In Episode 243 of The Fin Factor, Aaron is joined by Devereaux Boxton, who stepped in for a sick Paul to break down a week of mixed results for the San Jose Sharks. While the team faced official elimination from playoff contention, the focus shifted toward the individual growth of the roster and the arrival of fresh faces.
The “Nashville Curse” and Season Struggles
The episode began with an analysis of the Sharks’ home loss to the Nashville Predators, a game that highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles.
- The Forsberg Effect: Filip Forsberg scored a “filthy” wrist shot, with Aaron noting that giving an elite scorer that much time and space is a recipe for disaster.
- Stamkos Snaps a Streak: Steven Stamkos, who had been on a 15-game scoreless drought, recorded multiple points against the Sharks, leading Aaron to remark that teams often “wake up” when they play San Jose.
- Penalty Kill Woes: The hosts discussed the “atrocious” state of the Sharks’ penalty kill, which has suffered significantly after losing key killers like Mikael Granlund and Luke Kunin.
Prospect Highlights & NHL Firsts
Despite the team’s record, the episode celebrated significant milestones for the organization’s younger players:
- Patrick Giles’ First Goal: Recently acquired from the Florida Panthers, Giles scored his first career NHL goal. Aaron noted that Giles looks like a reliable future piece for the Sharks’ fourth line.
- Will Smith Comparison: While discussing Forsberg’s goal, Aaron drew a direct comparison to Will Smith, stating that Smith possesses a similar “elite” release when given space on the ice.
- The “Sleepover Line” Potential: The hosts teased the chemistry building between Smith, Eklund, and the rest of the young core, emphasizing that the power play has been a rare “surging” positive for the team.
Strategic Outlook: The Draft Lottery
With the Sharks firmly in the bottom three of the NHL standings alongside Chicago and Nashville, the conversation turned to the 2025 NHL Draft.
- Top 3 Pick Security: The hosts discussed the likelihood of the Sharks securing another foundational talent, though Aaron jokingly expressed concern about the lottery being “rigged” if Chicago were to win again.
