In Episode 189 of The Fin Factor, Paul and Aaron discuss a busy week of hockey that featured defensive lapses, a promising prospect, and a rare display of resilience against one of the league’s top teams.
Resilience Against the Florida Panthers
The Sharks faced off against the Florida Panthers in a game that was closer than the 5-3 final score suggested, as the fifth goal was an empty-netter.
- Third Period Rally: After trailing 2-1 heading into the third, the Sharks scored two quick goals to take a temporary lead.
- Mental Mistakes: The lead was short-lived, as the team gave up two quick goals shortly after taking the lead. Aaron described this as the “Sharks’ MO,” where mental mistakes and miscommunication lead to “backbreaker” goals immediately following a shift.
- Fragile Culture: The hosts noted that the team often appears “fragile,” rapidly deteriorating when things don’t go their way. They emphasized the need for a culture where the team fights for the full 60 minutes, forcing opponents to earn their wins.
Prospect Watch: Daniel Gushchin
A major bright spot during the week was the performance of former second round pick Daniel Gushchin.
- Strong NHL Start: In his four career NHL games, Gushchin has recorded three points, including an assist during this stretch.
- Seasoning Required: While he shows high levels of creativity and excitement with the puck, the hosts believe he needs more time at the AHL level with the Barracuda to improve his 200-foot game and bulk up physically.
- The “Next” Labanc: Paul compared Gushchin’s current play style to that of Kevin Labanc, noting that he could eventually serve as a high-skill replacement if he develops his defensive responsibilities.
Roster and Injury Notes
- Anthony Duclair’s Illness: Duclair missed the chance to play against his former team after contracting strep throat, which reportedly caused him to lose 10 pounds in just one week.
- Impact of Nico Sturm: The absence of Nico Sturm was felt significantly in the face-off dot. The hosts noted that the Sharks are typically a dominant face-off team, sometimes winning over 60% of draws, but struggled without Sturm’s veteran leadership and work ethic.
- William Eklund: Eklund continues to be a standout player for the hosts, consistently appearing “watchable” and “entertaining” even in games where the team struggles.
A Convincing Performance Against the Blues
While the episode title mentions a “Convincing Blues Win,” the hosts spent the beginning of the show emphasizing the need for the team to be “watchable” and “entertaining” above all else during this difficult season. They noted that even in losses, there have been moments where the team looked “pretty good” in spurts, providing hope for the ongoing rebuild.
