP Center as the Pittsburgh Penguins face the San Jose Sharks.

Erik Karlsson returns to SAP Center as the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-6-0) face the San Jose Sharks (0-9-1) on Saturday night.

After winning the Norris Trophy last season, the Sharks will have their hands full with EK65, Evgeni Malkin, and Sidney Crosby.

Sharks head coach David Quinn confirmed that Mackenzie Blackwood will start for Team Teal. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan says Tristan Jarry will start for the Pens. 

The Sharks are holding a crossover night with the Golden State Warriors, and the expectation is the building will be close to full. With that in mind, Quinn talked about what he feels the reception to Karlsson will be.

"I hope he gets the reception he deserves. He's done a lot for this organization," Quinn said. "[He] was an integral part of this team [that] almost won the Stanley Cup. One of the all-time great years in the history of hockey for a defenseman last year. I hope he gets the reception he deserves, and I think he will."

Sharks projected lines:

Zetterlund-Hertl-Duclair
Eklund-Granlund-Kunin
Zadina-Sturm-Hoffman
Smith-Carpenter-MacDonald

Knyzhov-Ferraro
Vlasic-Burroughs
Okhotiuk-Rutta

Blackwood
Chrona

Kaapo Kahkonen was on the ice today but won't dress. Quinn says he is day-to-day after a collision against the Vancouver Canucks. The Sharks called up Magnus Chrona from the AHL San Jose Barracuda yesterday.

Puck drop is at 7 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.

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